The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there&#39;s another contender that&rsquo;s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant hails from various regions in France and Luxembourg. It uses the same traditional method as champagne (m&eacute;thode champenoise) to achieve its delicate bubbles, yet it often comes at half the price or less! The secret? Well, it&rsquo;s all about location; while Champagne can only be produced in its namesake region under strict regulations, cremants are free to flourish across multiple French territories.

But don&#39;t let their affordable prices fool you into thinking they&rsquo;re inferior &ndash; these wines are nothing short of exceptional when it comes to quality and taste. In fact, many top producers have garnered impressive scores from esteemed wine critics worldwide.

Let&#39;s talk grapes first though. Unlike champagne which primarily uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes; cremants enjoy a more diverse palette including Chenin Blanc (Loire), Riesling (Alsace), Mauzac (Limoux) among others depending on their region of origin.

We have two fabulous recommendations that are great values:

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Sylvain-Bzikot-Cremant-de-Bourgogne-w2303009kb">1) Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV</a>. Priced at a modest $23.99, this sparkling wine is an absolute steal considering its quality and taste.

Sylvain Bzikot hails from a family of winemakers that has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet since 1940s. Over the years, they&#39;ve perfected their craft and today produce some of Burgundy&#39;s most sought-after wines.

The Cremant de Bourgogne NV embodies all the qualities you&#39;d expect from such a distinguished producer; it&#39;s elegant yet full-bodied with complex aromas of ripe apples, toasted brioche and subtle hints of honeycomb. The palate reveals fine bubbles that lead to a crisp finish &ndash; making it perfect for any celebration or as an accompaniment to seafood dishes.

Critics are equally impressed with this cremant sparkler; Wine Enthusiast awarded it 90 points while praising its &quot;bright acidity&quot; and &quot;rich apple flavors&quot;. It&rsquo;s no wonder why many consider this bubbly as one of Burgundy&#39;s best-kept secrets!

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Francois-Baur-Cremant-d-Alsace-Brut-Reserve-w3941620en">2) Fran&ccedil;ois Baur - Cr&eacute;mant d&#39;Alsace Brut Reserve NV</a> priced at just $17.99! This wine comes from one of Alsace&rsquo;s oldest estates dating back to 1741 which transitioned into biodynamic farming in early 2000s &ndash; showcasing their commitment towards preserving nature whilst producing top-quality wines.

This cr&eacute;mant is made predominantly from Pinot Blanc grapes along with small proportions of Chardonnay &amp; Pinot Noir adding depth and complexity to its profile. Expect fresh notes of green apple, pear coupled with creamy undertones resulting in well-rounded mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity.

Wine critics have showered praises on this bubbly; Decanter Magazine awarded it 91 points, noting its &quot;delicate mousse&quot; and &quot;persistent finish&quot;. This is a testament to the winery&#39;s dedication towards producing high-quality wines that deliver exceptional value.

Both Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV and Fran&ccedil;ois Baur - Cr&eacute;mant d&#39;Alsace Brut Reserve NV are outstanding examples of what cremants can offer. They&rsquo;re not just affordable alternatives to champagne but also quality sparklers in their own right &ndash; proving once again that great wine doesn&#39;t have to break the bank!

So how do we best enjoy these fantastic bubblies during summer? With food pairings galore! For starters try pairing your favorite cr&eacute;mant with a plate of fresh oysters or grilled prawns, the acidity and bubbles work wonderfully to cleanse your palate. If you&#39;re planning a picnic in the park, why not bring along some creamy brie cheese or smoked salmon sandwiches? The rich flavors are beautifully balanced by cr&eacute;mant&rsquo;s crispness.

So, cremants offer incredible value without sacrificing quality or taste - they truly deserve their place at our tables alongside (or even instead of) champagne this summer season! So next time you reach for that bottle of bubbly remember &ndash; there&#39;s more than just champagne out there waiting to tickle your tastebuds. Cheers!

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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

Geronimo

Josh Ardizzoni

La Mercerie

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where&nbsp;we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Josh Ardizzoni, Certified Sommelier, wine consultant,

Hello Josh,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you back.

JA: Hey Robert! Happy to be here :)

RT Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that those lists can sometimes be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list with confidence, 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 heading down to Soho, to the handsome contemporary French all-day caf&eacute; La Mercerie. I just love the idea of this restaurant &ndash; tucked inside the Roman and Williams Guild, home to an acclaimed design firm. The restaurant is every bit at stylish and comfortable as their hosts. Josh, I know you are an all-out lover of all things French to dissect the chic wine list they offer.

JA: Thanks, Robert. Can&rsquo;t wait to share some thoughts on the all-French list at La Mercerie. There&rsquo;s something so ambitious yet so sure about going all-in on France. There&rsquo;s enough variety and quality to go around, of course, but it&rsquo;s about how you make it work thematically. La Mercerie nails the idea perfectly.

RT: Great. Tell me a little bit more about what you mean.

JA: Sure. Let me start with an example &ndash; picture yourself at a restaurant in the early afternoon, having a leisurely lunch with the sun pouring in the windows. I&rsquo;m calling for oysters on the half shell and a bottle of Batard-Langelier &ldquo;Didascalie&rsquo; Muscadet. This is from a standout producer in Muscadet in the western Loire, near the Atlantic, and it&rsquo;s made from Melon grapes which are somehow neutral and fresh but able to be transformed into very mineral expressions that sommeliers love. It&rsquo;s a slam dunk pairing and conveys the whole aesthetic that I think this concept goes for&hellip; the transportive type of experience that takes you somewhere else for a bit.

RT: Sounds nice&hellip; we can all use a bit of an escape when we go out to dine. And Muscadet doesn&rsquo;t cost an arm and a leg, right?

JA: Exactly. Muscadet is always one of the best values in white wine. In fact, the whole Loire Valley delivers so much for the dollar, especially in white wine in my opinion.

RT: I&rsquo;m all for learning about those types of key regions and village names to look for. They can give you an anchor when you&rsquo;re looking at a wine list that&rsquo;s all from foreign countries who might not even say the name of the grape on the page.

JA: Yes! And if you can, I&rsquo;d say the real key is producers &ndash; who is making the wine. The producers on this list are truly top-class. White Burgundy from Bernard Moreau, one of the most compelling domaines operating in Chassagne-Montrachet. Racy Sancerre from Francois Cotat, a name that makes hearts skip a beat for those in the know. Truly Emotional Syrahs from Franck Balthazar in some of Cornas&rsquo; oldest and best vineyards. These are all great investments if you&rsquo;re looking for a standout bottle.

RT: Tell me about some of the most exciting under-the-radar wines you see on this list.

JA: A few things pop out at me: First, Savenni&egrave;res from Thibaud Boudignon. Here we are in the Loire again! He&rsquo;s a young rising star producer in Anjou and his Chenin Blanc is full of energy, clarity, and precision. Amazing wines. Contrast that with the Bandol Rouge from Domaine Tempier. Famous for what might be the world&rsquo;s greatest ros&eacute; wine, Tempier also makes stunning reds primarily from Mourv&egrave;dre grapes, which have this crazy tension of density and verve to them. Somewhat savory, somewhat bold, but so complex. I&rsquo;d highly recommend trying it in an experience like this.

RT: Sounds like the wine list here is really in step with the restaurant concept and makes a lot of sense.

JA: It&rsquo;s not the biggest list but it&rsquo;s really well-chosen and specific. In my experience, great wines generally perform their best when they&rsquo;re in the right homes. La Mercerie deserves the chance to show your new favorite French wine.

RT: Josh, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate La Mercerie&rsquo;s wine list.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; 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.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

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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

Pommery is one of the oldest and most renowned champagne houses, known for its exceptional quality and innovation. The house is famous for its unique winemaking philosophy, which combines traditional methods with modern techniques to craft exceptional champagnes that truly capture the essence of the region.

Upscale Swan Hotel eatery features farm-fresh cuisine, plus a bar & patio in an old-fashioned space.

Christos Steakhouse

Lilia

French Louie

episodes

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.

Anton’s At the Swan

Available Wines
Total Wines - 7

Kim Crawford

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Sonoma-Cutrer

The Cutrer Chardonnay NV

Russian River Valley, USA

Tiamo

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Gris

Venezia, Italy

Santa Margherita

Pinot Grigio Valdadige NV

Pinot Grigio

Valdadige, Italy

SIMI

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley, USA

Raymond, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley NV

California, USA

Anthem

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder, USA