Josh Ardizzoni, certified sommelier and cellar consultant, reviews the wine list of <a href="https://thegrillnewyork.com/">The Grill</a>, &nbsp;a mid-century American Steakhouse inside the iconic Seagram Building in Midtown East. It&rsquo;s expensive, glitzy, and definitely smacks of mid-20th-century fat-cat dining, but it&rsquo;s well worth dining here. Whether you are in the mood for land, sky, or sea, the menu offers a delicious array of dishes, and the extensive wine list offers an impressive selection of champagnes, an impressive Premier Cru selection, and many exciting wines from Europe and beyond.

If celebration is on your mind, and you&rsquo;re in the mood for a little decadent indulgence, The Grill offers a classy, classic New York experience.

They offer several vintages of Louis Roederer, Cristal, ranging from 1997 to 2013, Moet Chandon, Dom Perignon, and more, and you can choose a three-litre bottle, six litres, or a magnum.

Champagne engages all the senses, from the first pop of the cork to the fizz when pouring, and the light pop of the bubbles in the glass. Then there is the delicate color, aroma, and texture on the tongue. It&rsquo;s light, delightful, and a downright joyous way to kick off an evening with friends.

Identifying the delicate tasting notes of champagne is no easy task, it takes dedication, focus, and the arduous task of drinking lots and lots of different types and styles of champagne.

The tasting notes in Champagne wines are subtle but every bottle has unique characteristics that have developed over time, and of course, are derived from the grape, age, producing and bottling. All elements converge and merge and mature into their own, unique bottle with notes that can range from fruity to floral, wood or spice.

At The Grill, consider kicking off the evening with a bottle of Dom P&eacute;rignon, Lady Gaga, 2010, the floral aromas, nuttiness, toast and a tight salinity, this wine is full-bodied and dry, and wonderfully fresh.

A champagne that offers value in addition to sparkle is the Mouss&eacute; L&#39;Or d&#39;Eugene, Perpetuelle, it&rsquo;s a blend of 80% pinot meunier and 20% pinot noir. This wine has a deep and complex bouquet of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, and candied peel. It&#39;s medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, and would complement many of the appetizers on the menu.

To learn more about the wine list at The Grill, <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/the-grill/episodes/7">check out the CorkRules podcast</a>&nbsp;with Josh Ardizonni.

Josh, a CorkRules&rsquo; sommelier, talks about where the exciting side of where champagne is going, and he identifies those exclusive and beautifully-aged bottles as well as the extraordinary value wines on the list such as Les Beaux Regards from B&eacute;reche &amp; Fils, the 2015 Volnay-Champans from Marquis d&rsquo;Angerville, and the 1986 Ch&acirc;teau Rauzan-S&eacute;gla from Margaux.

The tasting notes in Champagne wines are subtle but every bottle has unique characteristics that have developed over time, and of course, are derived from the grape, age, producing and bottling. All elements converge and merge and mature into their own, unique bottle with notes that can range from fruity to floral, wood or spice.

Tasting Notes in Champagne at The Grill

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world's most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world's best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our palates yearn for refreshing beverages that embody the essence of summer. For those new to the world of wine, choosing between cider, orange wine, and rosé can be a delightful journey. Each offers unique flavors and experiences perfect for warm weather sipping. In this article, we’ll explore three standout choices: Wolffer Dry Cider No. 139, Cune Viña Rosado 2023, and Spiritus Terrae Malvasia Orange 2021.

Savoring Summer: The Best Rosé Drink Choices from Cider-Orange-Rosé for Beginners

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

The Switch? – #restaurantfail #winelistfail

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

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

Frasca Food and Wine

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas tune in to Frasca in Boulder, Colorado where they explore wine for all occasions including hanging in the mountains or after skiing down the slopes.

Wine List Review of Frasca Food and Wine, Boulder Colorado

Grace Hood

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

GH: Hey hey 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. Alright, Grace &ndash; what fabulous spot are we chatting about today?

GH: Well, we are diving into a wine list that came as a request from one of our listeners. Today we&rsquo;ll be chatting about the selections at Frasca in Boulder Colorado.

