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

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas to enjoy the speakeasy vibe at Yvonne’s. 

Wine List Review of Yvonne's, Boston

Sam Hohl

Yvonne's

Yvonnes

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, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

SH: Hey Robert, great to be back.

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.

You can now download our CorkRules app available on the apple app store. Where you can access all your favourite restaurant wine lists, get personalized recommendations and connect, share and learn with your friends.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list. Today Sam and I &hellip;

Yvonne&rsquo;s 

Overview

Yvonne&rsquo;s is tucked away in the Downtown Crossing neighborhood of Boston, MA. They offer a New-American-inspired menu along with craft beverages and bottles to pair. Yvonne&rsquo;s ambiance is dark and intimate, giving off speakeasy vibes.

Where to start

Yvonne&rsquo;s is such an experience, and I would honestly be happy just sipping a glass of wine or cocktail while taking in all their stunning decor has to offer, like their library shelves, fireplace and chandeliers. But it&rsquo;s also great that their menu has plenty of delicious small plates and their 3 pages wine list packs in some fantastic options.

I&rsquo;m excited to point out some wonderful finds and will start with a white that stood out to me, which was the 2016 Tocai Friulano from Larkmead Vineyards. There&rsquo;s some really awesome history here since Larkmead Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley and was started in 1895. Tocai Friulano is a varietal usually found in Italy so another unique part of this winery is the small amount of Tocai Friulano they produce from vines that were planted before prohibition! This bottle is beautifully balanced with body and acidity, and has really pretty floral, herbal and tropical notes as well. This wine is&nbsp; fun to pair and goes with a variety of dishes. You could try it with dishes like the Seared Brussel Sprouts or the Wild Gulf Shrimp.

The 2017 I Nove Fratelli from Masseria del Pino is a really great find for a red. This bottle is made from mostly Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on 120 year old vines on the slope of Mount Etna. The grapes are foot-stomped and then fermented in tanks made from volcanic basalt which are volcanic stones from Mt Etna. It&#39;s rich and complex, filled with volcanic notes of tar, smoke and minerality and bright cherry and raspberry flavors. It&rsquo;s a fantastic example of an Etna Rosso wine. It would be great with the Seared Trumpet Mushrooms or the Ribeye Steak but it&rsquo;s food friendly and flexible so it will be fun to accompany a variety of dishes.

Value

This list has really wonderful variety for pricing and there&rsquo;s some unique and delicious bottles on here that won&rsquo;t break the budget. A white that caught my eye is the 2019 Lindquist Family Marsanne. Bob Lindquist is the winemaker located in California in the Etna Valley and has over 40 years of experience. He&rsquo;s known for his beautiful expressions of Rhone varietals and this bottle of 100% Marsanne is no exception. It&rsquo;s medium-bodied with refreshing notes of citrus, along with flavors of honey and stone. Marsanne is a great choice as well since it&rsquo;s food friendly and goes well with spiced and flavorful dishes. You could try it with the Lobster Dumplings or the Coconut Rock Shrimp.

A really lovely option for a value red would be the 2019 Terre de l&#39;Elu Maupiti. This is a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc and Gamay with a little bit of Grolleau that are grown organically and harvested by hand. It&rsquo;s from winemakers Charlotte and Thomas Carsin from the village of Anjou in the Loire Valley who focus on making tasty wines to be enjoyed around the table. It&rsquo;s got lots of red fruit, and some earthy and herbal tones. It&rsquo;s rich, elegant and the tannins are well integrated. Pair it with something like the Bavette Steak or the Beef Sausage Fired Pita.

Celebratory options

Along with having a great range of value bottles this list also has a variety of special or celebratory bottles for every budget. A bottle that would be just beautiful quality and elevate the evening would be the 2018 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine Marcoux has been run by sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier since 1989 but they can trace their family history in the area back to the 1300s. Made from Roussanne and Bourboulenc grapes this wine is crisp with a fuller body. It&rsquo;s going to have some pretty floral tones, along with pineapple and pear flavors. It&rsquo;s a really well-crafted bottle that would just be a delight to sip on for the evening.

They&rsquo;ve got an incredible section for bubbles and you can definitely find some stunning bottles in the 400-600 dollar category, but If you are in the mood for something bubbly and memorable that isn&rsquo;t quite in that range you could try the&nbsp;2015 Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Brut Champagne is a great choice. Pierre Gimonnet This bottle is made with precision and care by blending Chardonnay from the oldest vines on the estate. It&rsquo;s complex and electric, with notes of citrus, pear and mineral qualities with a lengthy and elegant finish. It would pair nicely with the Crispy Tuna Fregola or the Lobster Fritters.

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Yvonne&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.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please download our CorkRules app and check out our website for all other 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

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

Soalheiro is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Vinho Verde region in Portugal. The winery is known for its high-quality Alvarinho wines, which are produced using sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques. Soalheiro's wines are characterized by their freshness, minerality, and complexity.

Seasonal New American fare in posh, romantic environs, plus craft cocktails & extensive wine list.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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

manna

Bird In Hand

Two in the Bush Shiraz NV

Shiraz/Syrah

Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia

Mont Marcal, Brut Rosado, Cava 2018

Cava, Spain

Empire Estate

Dry Riesling 2017

Riesling

New York, USA

Lieu Dit

Chenin Blanc 2015

Chenin Blanc

Central Coast, California, USA

Sandlands

Chenin Blanc 2017

Chenin Blanc

California, USA

Domaine Bailly Reverdy

Chavignol Sancerre 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire, France

Domaine de la Petite Roche

Saumur 2017

Blend

Saumur, France

Bermejo

Listan Rosado 2019

Listan Negro

Canary Islands, Spain

La Marea Grenache, USA, California, Central Coast 2017

Grenache

Central Coast, California, USA

Paul Hobbs

CrossBarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017

Chardonnay

Sonoma Coast, USA

Lieu Dit

Cabernet Franc 2019

Cabernet Franc

California, USA

Matthiasson

Rose 2020

Grenache

California, USA

Kir Yianni

Single Vineyard Xinomavro Ramnista 2016

Xinomavro

Naoussa, Greece

Massican

Annia, Napa Valley 2016

White Blend

California, USA

Cruse

Wine Co. Alder Springs Vineyard Tannat, Mendocino 2017

Mendocino, USA