The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.&nbsp;

By the way, we love champagne with all kinds of food (seafood, fried chicken, spicy food, etc) and is more than just for a quick toast at midnight.&nbsp;

High-End Champagnes:&nbsp;

When it comes to high-end champagnes, names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug often come to mind. These prestigious champagnes are typically reserved for special occasions and are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> is produced by Moet &amp; Chandon and is named after the Benedictine monk who is often credited with discovering the champagne-making process. Krug, on the other hand, is known for its rich and complex flavors, thanks to its unique production methods, including fermentation in small oak barrels. These won&#39;t disappoint! Yum!!&nbsp;

More Approachable Options:&nbsp;

If you&#39;re looking for a more approachable champagne that still offers great quality, there are plenty of options to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> are two examples of champagnes that are well-regarded but are often more affordable than their high-end counterparts. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> is known for its delicate, fruity flavors, while <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> is a type of champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a crisp and elegant taste. Solid choices!&nbsp;

Blanc de Blanc:

Blanc de Blanc is a term used to describe champagnes that are made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its light and crisp flavors, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste. Blanc de Blanc champagnes are often a great option for pairing with seafood or light appetizers.&nbsp;

Lower-End Examples and Spanish Cava:

If you&#39;re looking for lower-end champagne options, there are plenty of choices to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Piper-Heidsieck-Brut-Cuvee-w504046291">Piper-Heidsieck&#39;s Brut Non-Vintage</a> is a great affordable option that still offers great quality and flavor. This champagne is known for its fresh and lively taste, making it a great choice for casual gatherings. In addition to champagne, <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a> is another great option to consider for all budgets. Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in Spain using the traditional champagne method, and it offers great quality at a more affordable price point.&nbsp;

Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider. From prestigious names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug to more affordable options like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a>, there&#39;s a champagne out there for every taste and budget.&nbsp;

Cheers to the holiday season! #drinkwhatyoulove #bubbles

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.

Bubbles for the Holidays!!

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

Smitty's Grill

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Smitty’s Grill in Pasadena, California

Wine List Review of Smitty's Grill, Pasadena

Grace Hood

Smitty&rsquo;s Grill

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 Hey Robert! Happy to be here as always 

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list&rsquo;s 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 Grace and I will be reviewing a Pasadena staple, Smitty&rsquo;s Grill. Grace what are your initial thoughts on Smitty&rsquo;s Grill

GH: Well right off the bat, they herald themselves with &ldquo;American comfort food at its best&rdquo;. Say less Smittys Grill! I&rsquo;m here for it ;)

RT:&nbsp;Oh man who doesn&rsquo;t love comfort food? Mac and cheese. Roast chicken. Food for the soul. Always puts you in a good mood. How is their wine list looking?

GH: Looking great! Not too big so we&rsquo;re not overwhelmed with choices. Different varietals and styles and price points. Def something for everyone here at this Pasadena dining room away from home, as they say hahah

RT: I love it. Where would you like to start? Bubbles as always?

GH: Hey I don&rsquo;t make the rules. I just choose the wine hahah but fun fact &ndash; champagne is a great pairing for everything, but especially fatty rich decadent meals, aka comfort foods! So if you wanted to pair with champagne, they have some really beautiful choices. From the Mignon Gentile Grand Cru, to the Philipe Gravier Grand Cru. And if you wanted rose champagne, they have a Bollinger which is always a solid choice

RT: Champagne and comfort food. What a life we live! Are you seeing some good selections in the whites as well?

GH: Absolutely Robert! If you wanted to go with some classic California selections, I would do the 2020 Twomey Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma, or the 2017 Newton Chardonnay from Napa. However, if you wanted to go with some more unique wines that you don&rsquo;t see a whole lot of production from in California, they have an albarino out of Monterey from the La Marea Vineyard, and then they have another old school varietal, Ribolla Gialla from the Massican vineyard out of Napa. 

RT: Awesome. Really giving folks lots of options in California. Love it! Do you have some nice old-world options for whites as well.

GH: Oh for sure! If you&rsquo;re feeling Spanish, they have a Verdejo from Nisia vineyard out of Rueda, or if you wanted French, they have a Burgundian Chardonnay from Pascal Clemente. And they also have a few nice riesling selections. I would pick the 2017 from Jean Baptiste out of Rheinhessen Germany.

RT: Great global grapes grace! Haha! Say that five times fast.

GH: Great global grapes grace, great global grapes grace hahah

RT: Now how are we looking for red wine? Interested to hear the Smittys grill selections

GH: Starting off light with pinot. I would do the 2019 Kosta Browne from the Russian River Valley, or the 2018 Shae Vineyard from Sonria Vineyards out of the Willamette. Or if you wanted French pinot, I would go with the 2016 Marchand Tawse from Burgundy &nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Yum those all sound like great choices. What about some merlots or malbecs for those medium bodied drinkers? &nbsp;

GH: Say no more Robert! They have a 2013 Merlot from the Coho Vineyard out of Napa. And they also have a 2015 Valle de Maipo from Cousino Mocoul from Chile. 

RT: Delicious. Any good Italians? &nbsp;

GH: It&rsquo;s like you&rsquo;re reading my mind Robert! Haha! My picks for Italian would be this 2015 Barolo from Fontanafredda, or if you wanted something bigger and bolder, they have a 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from San Felice

RT: Bellisima! Now I assume they have some killer tannic cabs from California, being a Pasadena restaurant and all &nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: 100%! They have a 2017 Coho and a 2016 Heitz, both from Napa, as well as a 2017 Paradigm from Oakville.

RT: Oh yum. Those will all really stand up to the delicious comfort foods on the menu. Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Smitty&rsquo;s Grill. 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.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. 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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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

Lioco is a small production winery focused on producing wines that reflect their terroir and express the unique characteristics of each vintage. They work with small growers in California to source the highest quality fruit for their wines.

Famed, old-school venue for American dining amid cathedral windows & a soaring, cross-beam ceiling.

Dante

Geronimo

La Mercerie

Bar Primi

Kirby’s Steakhouse

The Grill

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

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