California Chardonnay: it&#39;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&#39;re diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

California Chardonnay&#39;s rise to fame is a fascinating tale involving a few key ingredients: a chance upset, ideal growing conditions, and evolving winemaking styles.

The Judgement of Paris (1976): This blind tasting, where Californian Chardonnays triumphed over prestigious French Burgundies, sent shockwaves through the wine world. It proved that California could compete with, and even surpass, established wine regions. This win put Californian Chardonnay on the map and sparked international interest.

Sunshine State Advantage: California&#39;s sunny climate proved ideal for Chardonnay grapes. The warm days and cool nights allowed the grapes to develop ripe fruit flavors while retaining refreshing acidity, a key factor in a well-balanced wine. This happy marriage of climate and grape variety made California Chardonnays a crowd-pleaser.

From Buttery to Bold (and Beyond): Early California Chardonnays often leaned heavily on oak aging, resulting in a rich, buttery style. While popular initially, this style eventually faced a backlash. Winemakers began exploring different techniques, like using less oak or stainless steel tanks, to showcase the grape&#39;s natural fruit flavors and create a wider range of Chardonnay expressions. Today, you can find California Chardonnays in a spectrum of styles, from unoaked and crisp to rich and barrel-aged.

This combination of a pivotal tasting, ideal growing conditions, and a willingness to experiment with winemaking styles all contributed to California Chardonnay&#39;s rise to superstardom.

Here are three California bottles won&#39;t disappoint.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Anthill-Farms-Chardonnay-Russian-River-Valley-Peugh-Vineyard-2021-w42758470w">1. Anthill Farms - Chardonnay Russian River Valley Peugh Vineyard 2021:</a>&nbsp;- $49.99

<ul>
	<li>Winery:&nbsp;Three passionate friends with grit (and maybe a little dirt under their fingernails) started Anthill Farms. They learned the ropes at prestigious wineries before chasing their dream.</li>
	<li>Flavor Profile:&nbsp;Imagine a crisp walk through a summer orchard, with juicy pear, tangerine, and hints of honeysuckle. The subtle oak adds a touch of vanilla bean for a luxurious finish.</li>
	<li>Food Pairing:&nbsp;This wine craves seafood. Think grilled lobster with lemon butter or creamy Dungeness crab cakes.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Beringer-Chardonnay-Napa-Valley-Private-Reserve-2022-w046619545">2. Beringer - Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve 2022:</a>&nbsp;- $35.99

<ul>
	<li>Winery:&nbsp;Beringer boasts a rich history dating back to the 1870s. They&#39;re Napa Valley royalty, known for crafting bold, yet balanced wines.</li>
	<li>Flavor Profile:&nbsp;This Chardonnay is all sunshine and smiles. Expect notes of pineapple, mango, and a hint of minerality. The oak influence is present but adds a touch of spice and toasty brioche, not overwhelming sweetness.</li>
	<li>Food Pairing:&nbsp;Beringer&#39;s Private Reserve is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it with roasted chicken with creamy herb stuffing, or go lighter with goat cheese salad and grilled peaches.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Pride-Chardonnay-2017-w7207869y8">3. Pride - Chardonnay 2017 </a>- $46.99 

(Note: Due to the vintage being 2017, this wine might be challenging to find)

<ul>
	<li>Winery:&nbsp;shrouded in a bit of mystery, Pride focuses on small-production, high-quality Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.</li>
	<li>Flavor Profile:&nbsp;With some bottle age, this Chardonnay is likely to be evolving into something truly special. Expect richer flavors of stone fruit, honey, and a touch of butterscotch. Look for hints of spice and toast from oak aging.</li>
	<li>Food Pairing:&nbsp;This Chardonnay can stand up to heartier dishes. Think creamy mushroom risotto, roasted pork tenderloin with caramelized onions, or even a decadent cheese board.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

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!

