Wine can bring out the best in food, and yes, that does include seafood, but it&rsquo;s not only white wine that pairs well with seafood, despite the popular misconception, some red wine pairs well with some seafood. When you are choosing wine to pair with seafood, you should pay more attention to the wine notes, sweetness and dryness, than the color of the wine.

So how do you choose which wine pairs well with seafood. Certified sommelier, Michaela Quinlan reviews the wine list at Oceana where she reviews the list and offers pairing suggestions.

The wine list at Oceana is an extensive, award-winning 33-pages. A list of this size would take quite some time to navigate, but Michaela quickly identifies fabulous standout wines from around the globe and offers a few tips on pairing wine with seafood to help you make a wiser and tastier choice all in under five minutes.

Let&rsquo;s start with the bubbles because who doesn&rsquo;t like adding a little sparkle to the beginning of the meal?

All of the sparkling whites, whether French, Italian or Spanish,&nbsp; Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, will complement fried dishes like calamari, or any seafood fried and cooked in batter, but these bottles also pair deliciously well with caviar.&nbsp; At Oceana, you can order several by the glass, including&nbsp; Prosecco, Palidin, Extra Dry, Millesimato, Veneto, Italy 2020.

Moving on to the more obvious choice of white wine with seafood, to choose wisely, all foodies should understand which whites pair well and why. For example, a dry white wine like pinot gris or sauvignon blanc pairs best with meaty fish like cod and tilapia.

Moving on to the Spanish whites Michaela recommends the Albari&ntilde;o,&nbsp; Valtea, R&iacute;as Baixas, 2020.

The traditional cuisine of Portugal and Spain are seafood rich, so it makes sense that the local varietals of albarino and veldehro pair well with shellfish dishes of mussels, crab, scallops and lobster. These wines are light and fresh with notes of lemon and the right acidity and crispness, to complement the delicate flavors of the shellfish. Just as shellfish should not be overcooked, the wine should not overpower.

If chardonnay all day is your comfort zone, you are in good company. Chardonnay is popular for good reason. These fuller whites are heavier than the pinot gris or sauvignon blanc, but work well with bass, oysters, salmon, and even lobster. The heavier the seafood the more full-bodied the wine is a good rule to follow. At Oceana, the Chardonnay, Saint-V&eacute;ran, Domaine Luquet, Burgundy, 2020 is a good way to go.

Interested in more wine tips and recommendations? Click the link and listen to <a href="https://corkrules.com/episode/details/3">the podcast wine review</a> of Oceana.

Cheers.

Wine can bring out the best in food, and yes, that does include seafood, but it’s not only white wine that pairs well with seafood, despite the popular misconception, some red wine pairs well with some seafood. When you are choosing wine to pair with seafood, you should pay more attention to the wine notes, sweetness and dryness, than the color of the wine.

Wines that Pair Well with Seafood at Oceana

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

Magnolias at the Mill

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Magnolias at the Mill in Virginia where new American dining meets old America complete with barnlike wood decor, quilts, and rustic charm. 

Wine List Review of Magnolias at the Mill in Virginia

Michaela Quinlan

Magnolias:

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 list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimating, 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 Magnolia&rsquo;s at the Mill. Located in Purceville, VA, in the heart of Loudoun County Wine Country, Magnolia&rsquo;s offers American fare for lunch, dinner, brunch, and special events.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: Magnolia&rsquo;s features and extensive wine list, along with regularly scheduled wine-paired dinners. Enjoy today&rsquo;s Old World, New World selections, and local favorites.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine to catch my eye was a classic grape from a standout producer. Consider the 2021 Zuccardi, Serie A Torrontes from Argentina. Torrontes is a medium-bodied white grape that produces a fresh and aromatic white wine which would pair beautifully with the number of rich seafood and shellfish selections on Magnolia&rsquo;s menu. Notes of lemon and lime zest, white flowers, with pineapple, ripe pear, and mango make this white wine a winner.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: A rich, full bodied Italian wine to consider is the 2018 Zenato Veronese Alanera Rosso from the Veneto of Italy. This red wine consists of 100% Corvina. Corvina is a grape often found in Amarone blends, making this red exude ripe black cherries, fig, and black pepper, with smoke and cocoa on the soft, lingering finish. Pair this with all richly sauced proteins such as steak and pork.

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 local, must try to pair with tuna or salmon would be the 2017 Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble Chardonnay from Linden, VA. This chardonnay is well balanced with fresh acidity, ripe green apple, and ripe pear, along with notes of honey, brioche, and vanilla on the lingering finish, as this Chardonnay spends some time in French oak. Certainly, a local must try!

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: A crowd-pleasing red wine to consider for the table would be the 2018 Archery Summit Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Another standout, aromatic wine, this Pinot Noir features ripe cranberries, ripe red cherries, along with black pepper, herbs, and dried lavender. This Pinot Noir will certainly stand up to 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: If you are looking for a light, crisp white wine as an aperitif or to pair with shellfish, salads and lighter fare, consider the 2020 Loimer Lois Gruner Veltliner from Austria. This quality/value white wine combines lime zest, grapefruit, tangerine, and ripe peach with white pepper and an herbal finish. Another dry, crowd-pleasing white wine, all for an excellent price. &nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Another value wine of exceptional quality is the 2018 Barboursville Vineyards Nebbiolo. Located outside of Charlottesville, VA, Barboursville Vineyards has been producing Nebbiolo, along with other award-winning varietals, since the 1990s. This Nebbiolo is rich and full-bodied with firm, round tannins, ripe blackberries, cassis, herbs, mushroom, earth, and smoke. Pair this exceptional local wine with herbed proteins and roasted root vegetables.

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 the many options to take our dining experience to the next level, a wine to consider would be the 97-point rated Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, the 2016 Hess &lsquo;The Lion&rsquo;. The Lion is featured on the label of this sophisticated red wine consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. He is everything you look for in a rich, Napa red. With ripe blackberries, fig, prune, and cassis, along with smoke, vanilla, and silky tannins make this a winner for any special event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Magnolia at the Mill&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 cue as quick 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.

&nbsp;

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

Luigi Righetti is a family-owned winery that has been producing high-quality wines in the heart of Valpolicella since 1909. The winery is known for its traditional winemaking methods, which are combined with modern techniques to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Luigi Righetti is dedicated to producing wines of exceptional quality and is committed to sustainable winemaking practices.

Established, old-school eatery making classic Italian fare such as ravioli & chicken parmigiana.

Dante

Geronimo

La Mercerie

Bar Primi

Kirby’s Steakhouse

The Grill

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

Johnny Cascone's Restaurant

Sutter Home

Original White Zinfandel, California NV

California, USA

Bolla

Chianti NV

Sangiovese

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Starling Castle

Riesling - Moscato Limited Edition NV

Riesling

Pfalz, Germany

Cellars

Korbel, California Champagne Brut 2019

USA

St. Francis

Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

California, USA

Cline

Zinfandel NV

Zinfandel

California, USA

Korbel

Brut NV

Blend

California, USA

Villa Pozzi

Nero d'Avola NV

Nero d'Avola

Sicilia, Italy

Selbach-Oster

Riesling Trocken, Mosel NV

Mosel, Germany

Gran Passione

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

King Estate

Pinot Gris NV

Pinot Gris

Oregon, USA

Steele

Writer's Block Petite Sirah NV

Petite Sirah

USA

Saracco

Moscato d'Asti NV

Moscato Bianco

Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Martini

Asti NV

Moscato

Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Layer Cake

Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) NV

Zinfandel

Puglia, Italy