Nestled between Burgundy in the north and Rh&ocirc;ne in the south, lies one of France&rsquo;s most charming yet often overlooked wine regions - Beaujolais. This picturesque region is known for its vibrant, fruit-forward wines made predominantly from the Gamay grape variety.

The history of winemaking in Beaujolais dates back over 2000 years when Romans planted vineyards along their trading routes. In later centuries, it was largely controlled by Benedictine monks who played a significant role in developing viticulture and winemaking techniques. However, it wasn&#39;t until the 14th century that the Gamay grape began to gain popularity as Duke Philip The Bold deemed Pinot Noir superior for his Burgundian estates and exiled Gamay to this region.

Beaujolais Nouveau &amp; Its Impact

One cannot discuss Beaujolais without mentioning Beaujolais Nouveau - a young red wine released just weeks after harvest each year on the third Thursday of November, celebrated with great fanfare as &quot;Beaujolais Nouveau Day&quot;. This light-bodied wine is meant for immediate drinking rather than cellaring. One of my mother&rsquo;s favorite wines.

However, this annual spectacle has led many people to assume that all Beaujolais wines are simple and lack depth. The reality couldn&#39;t be further from this misconception; while Nouveau represents a large portion of production (about one-third), there are also premium quality wines being produced here which bear no resemblance to their younger sibling.

The Region&#39;s Top Producers &amp; Food Pairings

Beaujolais can be divided into three main categories based on quality levels: Basic (or Classique) Beaujolais; Villages, produced from grapes grown in 38 specific villages; and Cru &ndash; ten top-quality areas each with their unique style. The Cru wines are where Beaujolais truly shines, with top producers such as Domaine des Terres Dor&eacute;es by Jean-Paul Brun, Ch&acirc;teau Thivin and Marcel Lapierre creating expressive and complex wines that can rival many from the more prestigious regions of Burgundy.

Try these staff recommended available from Grape The Wine Company:

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Camille-Melinand-Fleurie-2020-w7869273pq" target="_blank">Camille Melinand - Fleurie 2020</a> - $31.99 &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Jean-Foillard-Fleurie-2020-w28251975z" target="_blank">Jean Foillard - Fleurie 2020</a> - $59.99

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Labruyere-Moulin-a-Vent-Clos-du-Moulin-2020-w3284907cr" target="_blank">Labruyere - Moulin a Vent Clos du Moulin 2020</a> - $110

In terms of food pairings, Beaujolais is a versatile wine due to its bright acidity and low tannins. It pairs beautifully with a range of dishes including charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled salmon or even sushi.

Distinguishing Beaujolais from other C&ocirc;te d&#39;Or Wine Regions

While Beaujolais shares a border with the esteemed Burgundy region (collectively known as C&ocirc;te d&#39;Or), it has distinct differences in climate, soil type and grape variety which results in contrasting wine styles.

The primary grape in Beaujolais is Gamay which thrives on the granite soils found here - producing aromatic wines with red fruit flavors and floral notes. In contrast, Burgundy&#39;s Pinot Noir prefers limestone-clay soils yielding more structured wines characterized by earthy undertones.

Moreover, while both regions employ traditional winemaking methods like hand-harvesting and minimal intervention techniques; semi-carbonic maceration &ndash; fermenting whole bunches of grapes under carbon dioxide before pressing - is widely used in Beaujolais to enhance the fruity character of Gamay.

Beaujolais offers an exciting journey for wine beginners: from its fun-loving Nouveau to its sophisticated Crus; there&rsquo;s much to explore beyond what meets the eye (or palate). It might not have the grandeur associated with Bordeaux or Champagne but this humble region delivers an unrivalled combination of quality and value that makes it well worth your attention.

Nestled between Burgundy in the north and Rhône in the south, lies one of France’s most charming yet often overlooked wine regions - Beaujolais. This picturesque region is known for its vibrant, fruit-forward wines made predominantly from the Gamay grape variety.

Intro to Beaujolais Wine: An Unsung Hero of French Viticulture

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

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

Camila Alvarez

BondST

BondST

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 Camila Alvarez, wine sommelier, and consultant.

Camila,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you join us for another great wine list. How is it? &nbsp;

CA: 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Bond Street restaurant in New York a hot spot for sushi and place that has amazing energy,

Camila, Japanese food for me personally is always tricky so I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

CA: The wine list is very complete and has an excellent selection of sake, you can try it in a different way cold and hot serving sake in a cocktail glass and for desserts too.

RT: That&rsquo;s great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

CA: Well first of all there is an extensive sake list, you should start with a great SUEHIRO &ldquo;YAMAHAI SAKE&rdquo;, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, this sake will bring you to the Meiji era behind this brewery we can find the sake of the emperor of Japan. Floral notes, delicate with a refreshing acidity.

RT: Ooohh those sound great.

So, Camila, their list seems to have lots of ways we could go but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

CA: Sake is something difficult to taste and to find in restaurants, I can suggest a must to try 
Dewazakura Oka Ginjo &quot;Cherry Bouquet&quot;, flower aromas and some vegetables, and strong pear flavours. Good to try cold and young 2022 sake.

RT: So, this list has so many great choices, what other wines would you suggest

CA: I could suggest a ros&eacute; wine from Bandol to start Ch&acirc;teau de Pibarnon 2020, a blend of cinsault and mourv&egrave;dre. Cinsault adds the fruit and the mourvedre adds structure and body to the wine. If you like a rose wine with more structure for your first course this is a great suggestion.

RT: What about something for main course?

CA: For a third course Echezeaux Grand Cru, Domaine Arlaud, Burgundy 2018. This pinot noir, with an amazing bouquet of red floral notes, like raspberry, strawberry, and some herbal notes. The 2018 was a good vintage, with very aromatic and open wines.

RT: Ooh, terrific. Camila, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

CA: Cabernet Sauvignon, Honig, Napa Valley, California 2018, great quality, price relation for this soft and elegant cabernet sauvignon. Aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant, toasted notes and some hints of chocolate, very balanced wine with good finish. Great option for a dinner.

RT: Now Camila, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

CA: for a special dinner Pauillac Grand Cru, Ch&acirc;teau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande, Bordeaux 2018. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit Verdot. Black fruits like blackberry, black cherry, blueberry; and violet flowers. Elegant and rounded and long finish.

RT: Pichon is always a staple, a fabulous choice that will represent well.

CA: I 100 percent agree

RT: Camila Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate &nbsp;Bond ST wine&nbsp; list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go back and 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;

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

Cakebread Cellars is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley. Since its founding in 1973, the winery has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Panini & pasta plus American breakfasts come in a snug space with a relaxed European cafe feel.

Frenchette

Le Bernardin

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

Charlie Bird

Becco

Buddha-Bar Restaurant New York

Buddha Bar

Franks Wine Bar

Frank's

Maison

Maison Premiere

Pastis

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Aldo Sohm

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

Fiat Cafe

Available Wines
Total Wines - 4

Mario Giacondi

Sangiovese Rubicone NV

Sangiovese

Italy

Zenato

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Giacondi

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Vino d'Italia, Italy

Di Lupo

Chianti Riserva NV

Sangiovese

Chianti, Italy