<a href="https://majorfood.getbento.com/new-york-city-and-boston/">Dirty French</a>&nbsp;is a bistro-style restaurant in Lower Manhattan and Miami &nbsp;that serves classic, traditional French dishes and brings them into contemporary New York by utilizing modern techniques and adding bold twists inspired by our current love of global cuisine.

But when it comes to the wine list, French wines dominate and they are curated from every region, including the lesser-known Savoie region. So let&rsquo;s head over to the mountainous region of the Alps and explore the wines of Savoie.

Where else in the world can you ski in your shorts and sip champagne, and breathe in the pristine alpine air while goat bells ring in the distance? This is Savoie. The eastern border of France and just a short drive through Mont Blanc and you&#39;re in Switzerland and Northern Italy, but we&rsquo;re here for the wine. So let&rsquo;s pop the cork on what the experts have to say about wines from this region.

Savoie&rsquo;s 2,000 hectares of vineyards stretch across four areas: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Ain. This mountainous region provides plenty of sloping hillsides while the large lakes help moderate the climate. The cooler temperatures and shorter summer work well for white wine grapes such as &nbsp;In fact, 70 percent of the wine produced in Savoie is white. Of all 23 grape varieties planted here, five are white and only two are red grape.

The most popular white wines from Savoie are produced from the following varietals.

Jacquere produces an early drinking, lively dry wine with flavors that range from floral and fruity (pear, white peach, grapefruit) to mineral and flinty. This varietal is the most commonly grown and used.

Altesse or Roussette &nbsp;is a white variety that ages well, achieving a noted complexity after just a few years in the bottle. Roussanne is known in Savoie as Bergeron, an aromatic wine with firm acidity.

Chasselas produces light-bodied, easy-drinking dry wines that are best drunk young. Gringet is a native varietal in this region, but despite its heritage here, it has only 54 acres of varietals, perhaps because it produces low-alcohol, easy drinking white wines, however, this grape has also produced some elegant and refreshing sparkling wines.

&nbsp;

Moving on to red wine from Savoie; the main red grape varieties are mondeuse and persan. Mondeuse is a native grape first cultivated by the Gauls, a Roman writer noted the grape as being &ldquo;the grape variety that ripens amidst the snow&rdquo; This grape brings a deep purple color to the wine with a well-structured acidity and well-integrated tannins that allow the wine to age well.

Persan is also a native variety but it is difficult to grow and prone to downy mildew. It produces dense tannins and acidity, and while wine from this grape can be harsh when young, it ages well and can kept for over ten years. &nbsp;

Of course, although these are the grapes that provide wine with interesting notes and are designed to thrive in this environment, today&rsquo;s winemakers in this region often turn to the more well-known varietals that can also thrive here and are more resilient to changing weather patterns.

To find a few of the best bottles on the wine list at this restaurant, head on over to<a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/dirty-french/episodes/19">&nbsp;the CorkRules&rsquo; podcast on Dirty French</a>&nbsp;where certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise and offers a few professional suggestions on wines to choose and, most importantly, enjoy.

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 thanks to sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience aimed at making it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, 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;

Dirty French is a bistro-style restaurant in Lower Manhattan and Miami  that serves classic, traditional French dishes and brings them into contemporary New York by utilizing modern techniques and adding bold twists inspired by our current love of global cuisine.

Dirty French Wines from Savoie

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

With the exception of sommeliers and vintners, for most of us who love wine, no matter how many bottles you drink in your lifetime, and no matter how delicious, you rarely think of the terroir, the grape, or the growing process as you drink it.

Chris Phelps on Wine and Life

Felice is an Italian restaurant located on Manhattan’s upper east side. Owner Jacopo Giustiniani opened this establishment in 2007 and it has been a popular spot where diners can experience authentic Tuscan cuisine while sampling Italian wine from the extensive Italian-focused wine list. Italy has 20 wine regions each with unique characteristics in climate and terroir, and this list is inspired by the spirit of the Italian countryside and the wines of Jacopo’s family’s vineyard.

Italian Wine Regions Explored at Felice

The San Francisco Giants have upped their wine game by offering a curated selection of wine for fans at games. In fact, serving wine at Giants’ games is so popular with fans that, in 2022 they hired their own Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience and we at CorkRules wholly agree.

