Grapes are one of the most finicky fruit to grow. They need just the right soil, amount of water and sunlight, and ideal temperatures; if any of these factors are off the grapes become flabby or tart, and the magic attained when opening a perfect bottle is lost. This is why climate change is fast becoming such a monumental issue within the world of wine.

The Beginning of the End?

But don&rsquo;t worry, it isn&rsquo;t all fire and brimstone. Cooler regions are actually thriving. In the past, wine production could occur only within the latitudes of 30 and 50 degrees. Southern England lies around 52 degrees, north of that traditional latitude window and once thought too cold for grapes to fully ripen. As temperatures rise, however, English wine production has been increasing with the introduction of first class sparklers from producers like Nyetimber and Chapel Down. And why not? There is an abundance of white, chalky soil in certain parts of southern England, the same soil so coveted in Champagne. The English use the same three grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Muenier) as their French counterparts to the south, as well as the same traditional method for wine production. English sparklers tend to have a little more orchard fruit and rustic qualities, but the top producers can spar with the best of them.

Champagne, on the other hand, once considered very cold and continental, only declared vintages in the best years when their grapes received ample sunshine to fully ripen. Global warming has brought an abundance of vintage worthy years, but there is now danger that the pendulum will swing too far in the other direction. If it continues to warm in this region, there is danger that the grapes will become flabby, losing the crisp, brioche-like minerality that Champagne is so known for. The solution is still up in the air, but a lot of producers have started setting up shop in new regions; the classic Taittinger in England and Roederer in Anderson Valley, California. Other previously too cold regions, like Norway and Denmark, are also getting into the wine game, which could result in exciting new varieties and styles.

&nbsp;

Wine Production is Looking Up

For those who can&rsquo;t expand north or south, production is starting to look up&hellip; literally. In Argentina, producers are pushing to new heights with vineyards in Salta planted at up to 11,000 feet. These grapes still receive sun and heat during the day, but benefit from a greater diurnal shift, the difference of temperature between day and night. Higher altitudes mean cooler temperatures at night which give the grapes time to rest, ripen more slowly, and keep that fresh acidity that is so important to great winemaking.

Washington producers are also starting to push upward with regions like Walla Walla Valley experimenting with heights of 3,000 feet. The wines are refined, with silky tannins and lush fruit. The alcohol per glass in Washington wines hovers closer to 14 percent, a welcome quality when so many Napa wines are sitting at up to 15.5 percent! This is because the hotter it gets the more the grapes ripen and the more sugar they contain. When the yeast eats the sugar it produces alcohol, hence more sugar equals higher alcohol after fermentation. One solution is to pick the grapes earlier in September instead of October when they aren&rsquo;t as ripe, but without that extra hang time there is a risk of picking a less complete, complex grape.

The New Grapes on the Block

What if a producer can&rsquo;t move north or upwards? One solution: introduce new grape varieties that can stand up to warmer weather. Bordeaux has a long history and reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc (Malbec, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot are also allowed in red wine). These have been the go-to grapes that made this region infamous. The French also take pride in tradition, so it&rsquo;s an indication that things must really be warming up for them to consider change. For the first time in hundreds of years, new red grape varieties are allowed in small proportions to help producers adapt to climate change.

The new red grape varieties are Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, and Touriga Nacional. Arinarnoa is a cross (when two grapes of different pedigree cross pollinate) between Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon created in France in 1956. Castets is a rare grape variety originating in southern France. Marselan was developed in 1961 from crossing the grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Touriga Nacional is from the Douro region of Portugal and often used for port. All these grapes have something in common, they are late ripening, often smaller berried and thicker skinned; perfect for warmer temperatures and retaining structure and acidity. French law states that these new grapes can make up no more than ten percent of the wine blend, and the results will be reevaluated after ten years. Stay tuned for its progress.

Looking to the Future

The good news is that wine is an ancient tradition that isn&rsquo;t going away any time soon. Scientists and agriculturalists continue to study both climate and fruit to develop solutions. More and more farmers are developing sustainable and biodynamic practices to rejuvenate the land. And we, as consumers, have more opportunities to buy local to reduce our carbon footprint. So whether you&rsquo;re looking up, to the north, or trying something new, keep enjoying a great bottle of wine. I believe that&rsquo;s one thing that will always good for the planet&hellip; and the soul.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Grapes are one of the most finicky fruit to grow. They need just the right soil, amount of water and sunlight, and ideal temperatures; if any of these factors are off the grapes become flabby or tart, and the magic attained when opening a perfect bottle is lost. This is why climate change is fast becoming such a monumental issue within the world of wine.

Climate Change and the Future of Wine

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

Sorellina

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorellina in Boston. 

Wine List Review of Sorellina, Boston. 