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

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

Barberian's Steak House

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Barberian's Steakhouse in Toronto, Canada

Wine List Review of Barberians, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Barberians

Barberian&rsquo;s:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, 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.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Barberian&rsquo;s Steakhouse. This family-run Toronto steakhouse has been in business since 1959. The classic menu, comfortable dining room, private dining in their extensive wine cellar, and many displays by local artists, make Barbarian&rsquo;s a must-visit.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: If you are looking for a who&rsquo;s who of top producers, and in nearly every vintage, you have come to the right place. With over 100 pages to peruse, there is certainly something for all palates.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Where to begin? Let&rsquo;s start with the 2016 Sacred Hill, Riflemans Chardonnay from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. This well-balanced white wine features bright acidity, lemon zest, ripe pear and green apple, along with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the creamy, round finish. Consider this oaked Chardonnay when pairing with rich fish such as tuna, or richly sauced and herbed chicken.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: If you are considering classic, steakhouse fare, the 2019 Anthill Farms Syrah from the Sonoma Coast of California is a winner. I love the Syrah from Anthill Farms, as it showcases ripe cranberries, black pepper, and spice. The balance of bright acidity and ripe, round tannins allow this standout red to stand up to steaks and pork chops.

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: Another must-try wine is the 2010 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia, Reserva from Rioja Spain. The Lopez de Heredia family began creating age-worthy wine around 1877 becoming one of the first three wineries in Rioja. This 97-point rated Tempranillo blend features ripe, red cherries, plumb, dried flowers, ripe tannins, with notes of earth and vanilla on the finish. We know this wine has aged in oak, as it notes the Reserva designation, where the wine ages for a minimum of three years, with at least 12 months in oak. Again, we can thank Spain for aging this beautiful wine for us, as it is certainly ready to enjoy with all the steakhouse classics.

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: Have I mentioned there are many, many stand-out wines on this list? Another, bold, rich, red wine to consider to pair with all steakhouse fare is the &nbsp;2018 Chappellet Signature from Napa Valley, California. This organic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec showcases aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, plumb, fig, and cassis, with notes of cedar, smoke, and nutmeg on the lingering finish. A Classic Napa wine for richly sauced proteins and pasta.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind, any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A bone-dry, medium-bodied white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2014 Domaine Gardies, Mas Las Cabes Blanc from the Languedoc region of France. This Muscat Blanc features aromas of white flowers, lemon and lime zest, tangerine, and apricot, with a mineral finish. Enjoy this white wine with lightly sauced proteins, grilled vegetables, and cheese.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Next we have an incredible Italian red wine of excellent value for your consideration. The 2015 Arnaldo-Caprai, Montefalco Rosso from Umbria. This stand out blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and Merlot is rich, full bodied, and features ripe blackberries, white pepper, sage, and lavender, with notes of vanilla on the lingering finish. Pair this quality/value red with herbed proteins.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: With so many remarkable wines on this list, you can certainly find multiple options to take your dining experience to the next level. Staying true to my favorite regions and varietals, consider the &nbsp;2008 Quintarelli Cabernet Franc Alzero from the Veneto of Italy. Rated 95 points by the Wine Advocate, this wine was first produced in 1983 and has yet to ship a vintage. The process of making this wine is similar to Amarone by allowing the grapes to dry prior to extended oak aging. This result is rich flavors of dried fig and prune, with notes of raisin, earth, and vanilla on the long finish. The round tannins add to the pleasure of this wine. Certainly, pair this exceptional bottle with all steakhouse favorites and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Barberian&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.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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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.

Craft

R. Lopez de Heredia

Vina Tondonia 'Vina Cubillo' Crianza 2014

Rioja, Spain

Movia

Rebula - Ribolla 2019

Ribolla Gialla

Primorska, Slovenia

Flowers

Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast, USA

G.D. Vajra

Albe Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Chateau La Nerthe

Chateauneuf-du-Pape NV

Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France

Silver Thread, STV Estate Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Finger Lakes 2018

New York, USA

Wagner Vineyards, Unoaked Chardonnay, Finger Lakes 2018

New York, USA

Viña Zorzal

Garnacha Blanca 2020

Garnacha Blanca

Navarra, Spain

Domaine Dupasquier

Jacquere Savoie 2014

Jacquere

Savoie, France

Yohan Lardy

Cru Chenas Les Deschamps 2016

Gamay

France

Casa Setaro

Terramatta Aglianico 2021

Aglianico

Campania, Italy

Bond

Melbury 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Ravines

White Springs Vineyard Dry Riesling 2017

Riesling

New York, USA

Silver Thread, Semi-Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes 2017

New York, USA

Envinate

Albahra Garnacha Tintorera 2020

Spain