<a href="https://balthazarny.com/">Balthazar </a>is an iconic French Brasserie in the heart of Soho, Manhattan, and indeed, it is so very French. The waiting staff, the decor, the clientele and the vibe is reminiscent of a typical French cafe. Elegantly casual, but let&rsquo;s move on to the wine list. The wine list is all French, and as such, most wines are made from French grape varietals, so let&rsquo;s take a look at the nuances and notes of a few varietals that are the foundation of the wine.

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From north to south, the various wine regions have distinct characteristics in climate and soil, and of course, each region grows the varietals that are best suited to thrive, but because the climate and terroir inform the texture, sweetness, age of vine and harvest time of the grape, the flavor of the same varietals differ depending on the location. &nbsp;

There are over 200 indigenous wine varietals, some are well-known and loved, chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. These are the friendly bottles you can call up on a Friday night to kick back with because you know what to expect; but there are others that are lesser-known varietals like persan, prunelard noir, and lival. You might order a bottle of these strangers if you&rsquo;re looking for a little adventure.

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At Balthazar, they offer wines from every region, but let&rsquo;s explore the wines of Bordeaux. Why? Because the popular merlot and cabernet sauvignon originated from Bordeaux and when you think Bordeaux, you automatically think red. In fact, ninety percent of Bordeaux wines are red wines made with merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

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Bordeaux wine country&nbsp;is divided into two main regions: the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The terroir of the Left Bank

Well, one of the biggest differences between the Left and Right banks is what&rsquo;s in the soil. The Left Bank is warmer and the soil has more gravel, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc thrive here. Cabernet Sauvignon needs more heat than merlot to ripen and release the sugars that deliver bold black fruit flavors, high levels of tannin and acid. Additionally, the gravel ensures good drainage and holds heat better than the clay soils of the Right Bank.

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The Right Bank terroir has more clay and limestone, and the climate is cooler and wetter. Merlot ripens in the slightly cooler temperature of this area, and the wetter, cooler clay soil helps nurture smooth tannins and a mix of red and black fruit flavours.

For more tips and recommendations, check out this CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/balthazar/episodes/17">wine review podcast</a>&nbsp;episode where certified sommelier Maria Valetta reviews Balthazar&rsquo;s wine list.

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About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

&nbsp;

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Balthazar is an iconic French Brasserie in the heart of Soho, Manhattan, and indeed, it is so very French. The waiting staff, the decor, the clientele and the vibe is reminiscent of a typical French cafe. Elegantly casual, but let’s move on to the wine list. The wine list is all French, and as such, most wines are made from French grape varietals, so let’s take a look at the nuances and notes of a few varietals that are the foundation of the wine.

Bordeaux Wines at Balthazar

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

California Chardonnay: it's a name synonymous with sunshine, buttery richness, and maybe even a splash of white wine envy (looking at you, Bridget Jones). But how did this grape, originally hailing from France, become a Californian icon? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard!

Forget everything you think you know about sweet, syrupy wines. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region that’s as light and bubbly as a summer day.

Lambrusco: The Party in a Bottle You Need to Try under $25

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Grace Hood

Michaels

Michaels

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

GH: Hey Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; 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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list. Today we&rsquo;re chatting about the iconic Santa Monica restaurant, Micheals.

GH: Oh man this place has been around forever! Since the 1970s! Has won all the awards, trained some iconic chefs. Excited to chat about it.&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;Love it! What is their wine list looking like?

GH: A very easy to navigate 2 pages! Starting with some bubbles, b/c we always do, they have a really unique collection of champagne from some smaller boutique houses. This Grand cru from Domaine Vincey looks delish, as well as the 2012 Clos de Cazals

RT: Love seeing some new names in champagne! Not that there&rsquo;s anything wrong with the classics, but always fun to try different producers.

GH: Exactly. And especially on a small list like this, the sommelier obviously took special care to choose really unique brands.&nbsp;

RT: Love that. Is the same thing happening in the whites?

GH: It sure is Robert! They categorize their wines by style. For instance, they have &ldquo;lean and clean&rdquo;, &ldquo;a little more body&rdquo;, &ldquo;more bounce to the ounce&rdquo; sounds like the lyrics to a Megan the stallion song!

RT: haha I love that! How fun!

