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

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the 500-acre farm-to-table restaurant Gibbet Hill Grill in Massachusetts.

Wine List of Gibbet Hill Grill

Michaela Quinlan

Gibbet Hill Grill

<a href="https://gibbethill.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GHG-Wine-Menu-011523.pdf">https://gibbethill.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GHG-Wine-Menu-011523.pdf</a>

Gibbet Hill Grill:

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 Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton, MA. The definition of farm to table, Gibbet Hill Grill is located on the 500-acre Gibbet Hill Farm and features its own produce farm on site. The incredible views and private dining rooms make Gibbet Hill Grill is a must visit.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Much like their dining menu, Gibbet Hill Grill&rsquo;s wine list takes classic to a new level. Unique selections from both Old and New World, many in half bottle options, jump off the page.&nbsp;

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2016 Kooyang Estate Chardonnay from Victoria, Australia. This Chardonnay is well balanced with ripe pear, peach, and lemon zest, with minerality, and vanilla on the toasty finish, as this Chardonnay is lightly oaked. The creamy finish makes this wine an excellent companion to dense fish and cream sauces. &nbsp;

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: A red wine that caught my attention was the 2018 Familia Torres &lsquo;Gran Coronos&rsquo; Reserva from Penedes in Spain. This blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo is a crowd pleaser with notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, plumb, spice, and white pepper, with smoke and cocoa on the finish. This red is rich and full bodied, and has aged for a minimum of three years with at least 12 months in oak. We know this from the Reserva designation on the label. Consider this bottle as your go-to to pair with richly sauced proteins and pasta.

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 is a classic Old World grape varietal grown in the New World. Consider the 2019 Forlorn Hope Picpoul from Napa Valley in CA. Picpoul grown predominately in the Rhone Valley of France, also thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Napa. This fresh and crisp white wine features bright acidity, lemon and lime zest, and grapefruit, with notes of herbs such as sage and thyme, with a touch of salinity on the finish. Picpoul is a refreshing aperitif, or to pair with shellfish and light fare.

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: Another crowd-pleasing red wine to consider for the table is the 2019 Vignerons de Buxy Mercurey in Brugundy, France. Murcurey is a subregion of Burgundy that produces standout Pinot Noir. This bottle features aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, and cranberries, balanced with notes of mushroom, earth, and smoke. The firm tannins make this an excellent pairing with pork and lamb.

&nbsp;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;

&nbsp;

MQ: A must try white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2021 Winzer Krems &lsquo;13&rsquo; Gruner Veltliner form Austria. The &lsquo;13&rsquo; is for the address of Winzer Krems, one of the top wineries in Austria. This Gruner Veltliner is medium bodied, bright and fresh with notes of white flowers, ripe pear, and thyme, with a mineral finish. Pair this Gruner with shellfish and spicy food.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Consider the 2020 Domaine de Clayou Anjou in the Loire Valley of France. Anjou is a subregion within the Loire Valley that produces this standout Cabernet Franc. Clayou is a family run winery established in 1920. This quality/value Cabernet Franc features ripe red cherries, fig, and prune, with notes of lavender, black pepper, olives, and earth. An excellent pairing with savory dishes.

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 standout selections on Gibbet Hill Grill&rsquo;s list, one to consider taking your experience to the next level is the 2017 Henschke &lsquo;Mt Edelstone&rsquo; Shiraz from the Eden Valley of Australia. This highly sought-after, 98 point rated Shiraz is produced by the Henschke family winery, who have been producing such famed bottles for over 150 years. This single vineyard Shiraz features ripe blackberries, ripe blueberries, and currants, with notes of lavender, licorice, sage, and mint on the lingering finish. Enjoy this stellar Shiraz with all richly sauced proteins and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Gibbet Hill Grill&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like Sam 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.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for and download the CorkRules app for iOS. It makes personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to connect with friends and has price transparency. Order wine with confidence.

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And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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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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