&nbsp;

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy&#39;s most distinctive wines.

The Paola Bea estate, located near the town of Montefalco, has been in the family for generations. However, it was under Paola&#39;s stewardship that it gained international recognition. The vineyards are farmed organically without any chemical intervention and minimal mechanization.

Paola Bea wines are known for their intense character and depth of flavor. They reflect not only the unique terroir but also Paola&#39;s dedication to traditional winemaking methods such as long maceration periods and aging in large oak barrels.

His approach results in wines that are expressive, complex, and have a strong sense of place &ndash; characteristics highly valued by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you&#39;re tasting the acclaimed Sagrantino or lesser-known blends like San Valentino Palo Bea, you can expect an authentic representation of Umbrian viticulture at its finest from this esteemed producer.

Review of San Valentino Palo Bea

San Valentino is a highly esteemed winery located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices, this producer has carved out a niche for itself as an innovative and sustainable wine creator. The vineyard was established by Umberto Cesari in 1965, who passionately believed in the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Romagna.

Color:

The San Valentino Palo Bea presents a rich, deep ruby red color that is almost opaque. This intense hue hints at the concentration and complexity within each bottle.

Nose:

On the nose, this wine offers an enticing blend of ripe black fruits like cherries and plums mingled with earthy undertones of leather and tobacco. There are also delightful notes of spices such as clove and cinnamon which add depth to its aromatic profile.

Tannins:

The tannins in San Valentino Palo Bea are well-structured yet supple, providing a robust backbone without overwhelming the palate. They contribute to its full-bodied nature while ensuring longevity for cellaring.

Taste:

Upon tasting, one can expect an explosion of flavors echoing those on the nose - ripe dark fruits layered with spice and earthy nuances. The finish is long-lasting with hints of sweet vanilla oak from barrel aging.

Critic Score &amp; Reviews:

San Valentino Palo Bea consistently receives high scores from critics around the world due to its exceptional quality. It frequently garners ratings above 90 points from renowned publications like Wine Spectator and Decanter Magazine. Reviewers often praise it for its balance between fruit intensity, tannic structure, acidity levels, making it both approachable now but capable of aging gracefully over time.

Food Pairing:

Given its robust character and complex flavor profile, San Valentino Palo Bea pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, game, and rich pasta dishes. It also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

San Valentino Palo Bea is a testament to the winemaking prowess of its producer. Its full-bodied nature coupled with complex flavors and aromas make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality Italian wine that showcases the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Emilia-Romagna.

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy's most distinctive wines.

San Valentino Paolo Bea an Italian treasure

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

Bavette‚Äôs Steakhouse & Bar ‚Äì Las Vegas

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the classic steakhouse Bavettes, MGM in Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Bavettes, Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Bavettes

Bavettes Park MGM 

Robert Tas (RT): Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can learn to order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!! We have a sophisticated steakhouse to discover today in our podcast

RT: we sure do, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list with confidence so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily select wines from your favorite restaurant wine lists based on your preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price! Plus, you can check out which wines your friends ordered and try them yourself. Want to get started? Our podcast wine list reviews are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the list. So be sure to listen and check out what our Top Sommeliers recommend at your favorite restaurant.

MV: Today we are talking about Bavettes Las Vegas located in the Park MGM Hotel and Casino. You could almost forget you are on the Las Vegas strip when you step into this dimly lit- sultry and sexy intimate outpost of the Chicago Classic Steakhouse. Nouveau-style mirrors, colorful Tiffany glass shaded lamps, cozy red leather banquettes and gallery-style vintage art give this den-like restaurant made-up of multiple rooms a classy feel. The menu is as stylish as the immaculately appointed and knowledgeable servers. Expect standouts such as tiered seafood platters, sizzling seafood plates, and 42 day dry-aged ribeyes on this classic steakhouse menu that has become a favorite among the fashionable steakhouse-loving clientele.

RT: Maria after that description I am definitely putting this restaurant on my list when I come to visit. How does their Wine list look?

MV: Overall, It is a tad smaller than I expected but that makes it a little easier to navigate, I&rsquo;d love to see them expand on this by adding some options from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile and more from Argentina to round things out. But they do have a great selection of California Cabs and French Bordeaux which is a must for a steakhouse like this.

