Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country,&nbsp;a career in wine is not&nbsp;a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-lopes-b67743a8/">Jane Lopes</a>, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of&nbsp; <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Vignette-Stories-Life-Wine-Bottles/dp/1743795327">Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles. </a>

Jane graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in English Language and Literature/Letters. Post-graduation, she worked in the hospitality industry, as so many students do before they find their path in life. It was as a server/bartender that Jane&rsquo;s formal education in the wine industry began. &nbsp;She worked at renowned restaurants including Eleven Madison Park in New York, The Violet Hour in Chicago, and The Catbird Seat in Nashville; her education at these establishments was intensive and hands-on, and by immersing herself in the world of wine, she fast-tracked her way towards accreditation as one of the world&rsquo;s few Master Sommeliers.

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In 2018, Jane was a candidate for the Master Sommelier, the most prestigious of accreditations in wine. To give you an idea of how difficult it is to achieve this standard, there are only 262 Master Sommeliers in the world, and candidates must pass four exams offered through the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMSA).

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Although Jane passed the exam, one of only 34 women to pass it; unfortunately, for all candidates sitting the 2018 exam, their results were nullified due to a previous candidate sharing information about the wines selected for the tasting exam. It seems rather unfair; however, it didn&rsquo;t stop Jane from pursuing her career in wine and proving her vast knowledge on the subject by publishing her book.

Vignette is a book for people who love wine without the pretension that often surrounds the wine industry. It is thoughtfully arranged and offers clarity on varietals, tasting notes, and a list of 100 bottles that represent wine regions from around the globe, and most importantly for the majority of wine lovers, Jane has added an appendix of affordable wines for the wine lover who wants a delicious bottle that meets the budget.

Jane&rsquo;s book is both informative and highly entertaining read as it documents her life&rsquo;s journey in wine, beginning with the earliest introduction to wine: a cheap, Californian chardonnay her parent&rsquo;s drank.

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Jane has recently completed a second book, How to Drink Australian, which will be published in September 2023. This book is inspired by the company she runs with her husband, <a href="https://legendaustralia.com/jane-jon/">Legend Australian Wine Imports</a>, a socially-focused wine importer. Jane and her husband founded this company with the goal of bringing the best of Australian wines to the U.S.

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Listen to Jane&rsquo;s story on <a href="https://corkrules.com/vignette:-stories-of-life-and-wine-in-100-bottles/episodes/384">Episode 268 of CorkRules</a> where she offers suggestions on wine and shares a little of her life&rsquo;s journey in the industry.

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

With the exception of sommeliers and vintners, for most of us who love wine, no matter how many bottles you drink in your lifetime, and no matter how delicious, you rarely think of the terroir, the grape, or the growing process as you drink it.

Chris Phelps on Wine and Life

Felice is an Italian restaurant located on Manhattan’s upper east side. Owner Jacopo Giustiniani opened this establishment in 2007 and it has been a popular spot where diners can experience authentic Tuscan cuisine while sampling Italian wine from the extensive Italian-focused wine list. Italy has 20 wine regions each with unique characteristics in climate and terroir, and this list is inspired by the spirit of the Italian countryside and the wines of Jacopo’s family’s vineyard.

Italian Wine Regions Explored at Felice

The San Francisco Giants have upped their wine game by offering a curated selection of wine for fans at games. In fact, serving wine at Giants’ games is so popular with fans that, in 2022 they hired their own Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience and we at CorkRules wholly agree.

San Francisco Giants' Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein is Upping the Wine Game

Itamae

Cecilia Bonet

Itamae Miami

Itamae Miami

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 Cecilia Bonet, wine educator and certified sommelier

Hello Cecilia, great to have you back for another great wine list.

CB: 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.

ITAMAE MIAMI

Peruvian/Japanese restaurant in the heart of the Design District.

Itamae is a 40-seat Bib Gourmand restaurant since this year &nbsp;

Nikkei flavors and traditions - local and seasonal ingredients.

&nbsp;

Top Level View

Itamae has a small wine list specially designed to pair with the delicate Nikkei cuisine. That is why you will find only two references of red wine, and a beautiful variety of sakes that you should try.

Here you will see wines from regions other than the classic French ones, as well as wines from Peru, Switzerland and Austria. And although I think they have chosen their wines very well, the wine list is perhaps not so clear to read. But here we are!

Unique Stuff

Cruse Wine co., 2017 Tradition, chardonnay + pinot noir, Northcoast - California

Cruse Wine Co. is a tiny winery based out of Petaluma, close to the ocean in California and founded by Michael Cruse, who is known today as the champagne grower in America. He produces a wide range of varieties with a focus on esoteric grapes and quality-style wines.

The 2017 Tradition Sparkling Wine is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two classic French grapes, using the traditional method (or second fermentation on the bottle as Champagne) and is intentionally crafted to be a bit oxidative and open.

The resulting wine is a bone-dry bubbly with hints of stone fruit, some chalk aromas, freshly baked brioche and crushed almonds with a lush core of peachy fruits and honey.

It&rsquo;s nothing other than complex! And a refreshing option paired with the Nigiris

Value Wines

Ulibarri Artzaiak - Txacoli de Bizcaia Ulibarri 2017&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Basque Country &ndash; Spain

Is a delicious wine from a tiny 2 hectare size, located in Pa&iacute;s Vasco, the Basque region of northern Spain. Hondarrabi Zuri &amp; Hondarrabi Zuri Zerratie are the local grapes which grown organically on this clay, sand, slate and schist soils.

The Ulibarri Brothers and winemakers consider themselves to be shepherds as they use sheeps not only to produce milk and cheese, but also to graze the vineyards in order to keep weeds at bay without herbicides and fertilizes the vineyards in the process. It&rsquo;s all about feedback!

But back to the wine, this is refreshing and dry, with a low alcohol content, with salinity, texture, and length. For most of the wines from the area, the acidity is the main character, with hints of lemon and green apples that complement the Nikkei cuisine at perfection. Try it with Ceviche.

Bigger budget/Special Occasion 

2016 Domaine Du Clos Naudin, Foreau, Chenin Blanc, Vouvray &ndash; France

Philippe Foreau and the Domaine du Clos Naudin are well known for the purity and extreme longevity of the wines produced in Vouvray, along the banks of the Loire River in France. He farms a total of 11.5 hectares of vineyards, of which all are dedicated to Chenin Blanc.

Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray is dry Chenin Blanc at its best. From a fantastic vintage, even when was plagued by Spring frosts that reduced the eventual crop; the 2016 is a steely, mineral-rich white wine that will age beautifully for decades! With exotic aromas of poached quince, yellow apple, and wet stones, the wine has medium body that it lingers on the mouthwatering long finish.

A perfect choice along with the barred knifejaw tiradito.

Cecelia, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate ITAMAE MIAMI&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 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.

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Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Hy's Steakhouse

Frasca Food and Wine

Blu Ristorante

Alcove

Tatiana's

Urban Farmer Portland

Urban Farmer

Mariel

Chiado

Jory at the Allison

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

request

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.

LeVino Wine Merchants

Available Wines
Total Wines - 9

Domaine du Salvard

Cheverny Blanc NV

Loire, France

Terlan (Terlano)

Tradition Pinot Bianco NV

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2019

Margaux, France

Meiomi

Bright Pinot Noir NV

California, USA

Lab

Sweet Lab Tinto NV

Lisboa, Portugal

La Crema

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay NV

California, USA

Lucky Star

Pinot Noir NV

California, USA

La Crema

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir NV

California, USA

Cantina Terlan

Chardonnay, Alto Adige 2019

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy