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

Herb & Wood

Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to San Diego where they explore the wine list at Herb & Wood,

Wine List Review of Herb & Wood, San Diego

Maria Valetta

Herb &amp; Wood

RT): Hi Everyone, welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert! Great to be back for another episode with you as we expand to southern California

RT: Today we are talking about Herb &amp; Wood, this little spot nestled within the Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego is known for Modern interpretations of Traditional Mediterranean cuisine.&nbsp; The retractable roof brings the outside in, while heat lamps in the winter keep you cozy as you nosh on a multitude of tapas-style plates coming from the wood-fired oven. The wine list at Herb &amp; Wood features a selection of Champagne and Ros&eacute; wines plus whites and reds broken down further into headings of Old world and New world, Maria, What do you think of their list?

MV: This is not a large list by any means, but the selection is lovely&hellip; well procured, with a lot of thought put into the offerings, with some excellent

Options from the US, France, Italy and Spain, and even Germany, Austria and Portugal&hellip; something for everyone for sure.

RT: Where should we begin then?

MV: They have some great wines by the glass too, so if sparkling is your thing too, Start with the Pierre Sparr But Rose from Alsace France &nbsp;- this lovely cr&eacute;mant d&rsquo;Alsace is 100% PN made in the champagne method- this will go down super easy! Or you could go with the Sancerre, Domaine Auchere this bright citrusy Sauv Blanc is the perfect companion to all the Hamachi crudo with ginger and apple or any of the Vegetable small plates.

RT: Do you have a fav red by the glass for this menu?

MV: order a glass of the Vietti Barbera d&rsquo;asti from Italy. I Love this Piedmont producer, this wine could go with just about everything. Let me say.. This food menu is great, so many options &ndash; something for everyone!

RT: any interesting bottles that we should not miss here?

MV: yes def some fun stuff on this list&hellip; and the markups are fair &hellip;the Vieux Telegraph La Crau 2020 CDP blancs are kind of rare&hellip; I used to sell this producer when I worked for International Wine Brokers. Dominated&nbsp; by Clairette grape and bolstered by 30% some Grenache Blanc, 15% Bourboulenc, 15% and Roussanne.

Another interesting white Bodegas Edet&aacute;ria &ldquo;Via Edetana &ldquo; Blanc DO Terra Alta Spain 2019 70%Grenache 30% Viognier highly aromatic wine, balanced by a bright acidity. South of Barcelona in Gandesa DO Terra Alta.

RT: I would definitely try both of those&hellip; any interesting red wines you would want us to drink?

MV: My pick is the Keenan Upper Bowl Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019, a single vineyard cab franc from Napa valley I&rsquo;m &nbsp;totally on board!

RT: That&rsquo;s an underrated gem of a grape for sure!

MV: oh yeah hey.Cheval Blanc knew from the get-go that Cab Franc could make fantastic juice.

RT: How about some value wines.. I know that the Spanish white you recommended falls into that category, any others in that nice price point?

MV: I have a few more great options for you: Try the Tornatore Etna Bianco 2019 a beautiful white from Sicily made from the native Carricante grape grown in volcanic soils

And for red since the menu has some killer pizzas and pasta dishes the Messer Oto Aglianico del Vulture &ndash; a rustic but unoaked version of the Aglianico grape from the Basilicata region of Italy.

RT: That sounds like a perfect wine for that Oxtail gnocchi dish on the menu

&hellip; now can you steer us towards an option or two that I could order to impress everyone at the table?

MV: Okay so take it up a notch because you&rsquo;re trying to impress your in-laws.. &nbsp;I actually think The Trimbach Grand Cru Geisberg (gaysbourg) 2016 Riesling is going to shine so brightly with honeysuckle and Asian sliced pear but with a superior dry finish...&nbsp; and if you are eyeing a re, splash out on the Margaux du Chateaux Margaux 2014 the third wine of famed premier cru Bordeaux estate chateaux Margaux but this is on-trade only offering so here&rsquo;s your chance to try this beauty it would be perfect with the Iberico pork secreto, and if you&rsquo;re on a new world wine kick the Shafer hillside select 2015 $626, you can&rsquo;t go wrong with this beauty - I can rarely recommend this one because it&#39;s always so insanely priced on a winelists so I&rsquo;m happy about this markup so make this top rated cabernet your top notch selection.

RT: Fantastic Choices &hellip;Well thank you Maria for helping us discover the wine list at Herb &amp; Wood in San Diego. And Thank you everyone for joining us today you can find more wine tips from Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine list? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

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Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Mussel Bay is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand. They are known for producing high-quality wines with a focus on sustainability and minimal intervention winemaking. Their vineyards are located in the Wairau and Awatere valleys, which are known for their ideal growing conditions for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

A changing menu of ocean-fresh fare offered in a nautical-themed space with an attached fish market.

Frenchette

Le Bernardin

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

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Charlie Bird

Becco

Buddha-Bar Restaurant New York

Buddha Bar

Franks Wine Bar

Frank's

Maison

Maison Premiere

Pastis

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Aldo Sohm

learn

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.

Walnut Creek Yacht Club

Brutocao Family Vineyards

Hopland Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mendocino, USA

Chardonnay

Adelsheim, Willamette Valley 2019

Oregon, USA

Truchard

Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay

California, USA

Falanghina Campi Flegrei Campania Italy 2019

Campania, Italy

Château d'Epiré

Cuvee Speciale Savennieres 2018

Chenin Blanc

France

Château Graville-Lacoste

Graves Blanc 2021

Blend

Graves, Bordeaux, France

Monticello Vineyards Corley Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019

Napa Valley, USA

Afton Mountain Vineyards, Cabernet Franc, Monticello 2018

Virginia, USA

Tablas Creek

Esprit de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles NV

California, USA

Régis Minet

Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fume 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire, France

Honig

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

California, USA

Matanzas Creek

Chardonnay 2019

Chardonnay

California, USA

Frank Family

Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay

Los Carneros, USA

Mestres

1312 Cava Reserva Brut 2020

Blend

Cava, Spain

Château Mongravey

Margaux 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bordeaux, France