San Francisco Giants' Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein is Upping the Wine Game

Itamae

Cecilia Bonet

Itamae Miami

Itamae Miami

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Cecilia Bonet, wine educator and certified sommelier

Hello Cecilia, great to have you back for another great wine list.

CB: Hello 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 wine lists can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, 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.

ITAMAE MIAMI

Peruvian/Japanese restaurant in the heart of the Design District.

Itamae is a 40-seat Bib Gourmand restaurant since this year &nbsp;

Nikkei flavors and traditions - local and seasonal ingredients.

&nbsp;

Top Level View

Itamae has a small wine list specially designed to pair with the delicate Nikkei cuisine. That is why you will find only two references of red wine, and a beautiful variety of sakes that you should try.

Here you will see wines from regions other than the classic French ones, as well as wines from Peru, Switzerland and Austria. And although I think they have chosen their wines very well, the wine list is perhaps not so clear to read. But here we are!

Unique Stuff

Cruse Wine co., 2017 Tradition, chardonnay + pinot noir, Northcoast - California

Cruse Wine Co. is a tiny winery based out of Petaluma, close to the ocean in California and founded by Michael Cruse, who is known today as the champagne grower in America. He produces a wide range of varieties with a focus on esoteric grapes and quality-style wines.

The 2017 Tradition Sparkling Wine is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two classic French grapes, using the traditional method (or second fermentation on the bottle as Champagne) and is intentionally crafted to be a bit oxidative and open.

The resulting wine is a bone-dry bubbly with hints of stone fruit, some chalk aromas, freshly baked brioche and crushed almonds with a lush core of peachy fruits and honey.

It&rsquo;s nothing other than complex! And a refreshing option paired with the Nigiris

Value Wines

Ulibarri Artzaiak - Txacoli de Bizcaia Ulibarri 2017&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Basque Country &ndash; Spain

Is a delicious wine from a tiny 2 hectare size, located in Pa&iacute;s Vasco, the Basque region of northern Spain. Hondarrabi Zuri &amp; Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie are the local grapes which grown organically on this clay, sand, slate and schist soils.

The Ulibarri Brothers and winemakers consider themselves to be shepherds as they use sheeps not only to produce milk and cheese, but also to graze the vineyards in order to keep weeds at bay without herbicides and fertilizes the vineyards in the process. It&rsquo;s all about feedback!

But back to the wine, this is refreshing and dry, with a low alcohol content, with salinity, texture, and length. For most of the wines from the area, the acidity is the main character, with hints of lemon and green apples that complement the Nikkei cuisine at perfection. Try it with Ceviche.

Bigger budget/Special Occasion 

2016 Domaine Du Clos Naudin, Foreau, Chenin Blanc, Vouvray &ndash; France

Philippe Foreau and the Domaine du Clos Naudin are well known for the purity and extreme longevity of the wines produced in Vouvray, along the banks of the Loire River in France. He farms a total of 11.5 hectares of vineyards, of which all are dedicated to Chenin Blanc.

Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray is dry Chenin Blanc at its best. From a fantastic vintage, even when was plagued by Spring frosts that reduced the eventual crop; the 2016 is a steely, mineral-rich white wine that will age beautifully for decades! With exotic aromas of poached quince, yellow apple, and wet stones, the wine has medium body that it lingers on the mouthwatering long finish.

A perfect choice along with the barred knifejaw tiradito.

Cecelia, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate ITAMAE MIAMI&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try your great suggestions.&nbsp; &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.

&nbsp;

Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Hy's Steakhouse

Frasca Food and Wine

Blu Ristorante

Alcove

Tatiana's

Urban Farmer Portland

Urban Farmer

Mariel

Chiado

Jory at the Allison

Earthy, modern New American bistro & bar offering a kids' menu & homemade desserts.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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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.

Honey Salt

Available Wines
Total Wines - 8

Justin

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Paso Robles, USA

Veuve Clicquot, Ponsardin

Brut NV

Champagne, France

Conundrum

Anniversary 10 Th Red Blend NV

California, USA

Murphy-Goode

Pinot Noir NV

California, USA

Ferrari Carano

Fume Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) NV

Sonoma County, USA

Bacalhôa

Peninsula de Setubal Quinta da Bacalhoa Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Portugal

Veuve Clicquot

Vintage Brut Champagne NV

Champagne, France

Bertani

Pinot Grigio NV

Veneto, Italy