The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there&#39;s another contender that&rsquo;s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant hails from various regions in France and Luxembourg. It uses the same traditional method as champagne (m&eacute;thode champenoise) to achieve its delicate bubbles, yet it often comes at half the price or less! The secret? Well, it&rsquo;s all about location; while Champagne can only be produced in its namesake region under strict regulations, cremants are free to flourish across multiple French territories.

But don&#39;t let their affordable prices fool you into thinking they&rsquo;re inferior &ndash; these wines are nothing short of exceptional when it comes to quality and taste. In fact, many top producers have garnered impressive scores from esteemed wine critics worldwide.

Let&#39;s talk grapes first though. Unlike champagne which primarily uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes; cremants enjoy a more diverse palette including Chenin Blanc (Loire), Riesling (Alsace), Mauzac (Limoux) among others depending on their region of origin.

We have two fabulous recommendations that are great values:

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Sylvain-Bzikot-Cremant-de-Bourgogne-w2303009kb">1) Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV</a>. Priced at a modest $23.99, this sparkling wine is an absolute steal considering its quality and taste.

Sylvain Bzikot hails from a family of winemakers that has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet since 1940s. Over the years, they&#39;ve perfected their craft and today produce some of Burgundy&#39;s most sought-after wines.

The Cremant de Bourgogne NV embodies all the qualities you&#39;d expect from such a distinguished producer; it&#39;s elegant yet full-bodied with complex aromas of ripe apples, toasted brioche and subtle hints of honeycomb. The palate reveals fine bubbles that lead to a crisp finish &ndash; making it perfect for any celebration or as an accompaniment to seafood dishes.

Critics are equally impressed with this cremant sparkler; Wine Enthusiast awarded it 90 points while praising its &quot;bright acidity&quot; and &quot;rich apple flavors&quot;. It&rsquo;s no wonder why many consider this bubbly as one of Burgundy&#39;s best-kept secrets!

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Francois-Baur-Cremant-d-Alsace-Brut-Reserve-w3941620en">2) Fran&ccedil;ois Baur - Cr&eacute;mant d&#39;Alsace Brut Reserve NV</a> priced at just $17.99! This wine comes from one of Alsace&rsquo;s oldest estates dating back to 1741 which transitioned into biodynamic farming in early 2000s &ndash; showcasing their commitment towards preserving nature whilst producing top-quality wines.

This cr&eacute;mant is made predominantly from Pinot Blanc grapes along with small proportions of Chardonnay &amp; Pinot Noir adding depth and complexity to its profile. Expect fresh notes of green apple, pear coupled with creamy undertones resulting in well-rounded mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity.

Wine critics have showered praises on this bubbly; Decanter Magazine awarded it 91 points, noting its &quot;delicate mousse&quot; and &quot;persistent finish&quot;. This is a testament to the winery&#39;s dedication towards producing high-quality wines that deliver exceptional value.

Both Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV and Fran&ccedil;ois Baur - Cr&eacute;mant d&#39;Alsace Brut Reserve NV are outstanding examples of what cremants can offer. They&rsquo;re not just affordable alternatives to champagne but also quality sparklers in their own right &ndash; proving once again that great wine doesn&#39;t have to break the bank!

So how do we best enjoy these fantastic bubblies during summer? With food pairings galore! For starters try pairing your favorite cr&eacute;mant with a plate of fresh oysters or grilled prawns, the acidity and bubbles work wonderfully to cleanse your palate. If you&#39;re planning a picnic in the park, why not bring along some creamy brie cheese or smoked salmon sandwiches? The rich flavors are beautifully balanced by cr&eacute;mant&rsquo;s crispness.

So, cremants offer incredible value without sacrificing quality or taste - they truly deserve their place at our tables alongside (or even instead of) champagne this summer season! So next time you reach for that bottle of bubbly remember &ndash; there&#39;s more than just champagne out there waiting to tickle your tastebuds. Cheers!

