Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Alto means high, referring to altitude when talking about wine, in both Spanish and Italian. Recently higher altitude locations have been planted more and more. A few decades ago, these areas were not seen as suitable for growing quality grapes as the climate back then was too cool. Today, with many producers witnessing a rising temperature, and a lot of new techniques in the vineyard, these areas are finally becoming viable. The higher you plant the cooler the temperature will be, but you will also receive more sun which in turn helps ripen the grapes. The temperature will be quite warm during the day, but very cool at night. This leads to ripe fruit aromas developing during the day, followed by a cool nighttime keeping the fresh acidity in the grapes, the best of both worlds for the grapes.

In Italy this development has been very prominent in northern Piemonte in the last decade. There is now talk about an area called Alto Piemonte, comprised of a few different wine regions. They are all located higher up in the mountains, and like the most famous wines from Piemonte many are based on the Nebbiolo grape. The most well-known wine regions would be Ghemme, Gattinara, and Boca.

But Alto Piemonte is not the only area where the term is used. In quite a few cases, in both Italy, Spain, Argentina and Chile the term can be seen used as part of a producer name or even as the name of a specific wine, sometimes to convey the wine is from a high planted vineyard. It is not uncommon however for winemakers to use the term to show it&rsquo;s their highest quality wine, not a wine from high altitude.

More wine growers have shown interest in high altitude vineyards lately, and the record of the highest planted one is something a few are trying to beat. It&rsquo;s safe to say the positive effects the altitude has on the growing grapes mean these vineyards are here to stay, and terms as alto may be used in more languages soon.

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Ostra

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Mediterranean restaurant Ostra where they discuss some favorite regions and new varietals on the wine list.

Wine List Review of Ostra, 

Michaela Quinlan

Ostra:

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 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. So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Ostra. Located in Boston&rsquo;s Back Bay, Ostra features a Mediterranean menu with a seafood focus. Relax in their lounge area and enjoy piano entertainment while you scroll through their extensive wine list.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Ostra has a fantastic Champagne and sparkling section, along with half bottles that are definitely worth the look. We will be discussing some favorite regions and new varietals today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: I noticed a favorite right away. The 2021 Bodegas La Cana Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain. This highly rated, medium-bodied white wine features aromas and flavors of lime zest, grapefruit, bright acidity, with an herbal finish. Definitely a consideration to pair with herbed dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another personal favorite that caught my eye was the 2019 Averaen Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I enjoy this medium bodied pinot noir for the cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry flavors and aromas, along with the spice and coffee notes on the finish. Consider this pinot noir to pair with richly sauced 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: A must try to pair with the rich Mediterranean dishes at Ostra is the 2020 Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf du Pape in the Rhone Valley of France. This classic blend of syrah, grenache, and mourvedre, is full bodied and smooth, with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, cassis, plumb, with earth and tobacco on the finish. Another wonderful pairing for spicy and herbed dishes.

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 considering sampling lighter fare for dinner, then a wine to consider would be the 2019 Chateau Fuisse &lsquo;Tete de Cuvee&rsquo; Pouilly Fuisse in Burgundy, France. Pouilly Fuisse is a sub-region in Burgundy that produces stand-out Chardonnay. When you see &lsquo;Tete de Cuvee&rsquo; on the label, it means top quality. This highly rated chardonnay features aromas of white flowers, green apple, pear, with flavors of lemon zest, minerality, with notes of vanilla on the finish, as this chardonnay spends some time in French oak. This is a rich, beautiful chardonnay that would pair well with seafood and dense fish such as tuna and salmon.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

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: One of my many favorite Italian white wines of excellent quality and value is the 2020 Vila Matilde &lsquo;Rocca dei Leoni&rsquo; Falanghina from Campania. Falanghina is a medium to full bodied white wine that will certainly stand up to any spicy Mediterranean menu items. With aromas and flavors of green apple, peach, lemon zest, bright acidity, and a mineral finish with a touch of almond.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Another unique red quality/value wine is the 2018 Weingut Gesellmann Zweigelt from Burgenland, Austria. Zweigelt is a red grape that is a cross between St. Laurent and Balufrankisch. This is certainly a wine to consider if you are a fan of Pinot Noir. It is medium-bodied with aromas and flavors of cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries, along with earth, black pepper, and a mineral finish. An excellent quality/value wine to pair with richly sauced dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: I had to stop when I spotted the 100 point Decanter rated 2019 Tenuta San Guido &lsquo;Sassicaia&rsquo; from Bolgheri in Tuscany. This 100% cabernet sauvignon award winner spends over two years in French oak and exudes aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, cassis, smoke, leather, black currants, with minerality and notes of lavender. Sassicaia&rsquo;s fame and intrigue has been well known since the late 1960&rsquo;s upon public release. We don&rsquo;t always have the opportunity to experience a 100-point wine, which makes the Sassicaia a perfect addition to any special occasion.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Ostra&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.

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

Orben is a family-owned winery in Rioja, Spain that is dedicated to producing exceptional wines that highlight the region's unique terroir. Founded in 2004 by Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, Orben is known for its innovative approach to winemaking and commitment to quality.

Bistro & bar for New American fare, brunch & drinks in a warm, casual space with front patio seats.

Marc Forgione

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

Belle Cora

Marquis de l'Herande

Vin De Table De France Rouge 2012

Vin de France, France

Montefresco

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

McIntyre

Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2021

Santa Lucia Highlands, USA

Herència Altés

Garnatxa Negra 2021

Grenache

Catalunya, Spain

Ridge, Boatman Zinfandel, Alexander Valley 2020

California, USA

Varichon & Clerc

Privilege Blanc de Blancs NV

Chardonnay

Bourgogne, France

Substance

Cabernet Sauvignon (Cs) 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington, USA

Ruggeri

Argeo Prosecco Brut 2020

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

Maison Nicolas Potel Macon-Villages 2020

Burgundy, France

Cellar

Heitz, Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard, USA, California NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Louis Latour

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir

Bourgogne, Burgundy, France

Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine, Pinot Noir NV

Napa Valley, USA

Freemark Abbey

Malbec 1969

Malbec

Napa Valley, USA

Martha's

NV Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard 1970

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA