The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.&nbsp;

By the way, we love champagne with all kinds of food (seafood, fried chicken, spicy food, etc) and is more than just for a quick toast at midnight.&nbsp;

High-End Champagnes:&nbsp;

When it comes to high-end champagnes, names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug often come to mind. These prestigious champagnes are typically reserved for special occasions and are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> is produced by Moet &amp; Chandon and is named after the Benedictine monk who is often credited with discovering the champagne-making process. Krug, on the other hand, is known for its rich and complex flavors, thanks to its unique production methods, including fermentation in small oak barrels. These won&#39;t disappoint! Yum!!&nbsp;

More Approachable Options:&nbsp;

If you&#39;re looking for a more approachable champagne that still offers great quality, there are plenty of options to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> are two examples of champagnes that are well-regarded but are often more affordable than their high-end counterparts. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> is known for its delicate, fruity flavors, while <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> is a type of champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a crisp and elegant taste. Solid choices!&nbsp;

Blanc de Blanc:

Blanc de Blanc is a term used to describe champagnes that are made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its light and crisp flavors, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste. Blanc de Blanc champagnes are often a great option for pairing with seafood or light appetizers.&nbsp;

Lower-End Examples and Spanish Cava:

If you&#39;re looking for lower-end champagne options, there are plenty of choices to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Piper-Heidsieck-Brut-Cuvee-w504046291">Piper-Heidsieck&#39;s Brut Non-Vintage</a> is a great affordable option that still offers great quality and flavor. This champagne is known for its fresh and lively taste, making it a great choice for casual gatherings. In addition to champagne, <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a> is another great option to consider for all budgets. Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in Spain using the traditional champagne method, and it offers great quality at a more affordable price point.&nbsp;

Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider. From prestigious names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug to more affordable options like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a>, there&#39;s a champagne out there for every taste and budget.&nbsp;

Cheers to the holiday season! #drinkwhatyoulove #bubbles

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.

Bubbles for the Holidays!!

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Tuscarora Mill, affectionately known as Tuskies.

Wine List Review of Tuscrora Mill in Vermont

Michaela Quinlan

Tuscarora

Tuscarora Mill

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&nbsp; 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 Tuscarora Mill. Located in Leesburg, VA, Tuskie&rsquo;s, as the locals call it, was once a grain mill dating back to 1899. Today, Tuskie&rsquo;s features classic American fare for lunch, brunch, dinner, and special events.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

MQ: Tuskie&rsquo;s has several areas for special events from wine-paired dinners to large weddings, along with off-site catering. As you can imagine, their wine list features an extensive assortment of Old World and New World favorites, organic and biodynamic selections, along with several local wines.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2020 Borgo Paglianetto Verdicchio from the Marche of Italy. The Marche is located along the calf of the boot of Italy. This Verdicchio features bright acidity, lime zest, with notes of ripe green apple and pear. The mineral finish and note of salinity make this white wine an excellent pairing for charcuterie and shellfish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Heading to Spain, a red wine to consider would be the 2019 Bodegas Epifanio Erial from Ribera del Duero. This red is 100% Tempranillo and is your go to for richly sauced proteins, such as steak and pork. You can always count on Tempranillo for the excellent balance of ripe red fruit such as blackberries and blueberries, along with earth and smoke on the finish. Tempranillo is also an excellent pairing for anything from the grill.&nbsp;

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: If you are looking for something sparkling and/or local, consider the Thibaut-Janisson Extra Brut from Charlottesville, VA. This standout sparkler consists of 100% Chardonnay grapes and minimal dosage. Dosage being the added sugar or blend of wine and sugar added to sparkling wines. Therefore, this wine maintains bright acidity with notes of ripe pear, hazelnuts, almonds, and brioche on the finish. Enjoy this sparkler as an aperitif or to pair with shellfish and fried 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: A beautiful, classic red wine to consider for the table would be the 2019 Domaine Equis, Domaine des Lises from the Crozes-Hermitage appellation of the Northern Rhone of France. This 100% Syrah is rich and full bodied. Grown in rock and gravel, this Syrah features excellent minerality and bright acidity with notes of ripe red cherries, black pepper, clove, and sage. Another standout wine to pair with richly sauced or herbed dishes.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind..&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: A white wine of excellent quality and value is the 2020 Soalheiro Alvarinho from Moncao in Northern Portugal. Similar styles of Alvarinho may be noted as Vinho Verde. This Alvarinho is light and dry with notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, ripe peach, with slight effervescence and a mineral finish. Pair this white with light seafood and shellfish.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Another consistently stellar red wine of excellent value is the 2018 Chakana Ayni Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Consider this Malbec when you are looking for a rich, full bodied red wine with soft, round tannins, bright red cherries, ripe blueberries, and a finish consisting of earth, smoke, and vanilla.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Tuskie&rsquo;s wine list certainly features an extensive number of high-end wines to take your dining experience or celebratory event to the next level. A wine to consider is the 2014 Chateau Cos d&rsquo;Estournel Grand Cru from Saint- Estephe in Bordeaux, France. Chateau Cos d&rsquo;Estournel has been producing wine since the late 1700&rsquo;s on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. This 98-point rated wine consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. This collectable red is well-balanced featuring dried strawberries and ripe blackberries, along with notes of mushroom, sage, and earth. This vintage is now ready to enjoy following some decanting. Truly a wine to celebrate along with any special event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Tuscarora Mill&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.

&nbsp;

End

&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

AXR is a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley. We specialize in producing high-quality, small-batch wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Meson

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

BondST

Buenos Aires Restaurant

Buenos Aires

Meadowsweet

Casa Mono

Atera

La Cava

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

Quality Italian

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

Little Pearl Asheville

Grams, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington, USA

Ca' del Sarto

Pinot Grigio Friuli Grave NV

Pinot Grigio

Friuli Grave, Italy

Arca Nova

Vinho Verde Vinhao NV

Vinhao

Vinho Verde, Portugal

A3

Red Blend NV

California, USA

Red Tail Ridge

Sans Oak Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

Seneca Lake, USA

Viña Nora

Peitan Albarino NV

Albarino

Galicia, Spain

Longboard Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

North Coast, USA

Latium Morini

Soave NV

Garganega

Soave, Veneto, Italy

Latium Morini

Soave NV

Garganega

Soave, Italy

Danzante

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Château de Campuget

Costieres-de-Nimes Rose (Tradition de Campuget) NV

Shiraz/Syrah

Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France

Willamette Valley Vineyards

White Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, USA

Enrico

Serafino Grifo del Quartaro Gavi di Gavi, Italy, Piedmont NV

Cortese

Piedmont, Italy

Enrico Serafino

Gavi NV

Chardonnay

Gavi - Cortese di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy

Enrico

, Serafino Gavi di Gavi DOCG, Piedmont NV

Piedmont, Italy