<a href="https://balthazarny.com/">Balthazar </a>is an iconic French Brasserie in the heart of Soho, Manhattan, and indeed, it is so very French. The waiting staff, the decor, the clientele and the vibe is reminiscent of a typical French cafe. Elegantly casual, but let&rsquo;s move on to the wine list. The wine list is all French, and as such, most wines are made from French grape varietals, so let&rsquo;s take a look at the nuances and notes of a few varietals that are the foundation of the wine.

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From north to south, the various wine regions have distinct characteristics in climate and soil, and of course, each region grows the varietals that are best suited to thrive, but because the climate and terroir inform the texture, sweetness, age of vine and harvest time of the grape, the flavor of the same varietals differ depending on the location. &nbsp;

There are over 200 indigenous wine varietals, some are well-known and loved, chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. These are the friendly bottles you can call up on a Friday night to kick back with because you know what to expect; but there are others that are lesser-known varietals like persan, prunelard noir, and lival. You might order a bottle of these strangers if you&rsquo;re looking for a little adventure.

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At Balthazar, they offer wines from every region, but let&rsquo;s explore the wines of Bordeaux. Why? Because the popular merlot and cabernet sauvignon originated from Bordeaux and when you think Bordeaux, you automatically think red. In fact, ninety percent of Bordeaux wines are red wines made with merlot and cabernet sauvignon.

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Bordeaux wine country&nbsp;is divided into two main regions: the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The terroir of the Left Bank

Well, one of the biggest differences between the Left and Right banks is what&rsquo;s in the soil. The Left Bank is warmer and the soil has more gravel, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc thrive here. Cabernet Sauvignon needs more heat than merlot to ripen and release the sugars that deliver bold black fruit flavors, high levels of tannin and acid. Additionally, the gravel ensures good drainage and holds heat better than the clay soils of the Right Bank.

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The Right Bank terroir has more clay and limestone, and the climate is cooler and wetter. Merlot ripens in the slightly cooler temperature of this area, and the wetter, cooler clay soil helps nurture smooth tannins and a mix of red and black fruit flavours.

For more tips and recommendations, check out this CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/balthazar/episodes/17">wine review podcast</a>&nbsp;episode where certified sommelier Maria Valetta reviews Balthazar&rsquo;s wine list.

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About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

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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;&nbsp;

Balthazar is an iconic French Brasserie in the heart of Soho, Manhattan, and indeed, it is so very French. The waiting staff, the decor, the clientele and the vibe is reminiscent of a typical French cafe. Elegantly casual, but let’s move on to the wine list. The wine list is all French, and as such, most wines are made from French grape varietals, so let’s take a look at the nuances and notes of a few varietals that are the foundation of the wine.

Bordeaux Wines at Balthazar

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

Craft

Robert Tas interviews Cheron Cowan, an Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers and the beverage director from Craft, Tom Colicchio’s flagship restaurant in Manhattan.

Wine List Review of Craft, Manhattan, New York City

Robert Tas

Craft

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

Excited to announce our CorkRules app is now available for download, it has 40K of your favorite restaurants where you can get personalized recommendations, price transparency and connect with your friends. It&rsquo;s a place to discover and order wine with confidence.

Welcome to today&rsquo;s podcast where&nbsp;we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Cheron Cowan, Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers and the beverage director from Craft Restaurant in NYC.

Hello Cheron,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you join us here on CorkRules.

CC: Hi Robert! Excited to be here.

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: So today, we are talking Tom Colicchio&rsquo;s flagship restaurant in NYC Craft. Restaurant is located in the Flatiron area of Manhattan. It has a great vibe, dramatic setting, and very inviting feel. This is one of my favorite places to have a meal.

Cheron, as you know I recently had the pleasure of dining with you and I super excited to chat about your list. But I&rsquo;d like to start by getting to know you.

CC: Tell me about your background, journey to Craft, and special experiences. Talk about your wine journey with Masters of Sommeliers.

RT: Wow impressive. Alright, let&rsquo;s jump into your fabulous list.

CC: Give an overview of the list, highlight some key areas.

RT: Let&rsquo;s talk about BTG program, I always think this is a great way for folks to try cool stuff. I also love all your half bottle selections.

CC: Overview, then give 2-3 options be specific.

RT: Cool. Your list has a lot to offer, what are some the unique offerings that I might not see on other lists. Anything off the beat and path?

CC: 2-3 options, be specific.

RT: What about some hidden gems for value hunters.

RT: Alright, I&rsquo;m gonna throw you a softball, Craft has hosted many celebrations. What are your recommendations for my big night out?

CC: Give 2-3 options, be specific.

RT: Cheron Thank you so much joining us here on CorkRules talking about the fabulous list at Craft.

CC: &hellip;

RT: &nbsp;

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To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

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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 the CorkRules app that has over 40K restaurants that provides personalized recommendations, provides price transparency and allows you to connect you&rsquo;re your friends. Order with confidence.

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

Lampato is a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Founded in 2009 by Gianluca Pichierri, the winery is committed to producing high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region. Lampato's winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention and organic farming practices, allowing the grapes to fully express their natural characteristics.

Artful restaurant offering Southern comfort food with a twist, plus craft cocktails & happy hours.

Meson

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

BondST

Buenos Aires Restaurant

Buenos Aires

Meadowsweet

Casa Mono

Atera

La Cava

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

Quality Italian

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

Red Rooster Overtown

Benvolio

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Gris

Friuli Grave, Italy

Colimoro

Pinot Grigio Alto Adige NV

Pinot Gris

Italy

Daniel Cohn

Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sonoma Coast, USA

Sella & Mosca

La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna NV

Vermentino

Sardinia, Italy

Château Pey de Pont

Medoc NV

Blend

Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Ysios Rioja Reserva, Spain, La Rioja, Rioja NV

Tempranillo

La Rioja, Spain

Château de Saint-Pey

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru NV

Blend

France

Rodney Strong

Charlotte's Home Estate Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County, USA

Wade Cellars

Three by Wade Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley, USA

Kendall-Jackson

Jackson Estate Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Petaluma Gap, USA

Clos de los Siete, Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco NV

Malbec Blend

Mendoza, Argentina

Kenwood

Six Ridges Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Russian River Valley, USA

Alma

Gen del, Chenin Blanc Ji Ji Ji, Argentina, Mendoza NV

Chenin Blanc

Mendoza, Argentina

Jordan

Chardonnay 2004

Chardonnay

California, USA

Domaine Fournier Père et Fils

Sancerre Blanc 'Les Belles Vignes' NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre, France