For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligot&eacute;, Burgundy&#39;s &quot;other&quot; white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligot&eacute; is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

A Value Proposition: Compared to Chardonnay, Aligot&eacute; offers a compelling value proposition. The grape thrives in cooler climates, yielding wines known for their vibrant acidity and lighter body. This makes them perfect for enjoying young, without the need for extensive aging, which translates to lower production costs ultimately reflected in the price tag. Wine enthusiasts can experience the distinct terroir of Burgundy at a fraction of the price of a Premier Cru Chardonnay.

Critical Acclaim: The growing popularity of Aligot&eacute; is not going unnoticed by critics. Wine Enthusiast recently declared it &quot;Burgundy&#39;s Rising White Star,&quot; highlighting its increasing quality and potential to rival Chardonnay. Renowned wine critic Burghound remarked on the &quot;impressive depth and complexity&quot; found in certain Aligot&eacute; expressions, showcasing the grape&#39;s ability to produce wines beyond their entry-level reputation.

Food Pairings: Aligot&eacute;&#39;s bright acidity and subtle minerality make it a versatile food pairing companion. It shines alongside lighter fare like fish dishes, shellfish, salads, and creamy cheeses. The wine&#39;s refreshing character cuts through richness, making it a perfect partner for creamy sauces and even lighter cuts of meat.

Domaine Stars: While Aligot&eacute; is often produced by various cooperatives, two stand-out producers are leading the charge in crafting exceptional single-vineyard expressions:

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Dominique-Lafon-Bourgogne-Aligote-2021-w41675088y">Dominique Lafon</a>&nbsp;- $37.99: This renowned producer, known for their exquisite Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet wines, also crafts a stunning Aligot&eacute; with depth and complexity, showcasing the potential of the grape when treated with respect and meticulous attention to detail.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Domaine-Sylvain-Cathiard-Bourgogne-Aligote-2022-w7631962na">Domaine Sylvain Cathiard</a>&nbsp;- $66.99: This family-owned estate in the village of Bouzeron, the only appellation dedicated solely to Aligot&eacute;, produces wines known for their purity, minerality, and aging potential. Their &quot;M&acirc;con-Villages&quot; Aligot&eacute; is a testament to the grape&#39;s ability to deliver exceptional quality and complexity.</li>
</ul>

Aligot&eacute; offers an exciting opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the hidden gem of Burgundy. Its affordability, refreshing style, and versatility make it a perfect addition to any wine lover&#39;s repertoire. So, next time you&#39;re looking for a delightful, value-driven white wine, consider giving Aligot&eacute; a try. You might just discover your new favorite Burgundy.

&nbsp;

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

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

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

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit The Shore Club, a fabulous restaurant with locations in both Ottawa and Toronto.

Wine List Review of The Shore Club, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

The Shore Club

Shore Club:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where,&nbsp;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 Shore Club. Located in Toronto and Ottawa, this contemporary steak and seafood restaurant features lunch, light fare, and formal dining.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

MQ: Another fantastic wine list featuring classic favorites, local wines, half bottles, what they deem alternative whites and reds, along with bin ends, make this list fun and welcoming to all wine lovers.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Anytime I see a menu featuring light fare and shellfish, I think of Rose, no matter the season. A light, crisp, and refreshing rose to consider is the 2020 Jules Rose from Provence, France. This blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah features the classic aromas and flavors we look for in Provence Rose. From notes of citrus, strawberry, and cantaloupe, this dry Rose is a perfect pairing for all light dishes, cheese, or as an aperitif.&nbsp;

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another favorite that caught my eye was the 2020 Ben Marco &lsquo;Plata&rsquo; Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec is appealing in every way. The medium to full body, along with soft, round tannins, aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, fig, with coffee and cocoa make this crowd-pleasing red a perfect companion to richly sauced pasta and proteins.

RT: 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: If you are considering shellfish, or fried seafood you must keep something sparkling in mind. The Domaine Rolet Pere &amp; Fils &lsquo;Brut Cremant&rsquo;&nbsp; from the Jura region in France. Jura, located in Eastern France, is known for its standout Chardonnay. This &lsquo;Brut Cremant&rsquo;, which means dry sparkler produced in France, outside of the Champagne region, is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The fresh pear, green apple with brioche, and creamy, nutty finish make this sparkler a must-try.

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: If you are looking for a rich, full-bodied red to pair with steak or lamb chops, consider the Tin Barn &lsquo;Pickberry Vineyard&rsquo; from the Sonoma Valley of California. These grapes are sourced from the single 30 acre &lsquo;Pickberry Vineyard&rsquo;. This highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon features ripe black cherries, plumb, and spice, with soft tannins and a lingering finish with notes of licorice. Sip this beautiful red while enjoying those richly sauced proteins and pasta dishes.

RT: 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: I am such a fan of the next wine for many reasons. To name a few, this white grape is crisp, crowd-pleasing, and always combines its excellent quality with amazing value. Consider the 2020 Domaine Lucien Jacob Aligote from Burgundy, France. The grape in this remarkable white Burgundy is Aligote, which exudes lemon and lime zest, gooseberry, and melon, with bright acidity, and a dry, mineral finish. A perfect companion to herbed cheese and seafood.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Spain brings us many styles, varietals, and price points of their wines. A standout red Spanish wine to consider of exceptional quality and value, would be the 2020 Cruz de Piedra Garnacha from the Aragon region of Spain. This medium to full-bodied red is well balanced and features ripe raspberries and cherries, along with notes of clove, earth, and vanilla on the smooth finish, making this a food-friendly wine.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: If they still have this bottle available, consider the 2013 Turley &lsquo;Hayne Vineyard&rsquo; Petit Syrah from Napa Valley. Rated 96 points by both Vinous and Robert Parker, Turley&rsquo;s organically farmed Petit Syrah is truly a standout. Grown from vines planted in 1953, aromas of ripe blackberries, plumbs, fig, blackberry jam, along with black pepper, herbs, and rich, round tannins, this Petit Syrah is a special occasion on its own. Pair with steak, lamb, herbed dishes, and anytime you are looking to take your dining experience to the next level.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate The Shore Club&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 an 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.

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End

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Stylish, modern restaurant in a 1902 bank building offering high-end steakhouse fare & a roof bar.

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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.

Cowford Chophouse

Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Rose Brut NV

Franciacorta, Italy

G.H. Mumm

(Cordon Rouge) Brut Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

La Rioja Alta

Rioja Gran Reserva 904 1995

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Tenimenti Ca'Bianca

Brachetto d'Acqui 2021

Brachetto

Brachetto d'Acqui, Italy

Graham Beck

The Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

South Africa

Matteo Braidot

Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Grigio

Hospices de Beaune

Corton Grand Cru, Cuvee Charlotte Dumay 1976

Cortona, Burgundy, France

Arnot-Roberts

Rose 2020

Touriga Nacional

USA

Cave de Lugny

Macon-Lugny Les Charmes 2019

Chardonnay

France

Château de Fontenille

Les Survivantes Bordeaux Blanc Sec NV

Blend

Bordeaux, France

Louis Roederer

Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (Vintage) 2020

Chardonnay

Champagne, France

Krug

Brut Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Perrier-Jouët

Belle Epoque Brut Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Veuve Clicquot

Yellow Label Brut NV

Champagne, France

Château Nénin

Pomerol 2018

Cabernet Franc

Pomerol, Bordeaux, France