RT: It sure is Maria, So where will we begin?&nbsp;

MV: I am always inclined to start with oysters or a shellfish tower at a steakhouse before things get all meaty, so I would start with a glass of the Ros&eacute; Cremant, Lucien Albrecht Brut Ros&eacute;, from Alsace, in France, I mean sure you could start with the Champagne, by Nicolas Feuillatte, Reserve Exclusive, but not everyone is up for spending upwards of $35 on a glass of wine, clocking in at around $16 the Lucien Albrecht is still going to give you lots of bubbly goodness at a better price so you can spend more on the steak wine! A Cremant is produced in the method of champagne but produced in regions outside of Champagne and sometimes using different grapes... But This particular one is using 100% Pinot Noir.

RT: Cool great tip, what about a red by the glass.

MV: Okay- check this one out, the

Malbec, Susana Balbo, Mendoza, Argentina&nbsp;2019&nbsp; [bin - 7312] This is the only wine I could find on the list from Argentina. At this reasonable price point of$16 a glass, you can&rsquo;t go wrong and Susana is the most recognized female winemaker in Argentina, she literally started a movement there and when we visited it we had the most memorable lunch and wine pairing at the estate in Mendoza.

RT: Awesome Maria, now what about finding us some bottles of white and red that aren&rsquo;t going to blow a hole in the wallet?

MV: Sure, quite a few incredible options!

The DeLille Cellars &quot;Chaleaur Blanc&quot;, WA&nbsp;2018&nbsp; [bin - 8641]

$84A gorgeous Bordeaux style white blend from Columbia Valley Washington, Sauvignon blanc and Semillon are the grapes and this wine is going to be rich but fresh, cirtusy but tropical, perfect with that crab stuffed avocado I&rsquo;m eyeing on the menu..

RT: That sounds like a perfect pairing..

MV: I agree, And for my Pinot lovers, the Alexana, Revana Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon&nbsp;2013&nbsp;vintage&nbsp; [bin - 8392] a medium plus bodied red with csome cellaring on it, this is my go-to wine here because often we will do more of a surf and turf sharing and so this wine works with just about everything. The Founder Dr. Revana, a cardiologist has wineries in Willamette Valley Oregon, Napa Valley California, and Mendoza Argentina, and they all produce highly accoladed wines from site specific quality vineyards.&nbsp; A great deal as it is under <s>$140 ($132)</s>

RT: those are 2 great Options Maria, and can you recommend for us 2 steakhouse reds for those of us wanting a special occasion option?

MV: I would love to, now a special occasion wine might be in the $500+&nbsp; range for some and more like the $200 range for others, it&rsquo;s all relative, so here are 2 wines from the same producer in those pricepoints. The Ch&acirc;teau Lynch Bages, 2012 And the estates so called &ldquo;second wine&rdquo;, the Ch&acirc;teau Lynch Bages Echo de Lynch Bages, 2012

NOW Both are excellent Bordeaux Blends from the commune of Pauillac, where some of the most famous and expensive wines in the world come from. Both are going to be Cabernet Sauvignon Dominant, typical of the red wines from the left Bank of the Gironde river in Bordeaux.

But here&rsquo;s where they differ: the flagship wine is from much older vines, has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and along with merlot and Cab franc, adds a little bit of P. verdot. (72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet franc, 3% Petit) it&rsquo;s also aged in Wood barrels for 18 mo 75% of which are brand new barriques (this is where a lot of the expense comes in for making the wine)&nbsp;

Now the Echo is produced from the younger vines on the property, sees a higher proportion of Cab Franc and merlot and is aged in previously used French oak barrels for just 14 months. (a lot less cost in oak).

You will still find both wines to be textbook Pauillac, Rich Sturdy Black Currant flavors dusted with graphite pencil shavings and cigar box aromas. But the Flagship wine will have longer ageabilty, more aggressive tannins and more complexity due to the older vines, but the Echo will certainly hold its own to any of the steaks on the menu (which by the way I have had my most flavorful steak ever at Bavettes!) CLASSIC RIBEYE - CHICAGO CUT

RT: Wow- Maria this is great for our listeners to learn about as I often look for these second wines from my favorite Bordeaux estates. I find them much more attainable and thoroughly enjoyable.

MV: This menu is great they have quite a few of them from many of the most well-regarded estates. It&rsquo;s a great question for the restaurant Sommelier, where you can still look sophisticated in front of your guests, just ask the Somm to help you choose a second wine from one of the great Bordeaux Estates.

RT: Great TIP! Thank you Maria, it&rsquo;s been a pleasure to discover Bavette&rsquo;s wine list with you. You can find Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Thank you everyone for joining us here on CorkRules. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates Must be 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

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Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

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Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Cloudfall is a boutique winery located in the heart of the Central Coast wine region. They specialize in producing high-quality, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Modern Argentine eatery serving steaks, small plates, cocktails & wine in a vibrant atmosphere.

Per Se

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

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