Bordeaux, the land of prestigious chateaux and legendary wines, can often conjure images of hefty price tags. But fear not, budget-conscious wine lovers! Bordeaux offers a bounty of delicious and affordable options, waiting to be discovered. Today, we delve into three such gems, each priced under $20, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank.

1. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ronan-by-Clinet-Bordeaux-Rouge-2016-w4958061o5">Ronan by Clinet, Pomerol</a> - $11.99:

This C&ocirc;tes de Castillon gem is a collaboration between renowned winemaker Jean-Bernard Clinet (of Ch&acirc;teau Clinet fame) and the n&eacute;gociant house of Dourthe. Clinet&#39;s expertise shines through in this blend of Merlot (85%) and Cabernet Franc (15%).

History: While not a historical estate itself, Ronan embodies the spirit of Bordeaux innovation. Clinet, a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, has applied his knowledge to craft an exceptional value wine.

Tasting Notes: Expect a vibrant ruby red color, alive with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and hints of spice. The palate is smooth and elegant, offering flavors of blackberry, cassis, and earth, balanced by fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish.

Alcohol: 14%

Critics&#39; Reviews:

<ul>
	<li>Jeb Dunnuck: 88 points - &quot;A juicy, charming, and delicious C&ocirc;tes de Castillon to drink over the next few years.&quot;</li>
	<li>James Suckling: 90 points - &quot;A balanced and well-made C&ocirc;tes de Castillon with juicy fruit and a touch of spice.&quot;</li>
</ul>

2. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Clos-du-Roy-Fronsac-2019-w9163742e9">Clos du Roy - Fronsac 2019</a> - $16.99:

Nestled on the Right Bank, Clos du Roy has been producing quality wines since the 1940s. The 2019 vintage is a blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%), crafted by the talented winemaker Nicolas Valette.

History: Founded in 1944, Clos du Roy has undergone several ownership changes. Today, it remains dedicated to producing affordable yet high-quality wines.

Tasting Notes: This deep garnet-colored wine opens with aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and violets, interwoven with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and pepper. The medium-bodied palate is smooth and elegant, offering flavors of ripe fruit, spice, and earth, supported by supple tannins and a lingering finish.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Critics&#39; Reviews:

<ul>
	<li>Wine Advocate: 88 points - &quot;A ripe, juicy, and easy-drinking Fronsac with good value.&quot;</li>
	<li>Decanter: 89 points - &quot;A supple and juicy blend with good depth of fruit and a pleasant finish.&quot;</li>
</ul>

3. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Noaillac-Medoc-2019-w1616917r7">Ch&acirc;teau Noaillac - M&eacute;doc 2019</a> - $13.99:

This historic estate, dating back to the 17th century, offers a Cru Bourgeois Sup&eacute;rieur expression of the M&eacute;doc appellation. The 2019 blend comprises Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Petit Verdot (5%), crafted by the dedicated team at Ch&acirc;teau Noaillac.

History: Ch&acirc;teau Noaillac boasts a rich history, having passed through several noble families before being acquired by the Miailhe family in 1998. Today, they strive to maintain the estate&#39;s legacy while implementing modern techniques.

Tasting Notes: This deep ruby-colored wine reveals aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, followed by hints of spice and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is structured and elegant, offering flavors of ripe fruit, earth, and spice, supported by firm yet approachable tannins and a long finish.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Critics&#39; Reviews:

<ul>
	<li>Wine Spectator: 88 points - &quot;A balanced and harmonious M&eacute;doc with good structure and length.&quot;</li>
	<li>James Suckling: 90 points - &quot;A well-made and classic M&eacute;doc with good tannins and a pleasing finish.&quot;</li>
</ul>

These three Bordeaux gems demonstrate that exceptional quality doesn&#39;t have to come with a hefty price tag. Each wine offers a unique expression of its terroir and grape varietals, making them perfect for exploring the diverse landscape of Bordeaux. So, grab a bottle (or two!), uncork, and discover the hidden treasures of this world-renowned wine region.

I hope this article helps you discover your next Bordeaux adventure!

Bordeaux, the land of prestigious chateaux and legendary wines, can often conjure images of hefty price tags. But fear not, budget-conscious wine lovers! Bordeaux offers a bounty of delicious and affordable options, waiting to be discovered. Today, we delve into three such gems, each priced under $20, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank.

Unveiling Bordeaux Gems: Three Under-$20 Treasures

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

The Switch? – #restaurantfail #winelistfail

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

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

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas point out the best bottles on the 67-page list at Quince. 

Wine Review of Quince, San Francisco

Grant Wood

Quince

Quince

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 Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier

Hello Grant, great to have you back for another great wine list.

GW: 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.

