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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Nobu, an Asian-fusion restaurant that is truly international, both in locations and atmosphere. Grace provides insight into the list, makes pairing suggestions with Asian food, and offers a little background information on the Matsuhisa label.

Wines reviewed include:

Wolffer Estate, Summer in the Bottle Rose
2016 Twomey Merlot from Napa
2015 Vina Ardanza from La Rioja Alta

Transcript: Nobu

Nobu

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

GH: Hey, hey, Robert happy to be here as always!

RT Before we jump in, let’s talk about those wine lists. We created CorkRules to help demystify wine list’s because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT: So today we’re talking about hot spot Nobu. Grace take us away!

GH: Ha-ha thanks, Robert! Yeah, so Nobu is one of those, I don’t want to call it trendy spots, but it's definitely a destination for the glitterati and the bourgeoisie, rappers have even shouted out Nobu in some of their song lyrics, I’m looking at you drake! Ha-ha. They have locations all around America now, as well as a secondary restaurant concept, Matsuhisa.

RT: Oh yeah this is definitely a hot spot. Can’t wait to hear your picks for the wine list. Where would you start us?

GH: So, what I found really unique about Nobu, is that they have gained so much popularity, that they have been able to collaborate with some wineries to make a Nobu wine label! Exclusive to the restaurant. To start with they have a Nobu champagne from Louis de Sacy. It’s a nice grand cru bubbly so I would give it a try for sure.

RT: Oh wow! I would have loved to been a fly on the wall for that business deal. What other kinds of wines are going to match with Nobu’s menu?

GH: So since Nobu is Asian fusion, we’re def going to want some lighter wines. One rose that stuck out to me was the Wolffer estate “summer in the bottle” rose. Wolffer is one of the premier vineyards on the east end of Long Island, and they make lovely roses.

RT: What about white?

On the white side, this Pouilly Fume from Pascal Jolivet in the Loire valley of France would be a lovely light to medium-bodied white, perfect for the Nobu menu.

RT: Oh yum. I’ve been meaning to try more Long Island wines. Now, Grace I know you mentioned Matsuhisa, am I seeing some wines of that label on the wine list?

GH: Yes! So just like the Nobu label, it looks like the company is also making wines under the Matsuhisa name. They have a Chardonnay and Pinot noir both from Sonoma, and I would be really interested to try them as they’re exclusive to the brand and you can’t buy them outside of the restaurant!

RT: Oh, very cool! Sounds like a unique experience for sure. Now we’ve got some pinot, what other reds would you suggest Grace

GH: Since we’re doing Asian fusion, I’m thinking this 2016 Twomey merlot from Napa would be a great complement to the menu. I personally prefer napa merlots over napa cabernets, and I’ve had to Twomey many times – delicious every time.

RT: Oh, that would be a nice complement. Good call on the merlot, Grace. Now, what would you recommend for some value bottles on the Nobu list?

GH: We’re going with two of my personal favorites actually! For white, I would choose the 2020 Sancerre from the Loire valley.

RT: What about Red?

And then on red I’m going with a classic – the 2015 Vina Ardanza from La Rioja Alta.

RT: Yum. Those two are great wines for the price point. Now I know a lot of folks dine at Nobu for special occasions. What bottles would you recommend?

GH: For special occasion white, I would go with the 2014 Grand Cru Batard Montrachet from Burgundy.

RT: What about red?

And then for a special occasion red, gotta be the 2009 premier grand cru Chateaux, Margaux, from the Haut Medoc.

RT: Amazing Grace. Great choices as always. Thank you for helping us navigate the wine list at Nobu.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules. If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.com or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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