Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of CorkRules where they review the wine list of <a href="https://www.casalever.com/menu/">Casa Lever</a>, a classic Italian restaurant located within the Park Avenue glass skyscraper the Lever House, so you know it&rsquo;s going to be classy. Damien Hirst artwork adorns the walls. In 2010, a New York Times critic described it as &ldquo;a new Italian restaurant of the Manhattan old school, built for socialites and those who finance them, staffed by handsome, rakish men with huge wristwatches. . . .&rdquo; It may be a little more inclusive and accessible today, but this Manhattan landmark it&rsquo;s still immensely elegant.

For something light and giggly, consider the Rossini Royale, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, strawberry, and &quot;Sant Ambroeus&quot; Prosecco. If a refreshing pick-me-up is what you need, the Summer in the ends&nbsp;is a light blend of Bombay Dry Gin, cucumber water, and spring herbs cordial and it will not disappoint. However, if you&rsquo;re looking for something with a little more weight, try the Carta Bianca&nbsp;with Glenmorangie X, Amaro Lucano, pineapple, and almond orgeat may offer what you want.

They also offer all the classic cocktail favorites: Bellinis, Pimm&rsquo;s Cups, Martini&rsquo;s etc. Whatever cocktail kicks off the evening for you, the bar will provide, but show some restraint, there&rsquo;s a lovely wine list to explore before the evening is over.

The wine list&nbsp;includes dozens of wines by the glass, ranging from $17 to $80. So if you have an occasion to celebrate or just want a delicious glass of wine that won&#39;t break the bank, this list will meet your needs. &nbsp;

Moving on from cocktails to bubbles, Casa Lever&rsquo;s&nbsp;wine list&nbsp;offers a lovely selection of Prosecco, Champagne, and Lambrusco. Splurge on a glass of the &nbsp;Champagne Brut &quot;Rare&quot;, Piper Heidsieck, (2007) a wonderful blend of chardonnay and pinot noir or consider ordering a bottle of the less-costly Prosecco di Valdobbiadene &ldquo;Cartizze&rdquo; by Villa Sandi This wine offers exceptional value and quality.

For whites, there is a lovely if small selection from Italy with one or two from the U.S. and France. The Vouvray Sec &quot;Clos Naudin&quot;, Philippe Foreau, (2015) Chenin Blanc, from the Loire Valley is well worth trying, but if you want a medium-bodied dry white, order the Sauvignon Blanc &quot;Asimenia&quot; (2021), from Toscana. This white will pair nicely with a rich dish like the &nbsp;Carbonara.

On the red side of life, on the wines-by-the-glass list French and Italian wines dominate, and you can&rsquo;t go wrong with a Ch&acirc;teauneuf du Pape &quot;T&eacute;l&eacute;gramme&quot;, Vieux T&eacute;l&eacute;graphe, (2019) a wonderful blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourv&egrave;dre, and Cinsault, from the Rh&ocirc;ne Valley.

To learn more about the wine list at Casa Lever and the difference between Cava, Champagne and Prosecco, <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/casa-lever/episodes/13">listen to the CorkRules podcast </a>with certified sommelier Grant Wood.

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list 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;

For something light and giggly, consider the Rossini Royale, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, strawberry, and "Sant Ambroeus" Prosecco. If a refreshing pick-me-up is what you need, the Summer in the ends is a light blend of Bombay Dry Gin, cucumber water, and spring herbs cordial and it will not disappoint. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more weight, try the Carta Bianca with Glenmorangie X, Amaro Lucano, pineapple, and almond orgeat may offer what you want.

Cocktails and Wine at Casa Lever

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

Rossoblu

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the Italian wine list at the LA hotspot Rossoblu. 

Wine List Review of Rossoblu in Los Angeles

Grace Hood

Rossoblu

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 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&nbsp; 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. Grace, what restaurant will we be discussing today?

GH: We are diving into the wine list at LA hotspot Rossoblu&nbsp;

RT: Sounds delicious. Should we kick it off with some sparkling?