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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

Barberian's Steak House

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Barberian's Steakhouse in Toronto, Canada

Wine List Review of Barberians, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Barberians

Barberian&rsquo;s:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, 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.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Barberian&rsquo;s Steakhouse. This family-run Toronto steakhouse has been in business since 1959. The classic menu, comfortable dining room, private dining in their extensive wine cellar, and many displays by local artists, make Barbarian&rsquo;s a must-visit.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: If you are looking for a who&rsquo;s who of top producers, and in nearly every vintage, you have come to the right place. With over 100 pages to peruse, there is certainly something for all palates.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Where to begin? Let&rsquo;s start with the 2016 Sacred Hill, Riflemans Chardonnay from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. This well-balanced white wine features bright acidity, lemon zest, ripe pear and green apple, along with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the creamy, round finish. Consider this oaked Chardonnay when pairing with rich fish such as tuna, or richly sauced and herbed chicken.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: If you are considering classic, steakhouse fare, the 2019 Anthill Farms Syrah from the Sonoma Coast of California is a winner. I love the Syrah from Anthill Farms, as it showcases ripe cranberries, black pepper, and spice. The balance of bright acidity and ripe, round tannins allow this standout red to stand up to steaks and pork chops.

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: Another must-try wine is the 2010 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia, Reserva from Rioja Spain. The Lopez de Heredia family began creating age-worthy wine around 1877 becoming one of the first three wineries in Rioja. This 97-point rated Tempranillo blend features ripe, red cherries, plumb, dried flowers, ripe tannins, with notes of earth and vanilla on the finish. We know this wine has aged in oak, as it notes the Reserva designation, where the wine ages for a minimum of three years, with at least 12 months in oak. Again, we can thank Spain for aging this beautiful wine for us, as it is certainly ready to enjoy with all the steakhouse classics.

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: Have I mentioned there are many, many stand-out wines on this list? Another, bold, rich, red wine to consider to pair with all steakhouse fare is the &nbsp;2018 Chappellet Signature from Napa Valley, California. This organic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec showcases aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, plumb, fig, and cassis, with notes of cedar, smoke, and nutmeg on the lingering finish. A Classic Napa wine for richly sauced proteins and pasta.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind, any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A bone-dry, medium-bodied white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2014 Domaine Gardies, Mas Las Cabes Blanc from the Languedoc region of France. This Muscat Blanc features aromas of white flowers, lemon and lime zest, tangerine, and apricot, with a mineral finish. Enjoy this white wine with lightly sauced proteins, grilled vegetables, and cheese.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Next we have an incredible Italian red wine of excellent value for your consideration. The 2015 Arnaldo-Caprai, Montefalco Rosso from Umbria. This stand out blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot is rich, full bodied, and features ripe blackberries, white pepper, sage, and lavender, with notes of vanilla on the lingering finish. Pair this quality/value red with herbed proteins.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: With so many remarkable wines on this list, you can certainly find multiple options to take your dining experience to the next level. Staying true to my favorite regions and varietals, consider the &nbsp;2008 Quintarelli Cabernet Franc Alzero from the Veneto of Italy. Rated 95 points by the Wine Advocate, this wine was first produced in 1983 and has yet to ship a vintage. The process of making this wine is similar to Amarone by allowing the grapes to dry prior to extended oak aging. This result is rich flavors of dried fig and prune, with notes of raisin, earth, and vanilla on the long finish. The round tannins add to the pleasure of this wine. Certainly, pair this exceptional bottle with all steakhouse favorites and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Barberian&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.

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Vinha das Penicas is a small, family-owned winery located in the Beiras region of Portugal. Founded in 2004 by João Pedro Araújo, the winery is dedicated to producing wines that showcase the terroir and grape varieties of the region.

Brick-walled bistro with New American fare, including vegetarian items, plus a bar & lots of wines.

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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.

Koberl At Blue

Castoro Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2020

California, USA

Honig

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

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King Estate

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Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

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J Dusi Pinot Grigio Paso Robles Italy 2021

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Harmony Cellars

White Riesling 2019

Riesling

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Saved

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Cellars

Midnight, Luna Rose, Paso Robles 2018

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Sans Liege Wines

Groundwork Grenache 2020

Grenache

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Miraval

Cotes de Provence Rose 2017

Grenache

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Beckmen Vineyards

Grenache Santa Ynez Valley 2020

Grenache

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Field Recordings

Fiction Grenache Rose 2020

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Château Subilaux

Bordeaux 2018

Blend

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Premiere Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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Tiki

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Sauvignon Blanc

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