Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let&rsquo;s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.

Omakase, a term that translates to &quot;I&#39;ll leave it up to you&quot; 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&#39;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.

In comparison with ordering &agrave; la carte sushi, omakase offers a more immersive and adventurous dining experience. The cooking techniques vary widely depending on the dish; sashimi may be delicately sliced raw fish or seafood, nigiri might involve hand-pressed rice topped with wasabi and neta (topping), while other dishes could be grilled or simmered.

An omakase meal typically lasts two to three hours and consists of anywhere between 10-20 courses. To show gratitude towards the chef for their skillful preparation, customers usually express verbal appreciation after each course is served.

Pairing wine with omakase can elevate this already exquisite experience even further. Here are some wines that complement different elements of an omakase meal:

1. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Von-Winning-Riesling-Herrenletten-Erste-Lage-Trocken-2021-w2600484yk">Riesling - Von Winning - Riesling Herrenletten Erste Lage Trocken 2021- $39.99</a>

Von Winning Winery has been producing wines since 1849 in Germany&#39;s Pfalz region known for its diverse soil types ideal for growing Riesling grapes. This particular wine showcases bright acidity balanced by notes of ripe peach and apricot alongside mineral undertones&mdash;a perfect match for delicate sashimi dishes.

2. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Hiedler-Gruner-Veltliner-Ried-Thal-2021-w5616107gk">Gruner Veltliner - Hiedler - Gruner Veltliner Ried Thal 2021 - $26.99</a>

Hailing from Austria&rsquo;s Langenlois region, Hiedler has been making wine since 1856. Their Gruner Veltliner Ried Thal is characterized by its fresh and lively acidity, with flavors of green apple and white pepper&mdash;excellent for cutting through richer omakase dishes.

3. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Domaine-LaFage-Rose-Miraflors-2022-w2115833ea">Ros&eacute; - Domaine LaFage - Ros&eacute; Miraflors 2022 - $18.99</a>

Domaine Lafage in France&#39;s Roussillon region is known for their high-quality wines produced from old vines. Their Ros&eacute; Miraflors boasts a vibrant pink hue with notes of red berries and citrus fruits&mdash;a versatile choice that can complement a variety of omakase courses.

4. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/sake/Konteki-Pearls-Of-Simplicity-Junmai-Daig-w52718362g">Sake - Konteki - Pearls Of Simplicity Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) - $37.99</a>

Produced in Kyoto, Japan&rsquo;s ancient capital, Konteki Sake represents the epitome of Japanese tradition. The &quot;Pearls Of Simplicity&quot; Junmai Daiginjo offers clean and smooth flavors with hints of pear and melon&mdash;an authentic pairing to honor the origins of omakase dining.

In conclusion, an Omakase meal is not just about eating; it&#39;s about surrendering yourself to the chef&#39;s expertise while embarking on a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds one course at a time&mdash;and when paired with carefully selected wines or sake, this experience becomes even more unforgettable.

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

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Row 34

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas demystify the wine list at Row 34 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wine Review of Row 34, Boston, Massachusetts

Michaela Quinlan

Row 34

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.

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Row 34. Row 34 features locations in Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, and Portsmouth, where they strive to feature the freshest seafood, oysters, and lobsters in the area. Come for a personal seafood fix or plan a private event. Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: I am excited to share some favorites from around the world to pair with their incredible menu, from the raw bar, to a stately burger, we have the pairings for you.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: As we are all aware, a wonderful way to kick off any dining experience is with bubbles. My first consideration today is the J Laurens Blanquette de Limoux. This is a beautiful brut sparkling wine from Limoux, located in the Languedoc that also falls into our quality and value category featuring aromas of white flowers, and flavors of green apple and brioche. Not only a perfect aperitif, but a classic pairing with any fried dishes.

&nbsp;

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: This is a unique and versatile wine for consideration, the 2020 Foradori, Manzoni Bianco from Trentino-Alto Adige. Manzoni Bianco is a white grape that grows in Northern Italy and produces a medium-bodied white wine that is sure to become a favorite of riesling and pinot blanc fans with aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and honey, followed by flavors of green apple, and a mineral finish. A wonderful pairing for lighter fish and shellfish.

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: A must-try for our bold, red wine fans would be the 2019 Tetramythos Agiorgitiko, from Greece. The Agiorgitiko grape is rich and hearty featuring aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plumb, with flavors of black pepper and oak on the finish. If you are checking out any rich proteins or the burger on the menu, this is the way to go.

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: Since Row 34 does feature spectacular seafood, one wine to consider for the table would be the 2019 Vincent Fournier Sancerre Blanc from the Loire Valley. What I enjoy about Sauvignon Blanc, specifically from Loire, and of course Sancerre, is the bright acidity, and minerality. This wine blends lime zest, lemon, and grapefruit, along with faint herbs and brilliant minerality on the finish&hellip;beautifully well-balanced. Truly a crowd-pleasing white wine to pair with fish and seafood options.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A fantastic quality and value wine to consider would be the 2020 Soalheiro Primeiras, Vinhas, Alvarinho, from Portugal. If you are contemplating the oysters or fried clams perhaps, this is a wine to consider. Its bright acidity, minerality, and medium body, along with aromas and flavors of ripe pear and citrus truly define quality in this value wine.

RT: That sounds great. Any other value wines on the menu?

MQ: Of course! We can head back to Northern Italy for the 2018 Venica &amp; Venica Merlot from Friuli. This merlot exudes aromas and flavors of red cherries, blueberries, plumb, with tobacco and earth on the finish. Round, soft tannins and structure make this merlot one to savor and pair with any richly sauced dishes&hellip;all at an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: When reviewing the menu, I have to mention Chardonnay. Specifically, a chardonnay that will complement the raw bar, as well as dense fish and lobster. One to consider for a special occasion would be the 2018 Daniel &ndash; Etienne Defaix, Chablis, from Burgundy. This 14th-generation winemaker produces a well-balanced, fresh Chardonnay featuring aromas of ripe pear, and peach, with flavors of citrus and honey and a mineral finish in part to the classic chablis kimmeridgian soil which consists of limestone and seashells. A beautiful bottle to share during any special event.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Row 34&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.

Thank you.

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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

D’Agostino’s Trattoria

Decoy

Brut Cuvee NV

Blend

California, USA

Sassoregale

Maremma Toscana Sangiovese 2018

Sangiovese

Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy

Col dei Venti

Barbera d'Asti Petraia 2017

Barbera

Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Saracco

Moscato d'Asti 2019

Moscato Bianco

Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Republic Of Pink

Rose 2020

Blend

Central Coast, California, USA

Vigneti

Bollini Pinot Grigio, delle Dolomiti IGT 2019

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Louis Guntrum km Rhein river Dry Riesling, Germany 2014

Riesling

Rheinhessen, Germany

Masi

Masianco 2019

Pinot Grigio

Venezia, Italy

Montinore Estate

Almost Dry Riesling 2017

Riesling

Oregon, USA

Alta Vista

Vive Classic Torrontes NV

Torrontes

Mendoza, Argentina

Decoy

Sonoma County Chardonnay 2018

Chardonnay

California, USA

The Prisoner

Unshackled Red Blend 2019

Blend

California, USA

Ferrari Carano

Fume Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Sonoma County, USA

Decoy

Sonoma County Merlot 2018

Merlot

California, USA

Ferrari Carano

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley, USA