Michaela Quinlan

Sorelina

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 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 Sorellina. If you are visiting Boston&rsquo;s Copley Square, then you must stop by Sorellina to experience classic Italian with a modern twist.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Sorellina takes great pride in their wines by the glass, extensive Italian-focused wine list, Somm&rsquo;s Select glass pour options, and knowledgeable staff. We have a number of new favorites and classics to explore with you today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin in Campania. One of my many favorite Italian white grapes in Falanghina. Do consider the 2020 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina. This medium bodied white wine is perfect to pair with shellfish, tuna, and salmon. The bright acidity, minerality, along with aromas and flavors of lime zest, green apple, and pear make this wine an excellent selection to kick off your dining experience.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: We have to head over to the Piedmont for a classic Nebbiolo. The 2019 Luigi Giordano &lsquo;Cavanna&rsquo; Barbaresco is a standout with its bright acidity, tart red cherries, smoke, round tannins, and classic herbal notes on the finish. This Nebbiolo is your go to selection to pair with pasta and richly sauced proteins.

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: To shift away from classic Italian wines for a moment, I had to stop when I spotted a favorite. The 2018 Ken Wright Cellars &lsquo;Savoya Vineyard&rsquo; from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Ken Wright Cellars has been producing single vineyard Pinot Noir for over 40 years from 13 different vineyard sites. This particular Pinot Noir is from the Savoya Vineyard and showcases ripe blackberries, black cherries, cranberries, with herbs, spice, and a slightly smoky finish. This Pinot Noir will pair will with herbed and smoked dishes.

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 favorite, can&rsquo;t miss producer caught my eye. The 2019 Ridge &lsquo;Three Valleys&rsquo; Zinfandel from Sonoma County, CA. Since their start in 1988, Ridge has been producing knockout, highly rated wines. The &lsquo;Three Valleys&rsquo; represent the different vineyards where the grapes for this wine are grown, consisting of predominately Zinfandel, along with a bit of Petit Syrah, and Carignan. This medium to full bodied red features ripe red cherries, ripe raspberries, earth, spice, black pepper, soft tannins, and a long finish. Consider this Zinfandel blend to pair with richly sauced dishes and anything grilled.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Now back to Italy. How can we discuss Italian wines without mentioning Pinot Grigio? An excellent quality and value selection is the 2020 Cantina Terlan Pinot Grigio from Alto-Adige in Northern Italy. This medium-bodied white wine features ripe pear, lemon zest, melon, green apple, with bright minerality on the finish. This is an excellent aperitif, or to pair with shellfish, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s move from Northern Italy to Southern Italy, specifically Puglia for another standout value wine. Consider the 2017 Masseria Altemura, Negroamaro. If you are looking for spice, look no further. Negroamaro is a red grape that features aromas and flavors of ripe plumb and fig, along with a bit of licorice and cocoa. Nutmeg and clove also come through thanks to the aging in French oak. Pair this red with richly sauced and herbed 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: I find that Barolo is always an excellent choice to add to any celebration. Do consider the 2013 Viberti &lsquo;Bricco delle Viole&rsquo; Reserva Barolo. The grape in Barolo wines is Nebbiolo, and the Reserva designation means that the grapes have aged a bit longer than others, resulting in aromas and flavors of dried fig, ripe strawberries, and plumb, with spice and classic licorice on the long finish. You may wish to decant this wine, as the tannins are still quite firm. A wonderful addition to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Sorellina&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.

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Starborough is a family-owned winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand. They are committed to producing premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region, while also using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. They offer a range of white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

Elevated Mediterranean dishes are matched by wine & craft cocktails at this upmarket restaurant.

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

The View

Il Capriccio

Clarity

Bellissimo Restaurant

Bellissimo

Sandbar

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern

Mirabelle at Three Village Inn

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

Dagon

Buehler

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Louis Roederer

Collection 241 Brut, Champagne 2018

Champagne, France

Rare, Champagne NV

Champagne, France

Michele Chiarlo

Barbera d'Asti Le Orme 2018

Barbera

Barbera d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy

de Pinet

Gaujal de Saint Bon Picpoul, Cuvee des Dames, Languedoc 2021

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Golan Heights Winery

Yarden Gewurztraminer 2019

Gewurztraminer

Galilee, Israel

Philippe Alliet, Chinon 2021

Loire, France

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Etna Rosso 2020

Nerello Mascalese

Sicily, Italy

Alta Vista

Estate Malbec (Premium) 2018

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Col d'Orcia

Rosso di Montalcino 2020

Sangiovese

Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Familia Torres

Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

Penedes, Spain

Pio Cesare

Dolcetto d'Alba 2020

Dolcetto

Dolcetto d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Recanati Cabernet Sauvignon, Israel, Galilee 2020

Galilee, Israel

The Eyrie Vineyards

Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, USA

Nikolaihof

Hefeabzug Gruner Veltliner 2020

Gruner Veltliner

Niederosterreich, Austria