CorkRules - Episodes | Oyster Bar Oyster Bar

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About this Episode

In this episode, Robert and Maria review the wine list wines of the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a historic restaurant which originally opened in 1913 in NYC's Grand Central Station. They identify the perfect oyster wine, whites from the Loire Valley, and wines from the list that will take your dining experience to the next level here.

Wines reviewed include:

2018 Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir, 2014
Louis Baisinbert La Piece Sous Le Bois -Meursault Premier Cru, 2013

Transcript: Oyster Bar

The Grand Central Oyster Bar

RT: Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that’s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists!

RT: I’m your host Robert Tas along with Maria Valetta Certified Sommelier and Wine educator Hello Maria

MV: Hi Robert..we have another great episode

RT: yes we do, Today we are reviewing the wine list from Grand Central Oyster Bar. This historic restaurant which originally opened in 1913 in NY’s Grand Central Station on the lower level has become an icon I myself self a commuter have enjoyed some freshly shucked oysters and some of their fish market favorites.

Maria, they really know how to cater to those on the go, Look at all those great wines by glass

MV: amazing right?

RT: Sure is.

MV: I feel like That’s what they are known for, they have more than 30! it’s really great to have this kind of selection without a commitment to an entire bottle.

RT: Where do you start?

MV: Well with oysters of course… which calls for a glass of the 2018 Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine because this is known as THE PERFRECT OYSTER WINE!

Muscadet serve et Maine is a white wine from the Loire Valley in western France where the coastline there is known for their briny oysters so it only makes sense that they would grow grapes that pair well with oysters.

RT: So I know French labels can be a little tricky…what’s the grape?

MV: The Grape used to make Muscadet is Melon de Bourgogne. And not to be confused with Muscat or Moscato Muscadet is not sweet. In fact you may not even need a citrus squeeze on your oysters if you’re drinking this wine because the bright citrus flavors could easily stand in for a slice of lemon.

RT: Yum I love those Pink Moon oysters for PEI. You maria, they have

an amazing selection of oysters from across the northeast, and Canada, Mass, RI, to Vancouver so delicious.

Maria, as we move to thinking about bottles, you know I’m one of those people that drink red with seafood. What do you think?

MV: As you can see most of their selection is white wine and that’s simply because most of their menu is fish and seafood-focused so they are showcasing wines that will really highlight the food. That said, if you would like a bottle of red I would suggest one of the Pinot Noirs, and because Pinot Noir grapes have thinner skins which translates into that lower tannin structure (meaning it’s not going to have that hefty grip on your tongue) and they won’t overpower any of the delicate Flavor profiles of the fish. I’d say try the Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir 2014 the age on it makes it even more food-friendly to fish, and Hanzell knows how to make PINOT!

RT: Oh that sounds great. What About something unique and wallet-friendly?

MV: Sure. Then I’m ordering the Jean Luc Columbo Viognier ‘La Violette’ 2018 it’s listed in the Other Italian Whites Section … but it should be in either the Chenin Blanc/ Viognier section or the Other FRENCH whites section, because this bottle is produced in southern France not Italy! Jean Luc is a dedicated producer of southern French wines.

RT: I guess that happens sometimes on lists.

MV: It sure does.. and I catch these things all the time, but wouldn’t stop me from ordering it because from halibut, monkfish, shrimp.. to crabcakes you name it, this wine is going to go great with all of it!

RT: Now what about that wine, that’s going to take your dining experience to the next level here?

MV: I’m placing all my bets on White here but splurging for a stunner. I can not pass up a great Meursault which is a chardonnay from the region of Burgundy France and they have one, it’s the Louis Baisinbert La Piece Sous Le Bois -Meursault Premier Cru, 2013. Premier Cru tells you you are getting a high-quality wine, and this chardonnay will be a little buttery without being heavy. It’s one of my favorite expressions of the grape.

RT: I can’t wait to try it. I’ve been working on expanding my white wine portfolio. Well, that’s all we have time for today. Thank you for joining us here on CorkRules. Remember the only rule in wine is “drink what you LOVE”.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here on CorkRules. Send us your requests at info@corkrules.com and remember to check out all of our episodes on Corkrules.com.