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.

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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.

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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

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

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Empire Steak House

Sam Hohl

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Empire Steak House

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 Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier

&nbsp;

Hello Sam, great to have you back for another great wine list.

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SH: Hello Robert!

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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.

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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.

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RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

Cork Rules

Empire Steakhouse

Overview

Today we&rsquo;re headed to the Empire Steakhouse Midtown West location. Empire Steakhouse features premium steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. We know steak and wine have that beautiful synergy, so let&rsquo;s see where this list might take us.

Standouts

Tonight&rsquo;s the night, you&rsquo;re headed to Empire Steakhouse to satisfy that craving for a juicy steak and a wine that will make it soar. Empire&rsquo;s wine list has extensive red options so it can be hard to know where to start. Your go-to &ldquo;steak wine&rdquo; is most definitely on this menu, like their extensive Cab Sav section. But this list offers a lot of beautiful red wines and there could be something else to explore.

For instance, the 2015 Kir-Yianni Ramnista stood out to me. Yup, we&rsquo;re going Greek. This wine comes from the Macedonia region and is made from 100% Xinomavro grapes. Xinomavro wines are often compared to&nbsp; Borolos, so if you&rsquo;re a fan of those, this might be a fun way to branch out. It will have notes of red fruit, cherry, raspberry and subtle smoke essence. It&rsquo;s got some great tannins to it as well, which we love with a juicy steak. Try this out with the bone-in ribeye steak or the double-cut rack of lamb.

RT: What about white?

For you white wine lovers- you aren&rsquo;t left out! Empire has some great white options as well. I would go with the Orogeny Russian River Valley Chardonnay. The warm days and cool, foggy nights in Russian River Valley make for really beautiful fruit expression in this wine. It&rsquo;s going to have notes of tropical fruit and peach, accompanied by some wonderful acidity because of the climate the grapes are grown in. This would be delicious with the lobster tail or the Chilean sea bass, or even with your filet mignon if that&rsquo;s how you roll!

Value

Alright, let&rsquo;s move on to a bottle that will be affordable with no sacrifice to flavor. The 2019 Bedell North Fork Cab Franc would be a great direction to go. Bedell is a family-owned winery on Long Island and uses sustainable practices to make small-batch wines. This Cabernet Franc is going to have notes of both red fruit and dark fruit along with some peppery earthy flavors. Long Island&rsquo;s cooler climate helps the Cab Franc maintain really nice acidity and it won&rsquo;t be as heavy on tannins. This wine is going to be good with steaks that are a little less fatty, like the Japanese Wagyu tenderloin.

Celebratory 

This list has a great range for celebratory bottles as well. You can really go all out and find something exceptional. The 2010 Chateau L&#39;Evangile would definitely be one of those bottles. Chateau L&#39;Evangile is owned by the Domaines Barons de Rothschild, the world-famous winemakers, so you know this is going to be special. This is a Bordeaux blend of merlot and cab franc from Pomerol. It will be rich, full-bodied and have wonderful layers of jammy dark fruits, with delicate floral notes in the background. It&rsquo;s also going to have some tobacco and leather notes to it from the aging. This beauty could definitely stand up to the porterhouse steak on the menu.

Sam, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Empire Steakhouse&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 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 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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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

Castello del Trebbio is a historic winery located in the heart of Chianti. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines using traditional winemaking practices. Castello del Trebbio is committed to sustainable winemaking practices and has implemented various measures to reduce their environmental impact.

Sophisticated Italian bistro featuring old-world decor, classic cuisine & a massive wine list.

Grape the Wine Co.

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

Sistina

Domaine de La Romanée-Conti

Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2013

Pinot Noir

Burgundy, France

Domaine de La Romanée-Conti

Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2017

Pinot Noir

Burgundy, France

Domaine de La Romanée-Conti

Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2016

Pinot Noir

Burgundy, France

Domaine de La Romanée-Conti

Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2015

Pinot Noir

Burgundy, France

Michele

Alois 'Caiati' Pallagrello Bianco Terre del Volturno IGT 2017

Campania, Italy

Branko

Pinot Grigio 2019

Pinot Gris

Colli Berici, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Ogio

Pinot Grigio 2017

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Vigne

Le, di Eli, Etna Bianco 2020

Sicily, Italy

Elena Walch

Gewurztraminer Kastelaz, Alto Adige 2018

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

I Favati

Pietramara Fiano di Avellino 2019

Fiano

Campania, Italy

Prà

Staforte Soave Classico 2018

Garganega

Soave, Veneto, Italy

Louis Latour

Meursault Blanc 2018

Chardonnay

Meursault, France

Branko

Pinot Grigio 2018

Pinot Gris

Colli Berici, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Donnafugata

Contessa Entellina Chiaranda 2017

Merlot

Italy

Roth

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Cabernet Sauvignon

Alexander Valley, USA