Quince

Quince is a contemporary dining masterpiece in San Francisco&rsquo;s historic Jackson Square, and they were the first to be awarded a green star from Michelin for its efforts in sustainability and biodiversity. They have an impressive 67-page wine list so let&rsquo;s dive in and see what we discover.

Starting with by the glass and you can&rsquo;t go wrong with toasting with a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose which is always a delight.

For a solid white that fits their Italian flair I&rsquo;d go for a glass of the 2018 Ansitz Dornach Pinot Bianco, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti from Alto-Adige is a great choice but for you Robert, I&rsquo;d suggest the 2017 Jean-Francois Malsert from Saint-Joseph which is peppery, perfumed and elegant.

Lastly, a great way to fortify your evening would be the 1929 D&rsquo;Olivera, Tinta Negra which is a great opportunity to drink a little bit of history.

Moving on to bubbles, I love the Egly-Ouriet &lsquo;Les Crayeres&rsquo; V.V Grand Cru which is 100% PN from a single vineyard in Ambonnay but you also can&rsquo;t go wrong with the likes of Cederic Bouchard and Ulysse Collin of which they have multiple bottlings.

For the big houses, I&rsquo;d go for the 08&rsquo; Bollinger La Grande Annee or anything from Krug of course.

Now it&rsquo;s time for whites to keep things moving. For the lighter more linier side, I absolutely love anything from Peter Lauer making beautiful and pure styles of Riesling from Saar, a sub-region of the Mosel in Germany and on their list I&rsquo;d go for his Ayler Fass 3 Troken which is a favorite. 

Another great Riesling but from Austria that could be really fun is the 2000 Jamek &lsquo;Ried Klaus&rsquo; Smaragd from the Wachau.

If you&rsquo;re feeling a little natty and funky but still want an iconic wine from Italy then look no further than the 2009 Gravner Ribolla is just the kind of skin fermented &lsquo;orange wine&rsquo; that you need in life.

I also love seeing the 2018 Monteraponi, Colli Della Toscana which is one of my favorite Tuscan producers and makes a great 100% Trebbiano.

Moving up the scale and if you want white Burgundy then I think the 2018 Alice et Olivier De Moor &lsquo;Coteau de Rosette&rsquo; from Chablis is really awesome but you can also ball out with Raveneau if you want Chablis. Something a little rounder and further south, I&rsquo;d go for the 2013 Dominique Lafon from Meursault is a great direction to go. A great domestic alternative from here in California is the 2017 Racines &lsquo;Sanford &amp; Benedict&rsquo; Chardonnay from the Sta Rita Hills or the 2009 Stony Hill Chardonnay from Spring Mountain would be fabulous since those older Stony Hill&rsquo;s age so well.

Now for your reds, Robert, and particularly if I&rsquo;m dining with you, I&rsquo;d order the 2012 Lorenzo Accomasso &lsquo;Rocche dell&rsquo;Annunziata, Vigna Rocchette is an amazing Barolo if you want to ball out. I know you love wines with some age as well so I point you towards the 1964 Oddero which would be a really interesting time capsule.

One more Italian favorite for me at a better value is the 2013 Giuseppe Quintarelli &lsquo;Primofiore&rsquo; is a favorite of mine from the Veneto and always delivers.

If you want Grand Cru Burgundy then I&rsquo;d go for the 1995 Jacques-Frederic Mugnier &lsquo;Bonnes Mares&rsquo; which is a splurge for sure but a wonderful producer championed by the late Becky Wasserman.

But if you&rsquo;re a baller on a budget then I&rsquo;d order the Jean-louis Dutraive &lsquo;Champagne&rsquo; from Fleurie would be a better way still being able to pay the rent and is of course a delicious option. If you want California PN then I&rsquo;d go for the 2015 Ceritas &lsquo;Coastalina&rsquo; from the Sonoma coast but the 2019 Hirsch &lsquo;The Bohan Dillon&rsquo; is a great value as well and an amazing vineyard in Fort Ross Seaview.

or California Cab there is a lot of great options to choose from, but my eye immediately goes to the 2011 Corison &lsquo;Kronos Vineyard&rsquo; which is an undervalued vintage which is aging beautifully. Another no brainer is the 1990 Dunn &lsquo;Howell Mountain&rsquo; which has some great age on it. I just had the 92&rsquo; for my 30th birthday and it was perfect.

Lastly, to finish on a sweeter note, I&rsquo;d go for the 2009 Paolo Bea, Montefalco Sagrantino, Passito from Umbria.

Final thoughts, this is an incredibly detailed list that spares no expense but offers great depth and has something for everyone and at every price point. This was a great list to go over and I look forward to dining there soon.

Cheers!

Grant, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Quince&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try your great suggestions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like Grant 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

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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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