GH: I mean when do we not! Haha! If you wanted a classic champagne they have a Grand Cru Brut from Bernard Remy, or if you wanted an Italian sparkling I would do this Albana from Tre monti &lsquo;dalbana. I&rsquo;ve actually never heard of it before and you know I always recommend trying wines you&rsquo;ve never had!

RT: Hey we encourage curiosity and an adventurous spirit here at CorkRules&nbsp;

GH: Preach Robert!&nbsp;

RT: Hahaha amen. Alright, now how about some whites from the Rosso Blu list?

GH: Well they are def sticking with the Italian theme. I am loving the look of this 2021 Vermentino from the Antonella Corda vineyard out of Sardinia if you&rsquo;re feeling something light and juicy. They also have a 2021 Galanghina from Marisa Cuomo from Campania.

RT: No relation to the former governor of New York I assume

GH:&nbsp; HAAAAAAA I&rsquo;m imagining Andrew Cuomo talking about wine. Oh my lord haha&nbsp;

RT: hahahah alright back to the task at hand. Is anything kind of rich and lush for our Chardonnay fans?

GH: They have a really delish looking 2021 Sauv Blanc Chard Blend from Zuani Vineyard. Or for the cali chard drinkers they have a 2021 from the Lumen Vineyard out of Santa Maria Valley

RT:&nbsp; Oh those both sound great. Thanks for that Grace. Alright we&rsquo;re talking Italian &ndash; ready to hit us with some reds?

GH: Ready when you are buddy. Starting off with my favorite, Barolo, they have a 2017 from Virna Vineyard. But if you&rsquo;re craving like i always am, they have a 2017 chorey les beaune from Francoise andre.&nbsp;

RT: Oh love the sound of either of those 2017s. Delicious. How about something medium-bodied?

GH: Coming right up. I&rsquo;m feeling this 2016 Nebiolo from Prevostini. Or again if you&rsquo;re a die-hard francophone they have a 2020 Syrah from Christophe Semaska out of the Rhone Valley&nbsp;

RT: Oh yum those are great picks. Alright, what are you thinking for the big boys?

GH: Bold and structured? I got you. Def could do this 2017 Brunello di Montalcino from Fanti, or I&rsquo;m really interested in this 2011 Tuarasi from Bocella. 

RT: Love it. Any cabs for our die-hard fans?

GH: Of course, I would never forget the cab fans. They have a 2016 Margaux from Chalatour de Bessan, or you could do this 2015 from Kelly Fleming Vineyard out of Napa.&nbsp; 

RT: Ah there we go. Grace - thank you so much for helping us navigate the Italian wine list at Rosso Blu.&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@</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">CorkRules</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">.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.

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

Terredora is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Campania, Italy. The winery was founded in 1994 by Walter Mastroberardino, a renowned winemaker with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Terredora is committed to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of Campania.

Mediterranean-inspired pub grub & cocktails in a chill hangout with DJs & local music acts.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

Yardbird

CHICA Las Vegas

Chica

Bar Zazu

Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

Brera

Jasmine

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

Finch & Barley

Paul Mas

Viognier - Sauvignon NV

Viognier

Pays d'Oc, France

Famille Perrin

Cotes-du-Rhone Reserve Rouge NV

Blend

Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Villa Teresa

Prosecco NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Folonari

Valpolicella NV

Corvina

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Bodegas Atalaya Almansa Laya, Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, Almansa NV

Red Blend

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Castello di Gabbiano

Chianti Classico Riserva NV

Sangiovese

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Baessler Pinot Blanc, Similkameen Valley NV

Canada

Masi

Campofiorin Rosso Veronese NV

Corvina

Veneto, Italy

Babich

Sauvignon Blanc NV

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Clos du Soleil

Saturn NV

Sauvignon Blanc

British Columbia, Canada

The Show

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Louis Latour

Ardeche Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

France

Sandhill

King Family Vineyard Pinot Gris NV

Pinot Grigio

Okanagan Valley, Canada

Cedar Creek

Chardonnay NV

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South Eastern Australia, Australia

Louis Latour

Macon-Villages Chameroy NV

Chardonnay

France