&nbsp;

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy&#39;s most distinctive wines.

The Paola Bea estate, located near the town of Montefalco, has been in the family for generations. However, it was under Paola&#39;s stewardship that it gained international recognition. The vineyards are farmed organically without any chemical intervention and minimal mechanization.

Paola Bea wines are known for their intense character and depth of flavor. They reflect not only the unique terroir but also Paola&#39;s dedication to traditional winemaking methods such as long maceration periods and aging in large oak barrels.

His approach results in wines that are expressive, complex, and have a strong sense of place &ndash; characteristics highly valued by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you&#39;re tasting the acclaimed Sagrantino or lesser-known blends like San Valentino Palo Bea, you can expect an authentic representation of Umbrian viticulture at its finest from this esteemed producer.

Review of San Valentino Palo Bea

San Valentino is a highly esteemed winery located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices, this producer has carved out a niche for itself as an innovative and sustainable wine creator. The vineyard was established by Umberto Cesari in 1965, who passionately believed in the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Romagna.

Color:

The San Valentino Palo Bea presents a rich, deep ruby red color that is almost opaque. This intense hue hints at the concentration and complexity within each bottle.

Nose:

On the nose, this wine offers an enticing blend of ripe black fruits like cherries and plums mingled with earthy undertones of leather and tobacco. There are also delightful notes of spices such as clove and cinnamon which add depth to its aromatic profile.

Tannins:

The tannins in San Valentino Palo Bea are well-structured yet supple, providing a robust backbone without overwhelming the palate. They contribute to its full-bodied nature while ensuring longevity for cellaring.

Taste:

Upon tasting, one can expect an explosion of flavors echoing those on the nose - ripe dark fruits layered with spice and earthy nuances. The finish is long-lasting with hints of sweet vanilla oak from barrel aging.

Critic Score &amp; Reviews:

San Valentino Palo Bea consistently receives high scores from critics around the world due to its exceptional quality. It frequently garners ratings above 90 points from renowned publications like Wine Spectator and Decanter Magazine. Reviewers often praise it for its balance between fruit intensity, tannic structure, acidity levels, making it both approachable now but capable of aging gracefully over time.

Food Pairing:

Given its robust character and complex flavor profile, San Valentino Palo Bea pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, game, and rich pasta dishes. It also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

San Valentino Palo Bea is a testament to the winemaking prowess of its producer. Its full-bodied nature coupled with complex flavors and aromas make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality Italian wine that showcases the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Emilia-Romagna.

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy's most distinctive wines.

San Valentino Paolo Bea an Italian treasure

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

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

The Chanticleer

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit The Chanticleer in Nantucket. 

Wine Review of The Chanticleer, Nantucket

Michaela Quinlan

The Chanticleer:

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 Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Chanticleer. Deemed one of the most romantic restaurants on Nantucket, this restaurant features an extensive wine list, local seafood, and room to host any special occasion.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Chanticleer features an incredible, French dominant wine list featuring a number of small producers. We have several standouts for you today to enjoy in their luxurious dining room or fragrant rose garden.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: If you are celebrating in the Rose Garden, a wonderful way to begin your experience at Chanticleer would be with the Naveran, Brut Rose, Cava from Catalonia, Spain. This dry, sparkling rose is a blend of organic pinot noir and Parellada featuring aromas and flavors of citrus, strawberry, a hint of watermelon, and bright acidity. A wonderful companion to cheeses, and shellfish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ:A beautiful white Burgundy to consider to pair with salmon and lobster would be the 2018 Paul Garaudet Bourgogne Blanc. Paul Garaudet is a 4th generation winemaker where he produces spectacular pinot noir and chardonnay in the heart of Cote de Beaune. This elegant chardonnay showcases citrus, green apple, minerality, and a touch of vanilla on the finish.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: A must-try would be the 2019 Serge Laporte Cuvee MAGES Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. This isn&rsquo;t just any Sancerre, this is Laporte&rsquo;s limited, top cuvee which can age up to 9 years. MAGES is an acronym for the members of the family (Marylise, Alexandre, Guillaume, Elizabeth, and Serge). This Sauvignon Blanc features aromas and flavors of white flowers, lime zest, grapefruit, and fresh acidity. This would make a wonderful companion to fish and cream sauces.

RT: These are some great calls.

So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Of course! Another stand out to consider for the table would be the 2017 Domaine Serene &ldquo;Evanstad Reserve&rdquo; Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. I have had the pleasure of visiting Domaine Serene, and it is aptly named! Spectacular views of the vineyard and the most breathtaking sunsets. Their &ldquo;Evanstad Reserve&rdquo; is their flagship pinot noir which showcases aromas and flavors of ripe, red cherries, blackberries, spice, and earth. This pinot noir would pair beautifully with a number of seafood dishes and sauced proteins.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: The first consideration would be the 2018 Jena-Pierre Large, Beaujolais Cru from Burgundy. The red grape in this rich Beaujolais is the Gamay grape and is quite robust compared to other Beaujolais wines. It features aromas and flavors of plumb, ripe, red cherries, blackberries, spice, and a touch of vanilla on the finish, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. Any other values on the list?

MQ: another favorite, quality and value wine would be the 2018 Couly Dutheil Chanteaux from the Loire Valley. Couly Dutheil is one of the most famous producers in Loire, and this limited production Chenin Blanc is truly a can&rsquo;t miss. This Chenin Blanc features aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, pineapple, melon, and bright acidity. This wine would pair well with cheeses, tuna, salmon, and lighter proteins.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Of course. You will notice Chanticleer features an extensive list of wines from producer Henri Boillot. He is a 5th generation winemaker who is truly unparalleled in both his winemaking skills and his superior vineyard locations in Burgundy. One to consider to add to your celebration or special occasion would be the 2020 Henri Boillot Puligny Montrachet. This white Burgundy has earned 95 points from Decanter Magazine and features aromas and flavors of citrus, green apple, peach, almond, minerality, and a touch of smoke. A legendary wine from a legendary producer to accompany any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Chanticleer&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&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.

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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

Lioco is a small production winery focused on producing wines that reflect their terroir and express the unique characteristics of each vintage. They work with small growers in California to source the highest quality fruit for their wines.

American eatery serving early-bird dinner, Sunday brunch & more in a circa-1895 brownstone.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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

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