The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.&nbsp;

By the way, we love champagne with all kinds of food (seafood, fried chicken, spicy food, etc) and is more than just for a quick toast at midnight.&nbsp;

High-End Champagnes:&nbsp;

When it comes to high-end champagnes, names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug often come to mind. These prestigious champagnes are typically reserved for special occasions and are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> is produced by Moet &amp; Chandon and is named after the Benedictine monk who is often credited with discovering the champagne-making process. Krug, on the other hand, is known for its rich and complex flavors, thanks to its unique production methods, including fermentation in small oak barrels. These won&#39;t disappoint! Yum!!&nbsp;

More Approachable Options:&nbsp;

If you&#39;re looking for a more approachable champagne that still offers great quality, there are plenty of options to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> are two examples of champagnes that are well-regarded but are often more affordable than their high-end counterparts. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> is known for its delicate, fruity flavors, while <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> is a type of champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a crisp and elegant taste. Solid choices!&nbsp;

Blanc de Blanc:

Blanc de Blanc is a term used to describe champagnes that are made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its light and crisp flavors, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste. Blanc de Blanc champagnes are often a great option for pairing with seafood or light appetizers.&nbsp;

Lower-End Examples and Spanish Cava:

If you&#39;re looking for lower-end champagne options, there are plenty of choices to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Piper-Heidsieck-Brut-Cuvee-w504046291">Piper-Heidsieck&#39;s Brut Non-Vintage</a> is a great affordable option that still offers great quality and flavor. This champagne is known for its fresh and lively taste, making it a great choice for casual gatherings. In addition to champagne, <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a> is another great option to consider for all budgets. Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in Spain using the traditional champagne method, and it offers great quality at a more affordable price point.&nbsp;

Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider. From prestigious names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug to more affordable options like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a>, there&#39;s a champagne out there for every taste and budget.&nbsp;

Cheers to the holiday season! #drinkwhatyoulove #bubbles

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.

Bubbles for the Holidays!!

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

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Robert Tas and special guest, Bradley Knebel, General Manager of Tatiana, talk about Bradley’s career in wine, inclusivity and diversity in wine production, and, of course, the wines on the list at Tatiana.

Wine List Review of Tatiana, New York City

Robert Tas

Tatiana

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 my special guest Bradley Knebel, General Manager of Tatiana by Kuwamee Onwuatchi.

Hello Bradley,&nbsp;I&rsquo;m so excited to have you join our CorkRules podcast.

BK: Hi Robert, it&#39;s great to be here.

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list 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: Today we are talking about one of the hottest restaurants in NY. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi,&nbsp; located in the Lincoln center.

Bradley, I&rsquo;m super excited to talk about your journey to opening the restaurants, the food and of course it&rsquo;s wine program. But first tell us about you.

BK: Give introduction to yourself. Background, experience, path to GM and wine.

RT: Wow amazing journey. So now let&rsquo;s talk about the restaurant and the journey.

BK: Talk about your involvement from the beginning, path to opening. Talk about the food. How it&rsquo;s going.

RT: Amazing. Ok, let&rsquo;s pivot to your wine program.

BK: Give an overview of the program. How it&rsquo;s organized.

RT: Before we jump into your list, what is a boozy jelly? Sounds yum.

BK: &hellip;

RT: Wow super cool. Alright, let&rsquo;s start with your wine by glass selections.

BK: &hellip;be specific

RT: As I look at your list, it&rsquo;s really well curated. What are some unique wines that you all offer?

BK: &hellip;be specific

RT: I also love how your list offers many great bottles under $100 any great one that you&rsquo;d recommend?

BK: &hellip;

RT: And then of course I love the reserve section, if I&rsquo;m gonna celebrate something special, how do elevate my experience?

BK: &hellip;

RT: Bradley this has been amazing.&nbsp; Thank you so much for joining here on CorkRules and for all your great suggestions. Congratulations on all your success.

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.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for all our latest episodes and to download the CorkRules app for Apple ios. It provides personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to order wine with confidence with price transparency and of course, connect with your friends.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you. We look forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon.

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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

Saved is a boutique winery located in the heart of California wine country. They specialize in producing high-quality, hand-crafted wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Their wines are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts around the world.

A well-heeled crowd enjoys updated Southern Italian fare in a space decorated with historic murals.

Craft

Craft L.A.

Barbrix

Wally's

The Belvedere

Spago Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck

Spago

Jeune Et Jolie

Cucina Urbana

Rossoblu

Petit Trois

Cowboy Star

request

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.

The Leopard at des Artistes

Schiopetto

Collio Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Grigio

Colli Berici, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Marion

Valpolicella Superiore 2015

Blend

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Tenuta Ponte

Taurasi DOCG, Campania 2011

Campania, Italy

Marion

Valpolicella Superiore 2016

Blend

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Frey

Organic Chardonnay 2018

Chardonnay

Mendocino, USA

Giodo

La Quinta, Toscana IGT 2018

Toscana, Tuscany, Italy

Alois

Morrone Pallagrello Bianco 2019

Pallagrello Bianco

Campania, Italy

Azienda Agricola Abrigo Giovanni, Langhe, Favorita 2020

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Tenuta Ponte

La Loggia Irpinia Aglianico 2018

Aglianico

Irpinia, Italy

Farro

Campi Flegrei 2021

Piedirosso

Campi Flegrei, Italy

Donnachiara

Beneventano Falanghina 2019

Falanghina

Italy

Chiaramonte

Firriato, Nero d'Avola, Sicily 2017

Sicily, Italy

Canu

Deispanta Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2020

Vermentino

Vermentino di Gallura, Italy

Tolaini

Al Passo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018

Tuscany, Italy

Bersano

San Pietro Realto Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato 2018

Ruche

Piedmont, Italy