RT: Sounds great. Now I know you spent some time working in the wine scene of Colorado, correct?

GH: That is correct Robert! I was a sommelier in Vail for the 2018 ski season. And I&rsquo;ve spent time in lots of other parts of Colorado &ndash; Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver Aspen, Steamboat etc. they might not be able to grow grapes, but Colorado people definitely love to drink good wine.

RT: Love the sound of that. Sancerre in the snow. Merlot in the mountains.

GH: Amen to that Robert!

RT: Hahah alright should we jump into the Frasca list?

GH: Let&rsquo;s do it! They have a lovely international mix of wines, but they specialize in the &aacute;rea of Fruili in Italy. So, we&rsquo;ll def be seeing some unique Italian wines on the list.

RT: Bellisima &nbsp;

GH: Prego Roberto haha starting off with bubbles. If you&rsquo;re feeling a classic champagne, you could go with the Chartogne Tallier Brut Rose or the 2016 Bereche et File Beaux Regards. And if you wanted an Italian sparkling, they have the Scarpetta Brut Rose from the owner of Frasca himself, Bobby Stuckey&nbsp;

RT: Oh yeah Bobby is famous in Boulder, correct?

GH: &nbsp;Indeed Robert! He kind of put Boulder on the map as a foodie town. And has since added winemaker onto his resume.

RT: He sounds like you Grace &ndash; having your hand in every part of the wine industry.

GH: Totally! Knowledge is power as they say.

RT: Alright moving on from sparkling. What are you thinking for some light white selections?

GH: Well we definitely have to highlight from Fiuili wines. My picks would be the 2019 Borgo de Tiglio Fruiliano. As well as the 2018 Kante Malvasia.

RT: Mmm I can taste the acid and the citrus from all the way here in Connecticut. Wine really does transport you all over the world, doesn&rsquo;t it?

GH: It certainly does Robert. It&rsquo;s so simple yet so complex.

RT: What else is looking tasty in the whites section?

GH: Well, it&rsquo;s not an Italian list without some pinot grigio. I&rsquo;m digging the look of 2020 Foradori from Alto Adige. Also interested in this 2020 Vintage Tunia from the classic Italian producer Jermann.

RT: Yum both of those sound great. Now how about some Italian chardonnay?

GH: Reading my mind Robert! I would go with either the 2019 from Borgo de Tigli, or the 2020 from Ronc Platat

RT: Great choices Grace. Thanks for that. Alright, have we come to the main event? Italian reds?

GH: Ain&rsquo;t nothing to it but to do it! Starting off with some light pinot nero, I would go with the 2017 from Fruili Colli Oreientalli. And then if you wanted something with a bit more weight on it, they have a 1999 le Macchiole Syrah from Bolgeri.

RT: Oh, wow we don&rsquo;t drink nearly enough Italian syrah. Move over France haha

GH: I know right? I&rsquo;m super curious about that one. And speaking of curious, I wouldn&rsquo;t turn down this 2001 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d&rsquo;Abruzzo, or this 2006 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selectzione.

RT: Oh, wow neither would I. Those both sound killer. Thanks for pointing those out, Grace. Alright what are you thinking for our listeners who like something big bold and tannic?

GH: Oh man they have a 1994 San Leonardo from Gonzaga, or a 2004 Brunello di Montelcino from Cerbaiona.

RT: Grazi Mille! Grace - thank you so much for helping us navigate the Italian wine list at Frasca. &nbsp;To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; 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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

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

Fullglass Wines is a family-owned winery located in the heart of McLaren Vale, known for producing high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region.

Contemporary spot for aged steaks, seafood & chops at the Doubletree Ontario Airport hotel.

Per Se

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

Porter’s Prime Steak House

Available Wines
Total Wines - 7

Hardys

Nottage Hill Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

South Eastern Australia, Australia

Columbia Crest

Grand Estates Merlot NV

Merlot

Washington, USA

Decoy

Sonoma County Merlot NV

Merlot

California, USA

Murphy-Goode

Red Blend NV

Blend

California, USA

Zaca Mesa

Z Cuvee NV

Grenache

Santa Ynez Valley, USA

Proverb

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Owl Block

Reserve Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Central Coast, USA