Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers&rsquo; lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Xinomavro is an interesting grape. The name translates to &ldquo;sour black&rdquo;, and it&rsquo;s quite telling as the wine can have deep color and high acidity. It makes medium-bodied red wine with a marked astringency, red and black fruit aroma and can develop forest like notes, just like how the grape Nebbiolo would be described. In general, the Nebbiolo wines are less full-bodied though, as the climate where they&rsquo;re grown is slightly cooler. Nebbiolo is most famous from the Barolo region in northern Italy, and many are looking to find styles similar to it today, paving the way for grapes like Xinomavro.

Xinomavro is mainly planted in northern Greece with the region Naoussa making the best examples today. It can be planted elsewhere as well, and even some vineyards in other countries can be found nowadays. Some choose to blend the variety with softer grapes like Merlot, but the most prestigious ones are usually Xinomavro only and further aged in oak barrels. Many of these wines can age in the bottle for many years, just like Barolo, and usually shines the most when they do. Besides red wine, the grape is used for ros&eacute; and sparkling white wine as well, some of very good quality.

As the world of wine becomes more curious, and well-known wines like Barolo becomes more and more expensive, Greece and its wines is something everyone should keep an eye on.

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

The Polo Bar

Michaela Quinlan

The POLO BAR 
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 Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi 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.

RT: Today we are talking about The Polo Bar. Enjoy classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren&rsquo;s favorites, while surrounded by all things equestrian.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Not only do you experience classic d&eacute;cor and cuisine, but the wine list also reads like a who&rsquo;s who of classic producers. I have several standouts to share with you today, however, please take some time to review and admire the classics of classic, such as Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, Romanee Conti, Stags Leap, and Opus One just to name a few. Now, on to some classics in the making.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: In what better region to begin, than Bordeaux? I would consider the Alexandre Sirech Le Blanc Bordeaux 2020. This white Bordeaux consists of sauvignon blanc and a hint of Semillon, that offer notes of citrus, grapefruit, minerality, bright acidity, and some grassy notes on the finish. A perfect complement to seafood, and lighter fare.

RT: That sounds great. Did any reds catch your eye right away?

MQ: Absolutely! Another classic grape varietal that stood out right away would be the Prunotto, Occhetti Nebbiolo Langhe, Italy 2017. This is a round, soft, light to medium-bodied red wine with aromas and flavors of red cherries, strawberries, and an earthy finish. This is a perfect companion to poultry or pasta.

RT: That is for sure unique.

So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: Of course. Let&rsquo;s visit classic New World and Old-World selections. Let&rsquo;s begin in the New World with the Cain Vineyards Winery, Cain Concept, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 from Napa. This is the selection for fans of rich, robust, cabernet sauvignon with leather, smoke, tobacco, ripe blackberries, and cassis. This is your go-to if you are eying lamb or beef.

RT: That sounds great. How about that Old World selection?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s head to one of my favorite Old World regions, Chateauneuf du Pape and enjoy the&nbsp; Chateau Font du Loup Puy Rolland Chateauneuf du Pape 2019. Located in the Rhone valley, this wine is 100% Grenache, grown in the classic sand and rocky soils of Chateauneuf du Pape. It is medium to full-bodied with light tannins and exudes strawberries with a finish of cedar, clove, and violets. This would certainly complement any poultry or lamb selections.

RT: These are some great calls.

So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Another classic would be the Frank Family Vineyards chardonnay 2019 from Napa. I am a Frank Family fan. Their wines are consistently highly rated. This chardonnay is rich with aromas and flavors of cantaloupe, white peach, with a lingering oak finish. Keep this wine in mind if you are considering any cream or richly sauced dish.&nbsp;

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: You know I love to seek out wines of quality and value. I would consider the Hewitson, Miss Harry&rsquo;s GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourv&egrave;dre) Blend 2016 from the Baross Valley Australia. This stand-out blend offers aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, and fig, along with smoke, tobacco, and a hint of vaNULLla on the finish. This is a wonderful blend to pair with anything smoked from the grill, all at an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: Of the many, many classics on this list, you may be familiar with my selection that instantly jumped from the page. An eternal classic, I would consider the Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from St Helena, CA. This wine will win you over with its incredible aromas of pepper, ripe blackberries, white flowers, and spice. The finish lingers with plumb and a hint of chocolate. This wine certainly lives up to its consistently high ratings and is truly a classic to pair with any special event.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate The Polo Bar&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.com">Info@corkrules.com</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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

&nbsp;

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

Château Massereau is a historic winery in Bordeaux that has been in the Bibey family for over 250 years. They are known for their exceptional wines made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes. The winery is committed to sustainable and organic practices, and their wines reflect the unique terroir of the Bordeaux region.

Down-to-earth Pacific Northwest-based seafood chain serving a menu of hearty local catches.

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

The View

Il Capriccio

Clarity

Bellissimo Restaurant

Bellissimo

Sandbar

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern

Mirabelle at Three Village Inn

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

Anthony's at Coeur d'Alene

Buried Cane

Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Washington, USA

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Walla Walla Red Blend NV

Mezcla

Walla Walla Valley (OR), USA

Platino

Sparkling Brut 2018

Blend

Spain

Domaine Ste. Michelle

Michelle Brut Rose 2016

Pinot Noir

Columbia Valley, USA

Kiona Vineyards

Cabernet - Merlot 2020

Blend

Washington, USA

R. Stuart & Co

Big Fire Pinot Gris 2017

Pinot Gris

Oregon, USA

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Pinot Gris 2020

Pinot Gris

Oregon, USA

Slope

Luke Merlot, Wahluke 2018

USA

Cellars

Sparkman, This Old Porche Rose, Columbia Valley 2020

Columbia Valley, USA

Airfield Estates

Mustang 2019

Blend

Washington, USA

Thurston Wolfe

Albarino NV

Albarino

USA

L'Ecole No 41

Syrah NV

Shiraz/Syrah

Columbia Valley, USA

L'Ecole No 41

Merlot 2016

Merlot

Columbia Valley, USA

L'Ecole No 41

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Valley, USA

L'Ecole No. Semillon, Columbia Valley 2020

Columbia Valley, USA