GH: In lean and clean, they have a Gruner Veltliner that&rsquo;s coming from the Tatomer vineyard out of the central coast of California which would be really interesting to try! We don&rsquo;t really see a lot of Gruner grown outside of &Aacute;ustria so that would be super fun.

RT: Oh, my how unique!

GH: And for a little more body ody ody ody hahaha sorry I couldn&rsquo;t help myself. In this group, I would def choose the Matthiasson white blend. They&#39;ve had a cult following for over a decade and their wine projects are always really unique.

RT: Love a wacky blend. Always such a cool experience.&nbsp; What about more bounce to the ounce? Gosh that&rsquo;s fun to say

GH: HAHA isn&rsquo;t it! Bounce to the ounce is going to have to be this Spanish white Catalonia blend. Anything from the Catalan region is ok by me.

RT: Oh yum gotta love Spanish whites. Are the reds equally as fun?

GH: 100% they are. Starting with &ldquo;light and bright&rdquo; they have a 2020 Nero d&#39;Avola from Sicily, which is basically as light and bright as you can get in a red!&nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Oh totally. Those are always really refreshing. What category follows that?

GH: Get this....it&rsquo;s &ldquo;a well-balanced diet&rdquo; haha! Alright well let&rsquo;s see what they think is well balanced at Michaels.....well I see lots of Burgundies which you know I am partial to, but if we want something that&#39;s not French Pinot, I would do the 2015 Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino 

RT: Wow I am shocked you didn&rsquo;t choose a Burgundy haha

GH: I mean that is my like default setting when it comes to reds haha

RT: It totally is. So, what is the last category? Large and in charge? Can&rsquo;t wait to see what they have in store for us

GH: Large and in charge baby! And they were not kidding. For this one, I&rsquo;m going with one of my favorite California producers, Robert Sinskey, who I got to meet a few years ago. They&rsquo;ve got his 2013 SLD estate aka Stags Leap district Cabernet from Napa, and that would definitely qualify as large and in charge haha

RT: I love it. Now some of our listeners are on a budget. What are some great value wines on the Michaels&rsquo; list?

GH: They absolutely do. The one category I forgot at the top was simply titled &ldquo;Because Riesling&rdquo; haha and in there you have a super affordable 2020 Mosel Riesling from Julian Haart. 

RT: Love it. What about something in the reds?

GH: Done and done &ndash; the 2017 Tatomer Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara

RT: I should have known haha what about those special occasions once in a lifetime bottles?

GH: 2012 Vilmart and Cie Champagne, or you&#39;re thinking red, 2001 Mount Eden Cabernet 

RT: Fantastic! Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Michael&rsquo;s. To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@corkrules.</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">c</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">om</a> 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.

End

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Lampato is a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Founded in 2009 by Gianluca Pichierri, the winery is committed to producing high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region. Lampato's winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention and organic farming practices, allowing the grapes to fully express their natural characteristics.

Elegant restaurant & bar featuring white table linens, an Italian menu & nightly jazz acts.

Meson

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

BondST

Buenos Aires Restaurant

Buenos Aires

Meadowsweet

Casa Mono

Atera

La Cava

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

Quality Italian

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Zingari Ristorante & Jazz Room

Podere Sapaio

Sapaio Bolgheri Volpolo NV

Merlot

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

L'Ecole No 41

Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington, USA

Gancia

Prosecco Rose NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Banfi

San Angelo Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Grigio

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Ammiraglia (Frescobaldi), Massovivo Vermentino, Toscana 2020

Toscana, Tuscany, Italy

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Amira Nero d'Avola 2016

Nero d'Avola

Sicilia, Italy

Tosti

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Glera (Prosecco)

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Giancarlo

Prosecco NV

Glera (Prosecco)

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Bonny Doon

Le Cigare Volant Reserve, Central Coast 2020

Central Coast, California, USA

Zenato

Pinot Grigio 2021

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Michele Chiarlo

Moscato d'Asti Nivole 2020

Moscato

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Coltibuono

Cultusboni RS Chianti Classico 2019

Sangiovese

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Poggio

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Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Pavolino

Prosecco Extra Dry NV

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Prosecco, Italy

Banfi

San Angelo Pinot Grigio 2020

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Toscana, Italy