<a href="https://www.viacarota.com/">Via Carota</a>&nbsp;is a trattoria located at 51 Grove Street in the West Village. Via Carota is all about honoring its Italian roots and this is clearly represented in the ambience, the food, the decor, and, of course, the wine. If you are dining at Via Carota, listen to the CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/via-carota/episodes/20">podcast on the wine list </a>to pick up a few suggestions from a certified sommelier.

In an earlier article, we identified the Italian wine regions, but in this article, we&rsquo;re going to focus on Italian wine labels to help you understand more about the bottle you are ordering.

A few key terms you should understand about Italian wine labels&nbsp;are the official designations: DOCG, DOC, and IGT. Just like the French counterpart, appellations, the designations identify the rules of wine cultivation and production that are in place for the locations that receive the designations.

So, let&rsquo;s take a look at what they mean and how that affects the wine you buy.

DOCG is the abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita ((Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin). This is the top classification and the most strict. It governs all aspects of production, including which varieties can be grown, where they can be grown, and how the wines are aged. Quite simply, the stricter the rules the higher the quality of wine. There are only 74 DOCGs in Italy, with the majority of them located in &nbsp;Piedmont, Veneto, and Tuscany. This is why these regions are considered to be the best wine-producing regions.

DOC is the abbreviation for Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Region) The rules of this designation govern production and style, the less stringent rules allow more wine producers to jump achieve certification. Currently, there are 334 DOCs in Italy.

And finally, the least regulated classification is IGT, an abbreviation for Indicazione Geografica Tipica (Typical Geographical Indication) this was first introduced in 1992, &nbsp;and is basically a classification that only refers to location but allows wine producers to use grapes and production styles that are not allowed under DOC and DOCG regulations. Despite the ease of production regulations, currently, there are only 118 IGTs in Italy. Most wine producers want to focus on quality and earn recognition for producing quality wine.

In addition to the official classifications, there are a few other terms you should become familiar with:

Classico: This refers to a zone within a region that is considered the original area of production.

Azienda Agricola: This indicates the farm or estate that produces the grapes and produces wine.

Annata or Vendemmia: This refers to a specific harvest or vintage and is hugely informative if you understand the particular &lsquo;good&rsquo; or &lsquo;bad&rsquo; years in grape cultivation, most specifically, the influence of the weather.

Produttore: Is the producer - a producer could be anyone who makes the wine. So, it&rsquo;s generally best to choose a producer that is also the estate and vineyard.

Tenuta: Refers to the Estate

Vigneto: Quite simple, the vineyard

So, now that you can read the label, all that remains is to taste the wine and, the most difficult part, remember which wines you love, because in this industry, regardless of locations, producers, and grape, the most important point is to drink the wine you love.

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine lists picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

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Via Carota is a trattoria located at 51 Grove Street in the West Village. Via Carota is all about honoring its Italian roots and this is clearly represented in the ambience, the food, the decor, and, of course, the wine. If you are dining at Via Carota, listen to the CorkRules’ podcast on the wine list to pick up a few suggestions from a certified sommelier.

Italian Wine Labels Explained at Via Carota

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

With the exception of sommeliers and vintners, for most of us who love wine, no matter how many bottles you drink in your lifetime, and no matter how delicious, you rarely think of the terroir, the grape, or the growing process as you drink it.

Chris Phelps on Wine and Life

Felice is an Italian restaurant located on Manhattan’s upper east side. Owner Jacopo Giustiniani opened this establishment in 2007 and it has been a popular spot where diners can experience authentic Tuscan cuisine while sampling Italian wine from the extensive Italian-focused wine list. Italy has 20 wine regions each with unique characteristics in climate and terroir, and this list is inspired by the spirit of the Italian countryside and the wines of Jacopo’s family’s vineyard.

Italian Wine Regions Explored at Felice

The San Francisco Giants have upped their wine game by offering a curated selection of wine for fans at games. In fact, serving wine at Giants’ games is so popular with fans that, in 2022 they hired their own Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience and we at CorkRules wholly agree.

San Francisco Giants' Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein is Upping the Wine Game

Grace Hood, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas go downtown to Brentwood in West Los Angeles to review the wine list at Toscana. 

Wine List Review of Toscana in Brentwood, L.A.

Grace Hood

Toscana

Toscana

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!

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. Today Grace and I are reviewing Brentwood hot spot Toscana. Can&rsquo;t wait to hear your thoughts.

GH: Another day, another Italian wine list! Hahah This spot def leans into their Italian roots, and then have some nice selections for French and American wines as well &nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Love the sound of it. Shall I assume we will be starting with bubbly!

GH: You know me too well Robert! So, under their sparkling category, they have a section dedicated to one Italian vineyard in particular &ndash; Franciacorta. If it was me, I would do with their Ca del Bosco Cuvee Prestige or their Secolo Novo 2008 vintage. &nbsp;

RT: Yum love the sound of either of those.

GH: But if you&rsquo;re not feeling too adventurous then they have some lovely classic champagnes as well. I would go the 2015 Pol Roger brut rose or the Krug Grand Cuvee 170 special Editions 

RT: Great choices. Can&rsquo;t go wrong with any of those. Now how are they looking for whites?

GH: If you&rsquo;re feeling like sticking with the Italian theme, I would choose the 2019 Jermann Friuli Pinot Grigio, the 2019 Pieropan Soave Classico or the 2019 Antinori Chardonnay from Umbria. Gave y&rsquo;all some variety there!

RT: You certainly have. What do they have for non-Italian whites?

GH: We&rsquo;ve got California options! For something lighter you could go with 2018 Grenache Blanc from the Loomis vineyard, or if you wanna go classic California Chardonnay, you could do the 2020 Flowers from Sonoma Coast, or the 2019 Paul Hobbs from Russian River Valley. 

RT: Love those choices. Thanks for that Grace. Can&rsquo;t wait to hear your picks for the reds. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: Hahah you got it, Robert. Looking into the Italian reds, wow they have really gotten into details here! Starting off with Barbera &ndash; my pick would be the 2000 from Braida in the Asti region. Then moving right along in my personal favorite, Barolo. I would go with the 2013 Bovio Reserva. &nbsp;

RT: Let me guess&hellip;is Barbaresco next? &nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: It absolutely is Robert! Good guess haha and my pick would be this 2014 Bruno Giacoso which I have had before and is very good.

RT: Love it. How about some Rosso&rsquo;s and Brunello&rsquo;s?

GH: Coming right up! My pick for Rosso di Montalcino would be 2016 Tassi and my Brunello di Montalcino pick would be 2008 Saldero.

RT: Wow those sound superb! Which brings us to super Tuscans?

GH: You know it does Robert! This is definitely the biggest category on the list. But my top two picks for super Tuscans would be 2011 Podere or the 2014 Corte Alla Flora

RT: Love it. And how about a California pick for our non-Italian drinkers?

GH: Oh I&rsquo;m gonna hit you with some personal favorites. The 2006 sine qua non &ldquo;shot in the dark&rdquo;, the 2014 Calera Pinot Noir, and they&rsquo;ve got a 2012 Harlan estate. Thank me later friends! &nbsp;

RT: Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Toscana. &nbsp;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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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.

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