<a href="https://www.benoitny.com/">Benoit</a>&nbsp;is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

So let&rsquo;s start with a region that has a long and rich history in winemaking and has produced some of the most expensive wines in the world: Burgundy.

Burgundy is a wine region&nbsp;that is renowned for producing quality wine, and it is the best-growing region for pinot noir and chardonnay. So it&rsquo;s no surprise that most Burgundy whites are produced with chardonnay and the reds from pinot noir. Burgundy or La Bourgogne to the locals, &nbsp;is in east-central France. This temperate region has dry summers and autumns and soil rich in clay and Jurassic limestone. It is these conditions that help chardonnay and pinot noir varietals thrive.

&nbsp;

Burgundy also has a highest number of appellations d&#39;origine contr&ocirc;l&eacute;e (AOCs). The vineyards in Burgundy are classified into four levels, which are rated on the quality of the terroir and climate. These designations are clearly labeled on the bottle and reflected in the price point.

Grand Cru tops the list and is reserved for only the best vineyards in Burgundy. These labels are highly coveted by wine collectors as only around two percent receive this classification. In fact, there are only 34 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy.

One step down is Premier Cru which is awarded to around 12 percent, or 345, vineyards. Now you understand why Grand Cru wines are so expensive.

If you are looking for a wine from Burgundy&nbsp;that doesn&rsquo;t break the budget, a Village Wine offers value without compromising quality. These vineyards may be positioned next to Premier or Grand Cru vineyards but are one step away from the top classification. &nbsp;And finally, Regional wines receive the lowest classification and are often created from a combination of vineyards instead of a single village. Often these wines will be labeled as a wine of Bourgogne instead of Burgundy.

While pinot noir and chardonnay are the two main varietals in Burgundy wine production, aligot&eacute;, pinot gris, gamay, and sauvignon blanc are also used. Aligot&eacute; is a white grape used to make dry white wines. Gamay is a cousin of pinot noir and is more well-known as a varietal grown in Beaujolais, which is south of Burgundy. It&rsquo;s a light-bodied wine, similar to pinot noir. Sauvignon blanc originates from Bordeaux but it grows well pretty much everywhere. However, in Burgundy, there is only one appellation that allows Sauvignon in the wines: Saint Bris. &nbsp;

But let&rsquo;s head back to Benoit&rsquo;s wine list, and if a 28-page list is too much to navigate, head on over to the CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/benoit/episodes/18">podcast with certified Sommelier Grace Hood</a>&nbsp;shares her quick recommendations on delicious bottles from the list.

Salut!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine lists picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

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;

Benoit is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

Wines from Burgundy at Benoit

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

Sazon

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sazon, in Santa Fe New Mexico. 

Wine List Review of Sazon, Santa Fe

Sam Hohl

Sazon:

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 Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier.

&nbsp;

Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

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MQ: Hi Robert!

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RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules, which is now available in the Apple App store to demystify wine lists because we know from experience that sometimes when we get that&nbsp; list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

&nbsp;

Cork Rules

Saz&oacute;n

&nbsp;

Overview

Saz&oacute;n is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico and features modern takes on classic Latin American dishes made by their James Beard Award winning chef. They also offer an award winning cocktail and wine program to accompany their carefully curated menu.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Where to start

This is definitely a special spot- along with their delicious Mexican-inspired cuisine they also feature an extensive range of spirits, with a focus on tequilas and mezcals. You can do tasting dinners here as well with featured wine and spirits which sounds like a blast. The wine list here is categorized into 5 sections and one is for Mexican wines, which is so exciting to be able to explore what Mexican wines have to offer!

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The 2019 Bruma &lsquo;Ocho Blanco de Carignan&rsquo; would be a really great start to the night. This is from Bruma winery located in the Valle de Guadalupe wine region, which is where a majority of Mexican wine is produced. This bottle is unique in that it&rsquo;s a Blanc de Noir, so they use a red grape to make a white wine, like the method usually used for Champagne. The red skins don&rsquo;t have contact with the wine so it&rsquo;s just the juice used to make the white wine. This bottle will have notes of lemon, peach and melon. It&rsquo;s going to be creamy on the palate with zippy acid, making it wonderful with shellfish and cream based dishes, so you could try it paired with the shrimp enchiladas.

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If you&rsquo;re looking for a red you could try the 2019 Solar Fort&uacute;n Petit Verdot. Solar Fart&uacute;n winery is also in Valle de Guadalupe where the vineyards are made up of Southern Rhone and Bordeaux grape varietals. 2019 was a great vintage for this Petit Verdot and it brings beautiful blueberry notes along with violet and hints of savory herbs. It&rsquo;s a natural pair with this menu since it&rsquo;s so good with rich meats or dishes with lots of spices and flavor.

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Value

There&rsquo;s some wonderful range on this list, and the 2021 Casa Magoni, &lsquo;Manaz&rsquo; is an exciting choice at a great value. Camillo Magoni is the winemaker behind Casa Magoni and he is from Italy but has been making a name for Mexican wines in Baja California for over 50 years. This bottle is half Friano and half Viognier. You&rsquo;ll get really lovely floral qualities from the Viognier, along with notes of green apple and grapefruit. There&rsquo;s some subtle tropical fruit flavors as well.

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Another value find would be the 2020 Casa Jipi Nebbiolo. Casa Jipi is located in the San Vicente Valley region of Baja California. This Nebbiolo is going to be full of blueberry and blackberry fruit along with hints of pepper and chocolate. It&rsquo;s aged in stainless steel so it&rsquo;s going to be a bit more fruit forward than a Nebbiolo aged in oak. This is a bigger wine that has nice tannins so it&rsquo;s definitely a food wine and it will hold up to something like the Black Pepper Crusted Tenderloin on the menu.

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Celebratory

There are some really nice options on here to make your night special. First, the &lsquo;Heredad Reserva&rsquo; from Segura Viudas would be a beautiful choice for some bubbles. They&rsquo;re located in the Pened&egrave;s wine region located about an hour from Barcelona. This Cava is made from 75% Macabeo and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle will have notes of pastry, honey and delicate citrus. It&rsquo;s going to be a really refreshing and uplifting choice to celebrate with!

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There&rsquo;s also a Reserve Selection where you can find some really stand-out higher end bottles. One that caught my eye was the &nbsp;2015 Dominio del &Aacute;guila, &lsquo;Pe&ntilde;a Aladas&rsquo; Gran Reserva. This would be a gorgeous red to celebrate with. It&rsquo;s from the Ribera del Duero region and is a blend made primarily with Tempranillo. It gets barrel aged for four years and has flavors of silky dark fruit along with tobacco and chalk. It&rsquo;s full bodied with a long finish to savor. This is just a beautiful vintage and under 2300 bottles made so it&rsquo;s a special one to find.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Sazon&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To our audience, Thank you all for Joining us here on CorkRules.

&nbsp;

If you would like Sam 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 cue as quick as possible.

&nbsp;

Also please download the CorkRules app where we have all your favorite restaurants, and you can get personalized recommendations and connect with your friends.

&nbsp;

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. Please check out our the app or website for all our latest episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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End

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BRAT

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Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Joel Gott Wines is a family-owned winery that produces a range of wines from California and Oregon. The winery is known for its approachable, balanced wines that are perfect for everyday enjoyment.

Hip spot offering New American small plates at dinner & late-night craft cocktails in stylish digs.

Meson

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Buenos Aires

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LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

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learn

Join us each week as we pour a glass and share top restaurant ‘wine list’ picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ‘wine list’ through somm recommendations, suggested food pairings and masterclass insights.

Restaurant Progress

Yalumba

Y Series Shiraz 2019

Shiraz/Syrah

South Australia, Australia

Château d'Oupia

Les Heretiques Pays d'Herault 2020

Carignan

France

Quinta

Crasto, Douro 2017

Douro, Portugal

Quinta de São Sebastião

Mil Caminhos Tinto 2019

Corte

Lisboa, Portugal

Quinta de S. Sebastiao 'Arreio' 2019

Portugal

Telmo Rodriguez

Lanzaga Rioja 2020

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Fuso

Barbera Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont 2020

Piedmont, Italy

Pewsey Vale

Dry Riesling 2020

Riesling

South Australia, Australia

Bodegas Companon Arrieta (El Mozo Wines)

Herrigoia 2020

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Azul y Garanza

Tempranillo 2020

Tempranillo

Navarra, Spain

Caladelverde

Bianco 2021

Terre Siciliane, Italy

Camino Roca Altxerri

Getariako Txakolina 2020

Hondarrabi Zuri

Pais Vasco, Spain

Domaine La Manarine

Cotes du Rhone Rose 2020

Cuvee

Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Terras de Lantaño

Vina Cartin Albarino 2021

Albarino

Rias Baixas, Spain

Viña Ilusion

Tinto 2019

Blend

Rioja, Spain