<a href="https://www.benoitny.com/">Benoit</a>&nbsp;is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

So let&rsquo;s start with a region that has a long and rich history in winemaking and has produced some of the most expensive wines in the world: Burgundy.

Burgundy is a wine region&nbsp;that is renowned for producing quality wine, and it is the best-growing region for pinot noir and chardonnay. So it&rsquo;s no surprise that most Burgundy whites are produced with chardonnay and the reds from pinot noir. Burgundy or La Bourgogne to the locals, &nbsp;is in east-central France. This temperate region has dry summers and autumns and soil rich in clay and Jurassic limestone. It is these conditions that help chardonnay and pinot noir varietals thrive.

&nbsp;

Burgundy also has a highest number of appellations d&#39;origine contr&ocirc;l&eacute;e (AOCs). The vineyards in Burgundy are classified into four levels, which are rated on the quality of the terroir and climate. These designations are clearly labeled on the bottle and reflected in the price point.

Grand Cru tops the list and is reserved for only the best vineyards in Burgundy. These labels are highly coveted by wine collectors as only around two percent receive this classification. In fact, there are only 34 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy.

One step down is Premier Cru which is awarded to around 12 percent, or 345, vineyards. Now you understand why Grand Cru wines are so expensive.

If you are looking for a wine from Burgundy&nbsp;that doesn&rsquo;t break the budget, a Village Wine offers value without compromising quality. These vineyards may be positioned next to Premier or Grand Cru vineyards but are one step away from the top classification. &nbsp;And finally, Regional wines receive the lowest classification and are often created from a combination of vineyards instead of a single village. Often these wines will be labeled as a wine of Bourgogne instead of Burgundy.

While pinot noir and chardonnay are the two main varietals in Burgundy wine production, aligot&eacute;, pinot gris, gamay, and sauvignon blanc are also used. Aligot&eacute; is a white grape used to make dry white wines. Gamay is a cousin of pinot noir and is more well-known as a varietal grown in Beaujolais, which is south of Burgundy. It&rsquo;s a light-bodied wine, similar to pinot noir. Sauvignon blanc originates from Bordeaux but it grows well pretty much everywhere. However, in Burgundy, there is only one appellation that allows Sauvignon in the wines: Saint Bris. &nbsp;

But let&rsquo;s head back to Benoit&rsquo;s wine list, and if a 28-page list is too much to navigate, head on over to the CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/benoit/episodes/18">podcast with certified Sommelier Grace Hood</a>&nbsp;shares her quick recommendations on delicious bottles from the list.

Salut!

&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;

&nbsp;

Benoit is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

Wines from Burgundy at Benoit

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

Carmine's - Las Vegas

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Carmine’s in Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Carmine's Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Carmine's

Carmine&rsquo;s Las Vegas 

<a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages</a>

<a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining">https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining</a>

RT): Hi Everyone, welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde on Instagram. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!&nbsp; Great to be back.. Today we are checking out THE WINE LIST AT an Italian restaurant that&rsquo;s always a good time.

RT: That&rsquo;s right MARIA, today we are talking about the wine list at Carmine&rsquo;s Las Vegas location. You can find Carmine&rsquo;s in the Forum shops which connect to Caesar&rsquo;s Palace. This 20,000-square-foot restaurant serves up hearty portions of Southern Italian favorites served family-style along with memorable-sized desserts. The restaurant also has 4 private dining rooms making it the perfect venue for ordering the very best wines on their list for serving at your next corporate event or special celebration. Maria, does the wine list match the portion sizes here?

MV: I am really liking this list&hellip; sometimes with chain-style restaurants, wine selections seem to be a little dumbed down&hellip; you know what I mean Robert?

RT: I Do... laughs

MV:&nbsp; but not at Carmine&#39;s, and it&rsquo;s not just Italian either&hellip; I mean sure&hellip; there are more Pinot grigio options than I&rsquo;ve seen in a long time on a list&hellip; but the good thing is, it doesn&rsquo;t stop there. We have Lambrusco, Franciacorta, German Riesling, Malbec from Argentina&hellip; cali favorites, and of course lots of lovely Italian reds to choose from!

RT: SOUNDS GREAT! So can you guide us through. Let&rsquo;s start with wines by the glass give us your top picks on whites and Reds here.

MV: Okay great! If you are a PG fan, (and hey.. I remember when that was the only Italian white you would see on an Italian wine list by the glass) try the . <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Pinot Grigio, Tiefenbrunner, Alto Adige, Italy</a> so way up NE in that upper corner of the boot you&rsquo;ll find quite a bit of German Influence hence the name&hellip; this is going to be crisp with citrus and apple.. with a touch of almond, a great aperitif.

Or if you like a buttery style chard with some nice oak influence then the&nbsp; Chalk Hill Chardonnay from RR Cali is for you..&nbsp;

RT: I&rsquo;m holding out for the reds&hellip;

MV: yes, I know you are &hellip;.so red BTG I&rsquo;m liking the Nero d&rsquo;Avola from Sicily by Regaleali&hellip; that&rsquo;s kind of fun to say, round tannins, juicy fruit profile remember the food at carmine&#39;s is southern Italian so going with the Sicilian wine absolutely makes sense for the food here

And not only do they offer these by the glass and the bottle but also the quartino.. one-third of a conventional 750-milliliter wine bottle, enough for two small glasses, or enough to carry one diner through a plate of pasta.

