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!!

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

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Elways owned by and named after the NFL quarterback, John Elways. 

Wine List Review of Elways, Vail, Colorado

Grace Hood

Elways

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

GH: Hey hey 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. Grace, what fabulous spot are we looking at today?

GH: Well since it is ski season, we are in the fabulous town of Vail Colorado, taking a deep dive into the wine list at Elways. &nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Owned by the football player?

GH: That is correct Robert. Elways has a few locations, and their location is definitely one of the gems in their portfolio. &nbsp;

RT: And I can assume the wine list here is going to be killer. Fine dining steak house in a ski town must mean a baller list.

GH: 100% &nbsp;

RT: Alright where do you want to start us, my friend?

GH: With sparkling of course! If you&rsquo;re looking for a nice easy drinking approachable French sparkling &ndash; the Lucien Albrecht Cr&eacute;mant from Alsace is one of my go-tos. However, if you wanted a fabulous vintage champagne, they have a 2005 Jacequesson which would be really unique.

RT: Oh, wow two great and very different options to start us off with. Thanks for that Grace. Where are you steering us when it comes to the whites?

GH: If you&rsquo;re looking for light white, they&rsquo;ve got a 2020 Gruner Veltliner from Ingrid Groiss, or if you want a sauv blanc, I would show some love for the 2019 Chateau la Rame White Bordeaux.

RT: Awesome &ndash; definitely can&rsquo;t go wrong with either of those. Now I assume Vail brings in the classic chardonnay drinkers.

GH: Oh, it absolutely does Robert. For California chardonnay, I would go with the 2014 Hirsch vineyards out of Sonoma, for Oregon Chardonnay I&rsquo;m doing the 2016 Walter Scott, and for French chardonnay, I would do the 2020 Paul Pernot Puligny Montrachet &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: 3 very different styles of chardonnay &ndash; super fun choices. Alright &ndash; where are we going as we dive into the reds?

GH: Gotta start with pinot of course &ndash; for my Burgundy pick I think I would do the 2014 Chambolle Musigny Premi&egrave;re Cru from Olivier Bernstein, and then California pinot I would do the 2018 Alden Alli from Sonoma Coast. And then for Oregon pinot, the 2015 JK Carrier. &nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Sold ha-ha now how about something a little more medium-bodied?

GH: Ohhh speak of the devil &ndash; I just spotted a 2014 Mayacamas from Mt. Veeder &ndash; I was literally just talking about Mayacamas merlot to a fellow sommelier the other day. I personally prefer napa merlot over Cabernet so I&rsquo;m always excited to see some love shown to Napa merlot.

RT: Totally get where you&rsquo;re coming from. Speaking of, any good right bank Bordeaux?

GH: At Elways &ndash; oh for sure. I would do the 2001 Chateau l&rsquo;Avangile. 

RT: Hey now that sounds like a winner. Alright we can&rsquo;t forget about the cab drinkers &ndash; especially at a steak house like this.

GH: Would never dream of it &ndash; for cabs &ndash; starting with left bank Bordeaux, the have a 1995 chateau Gruraud Larose which for the price point is crazy good. And then for a big bold California Cabernet &ndash; they have a 2011 Araujo which would definitely do the trick

RT: hey now we&rsquo;re talking. Alright, Grace how about some value wines on the Elway&rsquo;s menu? Something accessible and easy for an apr&egrave;s ski?

GH: You had me at apr&egrave;s hahah for a white, I would do the 2018 Aligot&eacute; from Sylvain Patalie. And then for a red &ndash; the 2016 Bordeaux Blend from Gilbert Cellars out of Walla Walla Washington.

RT: Oh yeah those will drink great for the price point. Now how about some special occasion bottles at Elways.

GH: Oh man there are tons of those to choose from. But if I just had 2 picks &ndash; I would go with the 2011 Grand Cru Morey Blanc Batard Montrachet, or the 2001 Chateau Latour.

RT: There it is - Grace thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list here at Elways. &nbsp;To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; 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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End

&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

Pommery is one of the oldest and most renowned champagne houses, known for its exceptional quality and innovation. The house is famous for its unique winemaking philosophy, which combines traditional methods with modern techniques to craft exceptional champagnes that truly capture the essence of the region.

Legendary circa-1915 cafe serving small plates & cocktails in an updated historic setting.

Delfina Restaurant

Delfina

AFICI

Afici

Ancora

Muller & Lux

The Morris

Spruce

Chez Panisse

Bar Sprezzatura

Sprezzatura

Rich Table

The Progress

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

Dante NYC

Perrier-Jouët

Blason Rose Brut Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Vietti

Arneis Roero 2020

Arneis

Roero, Piedmont, Italy

Koerner

Mammolo Vivian Vineyard Sciaccarello 2021

Sciacarello

Clare Valley, Australia

Bernabeleva

Navaherreros Garnacha 2020

Grenache

Madrid, Spain

Lagar Cervera, Rias Baixas, Albarino 2021

Galicia, Spain

Pio Cesare

Barbera d'Alba 2020

Barbera

Barbera d'Alba, Italy

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Etna Bianco 2019

Carricante

Sicily, Italy

Adega Algueira, Ribeira Sacra 2019

Ribeira Sacra, Spain

Lieu Dit

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

California, USA

Paitin

Langhe, Starda Nebbiolo 2020

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Sorelle Bronca

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry 2020

Glera

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, Italy

Maccario Dringenberg

Posau Rossese di Dolceacqua Superiore 2019

Rossese

Dolceacqua, Italy

Lieu Dit

Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Sauvignon Blanc

California, USA

J. Hofstätter

Weissburgunder Pinot Bianco 2017

Pinot Blanc

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Bruna

Le Russeghine Pigato 2020

Pigato

Liguria, Italy