RT: Nice a little extra wine.. count me in.. so let&rsquo;s have a peak at the bottles you recommend..

MV: There are some standouts on the bubbly list not to be missed that I mentioned quickly above&hellip; the Ca&rsquo; Del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta I call the Champagne of Italy..the bottle itself is beautiful! Great price too&hellip; a value wine for sure.

And also the Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco from the Emilio Romagna (the area where we get parmigiana reggiano and also prosciutto&hellip; Lambrusco is making a come back.. it&rsquo;s so fun to drink&hellip; this is great with a plate of cold antipasto ya know&hellip; Italian meats and cheese so give it whirl.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Lambrusco, Cleto Chiarli, Emilia Romagna</a>

RT: I like both of these options.. what about some whites and reds that could be wallet-friendly?

MV: that&rsquo;s easy. The <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Soave Classico, Pieropan</a> is a great option for the food here. From stuffed artichokes to a bowl of hot mussels to Clams and spaghetti this wine made from the Garganega &nbsp;from one of the best producers.. and from the classico part of the region is going to be perfect and fit with any budget.

My red wallet-friendly <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Barbera, Pio Cesare</a> a very very old Barolo producer.. family owned

For more than 100 years and through generations &hellip; lots of ripe fruit here bolstered by complexity. Veal marsala or <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining">Chicken Saltimbocca </a>

&nbsp;With this lush wine.

If you want a denser wine the <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Valipolicella-Ripasso, Sant&#39; Antonio</a> 2018 this&nbsp; estate wine from the Veneto is a great bet and also great price.. the grapes here have been passed through the must of Amarone grapes which is why it&rsquo;s called Ripasso.. it means to repass&hellip;that give a riper denser fruit character, more tannins and makes it more interesting. A porterhouse steak could work with this wine.

RT: We should all drink more Valpolicella Ripasso!

Now say you&rsquo;ve secured one of those private event rooms and you&rsquo;re throwing a special party.. what are you pouring?

MV: If I plan on making an impression, then this is my line up&hellip; the Perrier Jouet grand Brut Champagne from Epernay France to great my guests&hellip;

Then on to a super interesting white &hellip;.get this!!!! They have a Gruner Veltliner from Italy&hellip; usually an Austrian variety&hellip; but this is so far up north in Italy that we&#39;re at the border of Austria so this makes sense.&nbsp; Abbazia di Novacella Gruner Veltliner 2020 a quarter of this wine is fermented in large oak casks giving it a silky texture and lean finish to go with the baked green apple, peach and wet stone notes.

Then &hellip;.on to the 2 kings of Italy: Barolo and Brunello. Nebbiolo and Sangiovese

The Damilano Barolo 2016 which is the Nebbiolo grape is going to be Tar, leather dried roses and dried cherries with polished tannins and then Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino&nbsp; 2017 is going to be Tart Cherries, Tomato paste, Italian oregano and a powerful finish..&nbsp; both of these clock in at about 14,5 % alc so robust for sure..&nbsp; and tasting these side by side is really going to be a lot of fun for guests and will be excellent with Carmine&rsquo;s red gravy dominated dishes

RT: Sounds like an event I&rsquo;d like to be invited to... killer, line up Maria

RT: well that&rsquo;s it for today&#39;s podcast episode on Carmine&rsquo;s Italian restaurant in Las Vegas .. 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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

SeaGlass is a family-owned winery located in California's Central Coast region. The winery was founded in 2006 by the Wagner family, who have been involved in California winemaking for over a century.

Hot spot for upscale Asian fusion dishes in a swanky setting with a giant Buddha & techno tunes.

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

Buddakan

Bodegas Grant Fino La Garrocha Sherry, Andalucia NV

Andalucia, Spain

Michele Chiarlo

Moscato d'Asti Nivole NV

Moscato

Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Casarena Areyna, Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo NV

White Blend

Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

P. J. Valckenberg

Gewurztraminer NV

Gewurztraminer

Pfalz, Germany

Domaine La Tour Vieille

Rimage Banyuls NV

Grenache

Banyuls, France

Grard Bertrand Languedoc Syrah/Grenache NV

Red Rhone Blend

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

MAN

Pinotage (Bosstok) NV

Pinotage

Coastal Region, South Africa

Araldica

La Luciana Gavi NV

Cortese

Gavi - Cortese di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy

E. Guigal

Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc NV

Viognier

Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Cellars

Cline, Estate Syrah, Sonoma County NV

Sonoma County, USA

Schloss Gobelsburg

Zweigelt Reserve NV

Zweigelt

Niederosterreich, Austria

Sonoma Cutrer

Russian River Valley California NV

Sonoma Coast, USA

Folie à Deux

Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Russian River Valley, USA

Château Font Merlet

Bordeaux Superieur NV

Blend

Bordeaux, France