We recently got a request from one of our community members asking about second wines, so we pulled together an article to explain second wines and share some great bottles. These are all great wines and are significantly more in reach price wise.

Second wines, also known as &quot;second labels,&quot; have become increasingly popular among wineries over the past few decades. These wines are made by wineries to offer a more affordable and approachable option to their consumers, while still maintaining the high quality and standards of their flagship or first wines. In this article, we will explore the concept of second wines, why wineries do it, and highlight some of the best examples from top wineries.

Why do wineries make second wines?

The primary reason for wineries creating second wines is to maintain the consistency and excellence of their first wines. For a wine to be considered a first wine, it must meet specific criteria set by the winery. This includes using only the best grapes from the estate, adhering to strict winemaking techniques, and aging the wine in the finest barrels. However, not every grape from a vineyard will achieve the same level of quality, and therefore, some grapes may not make the cut for the first wine. Instead of discarding these grapes, wineries can use them to create a second or even third wine, which still reflects the quality and style of the winery&#39;s top wine at a more affordable price point.

Additionally, some wineries also produce second wines to introduce new consumers to their brand. The cost of a first wine can often be out of reach for many wine enthusiasts, but a second wine offers a more accessible option to experience the winery&#39;s style and expertise. These wines provide an excellent entry point for consumers to discover a winery&#39;s portfolio and potentially become loyal customers.

What are the differences between first wines and second wines?

There are several key differences between first and second wines. Firstly, the grapes used for the first wine are often from the winery&#39;s best and oldest vines, whereas the grapes for the second wine may come from younger vines or different parts of the vineyard. This can result in a difference in flavor and complexity between the two wines.

Secondly, wineries tend to use different aging techniques for their first and second wines. First wines are typically aged in new oak barrels, which can impart more intense flavors and tannins to the wine. Second wines, on the other hand, may be aged in older barrels or for a shorter period, resulting in a softer and more approachable wine.

Finally, there is often a difference in price between the two wines. First wines are usually priced higher due to their superior quality and limited production, while second wines offer a more affordable option for consumers.

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Examples of the Fantastic Second Wines

1. Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Alter Ego de Palmer is the second wine of the prestigious Ch&acirc;teau Palmer in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a glimpse of the quality and style of its first wine, Ch&acirc;teau Palmer. The 2016 vintage, with its elegant tannins and notes of black fruit, cedar, and tobacco, received a 94+ rating from wine critic Robert Parker and can be found for around $80 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Alter-Ego-Alter-Ego-de-Chateau-Palmer-Margaux-2020-w5970382gc">Alter Ego 2020</a>- $79.99

2. Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Le Petit Mouton is the second wine of one of Bordeaux&#39;s most iconic and legendary wineries, Ch&acirc;teau Mouton Rothschild. This wine is only produced in exceptional years, and the quality is a testament to the winery&#39;s excellence and attention to detail. The 2015 vintage, with its concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spices, received a score of 92 from Wine Spectator and can be purchased for around $335 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Le-Petit-Mouton-de-Mouton-Rothschild-Pauillac-2020-w8840018d3">Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild &nbsp;2020</a> - $335

3. Echo de Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Another Pauillac gem, Echo de Lynch-Bages, is the second wine of Ch&acirc;teau Lynch-Bages. This rich and complex wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, and has been praised for its refined tannins and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and cedar. The 2014 vintage, with its 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast, can be found for around $65 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Lynch-Bages-Echo-de-Lynch-Bages-Pauillac-2019-w6428939kd">Echo de Lynch-Bages 2019</a> - $58.99

4. Les Hauts de Smith Blanc, Pessac-L&eacute;ognan, Bordeaux, France

Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is the second white wine of Ch&acirc;teau Smith Haut Lafitte, a top estate in the Pessac-L&eacute;ognan appellation of Bordeaux. This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and S&eacute;millon, creating a refreshing and vibrant wine with notes of lemon, white peach, and a hint of minerality. The 2017 vintage received a score of 91 from Wine Enthusiast and can be purchased for around $40 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.plummarket.com/store/2019-chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-les-hauts-de-smith-blanc-pessac-leognan.html">Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2019</a> - $38.99

5. La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Est&egrave;phe, Bordeaux, France

La Dame de Montrose is the second wine of Ch&acirc;teau Montrose, a historic and renowned producer in the Saint-Est&egrave;phe appellation of Bordeaux. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a balance of power and finesse, with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and savory spices. The 2015 vintage, with its 93-point rating from James Suckling, can be found for around $60 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/La-Dame-de-Montrose-St-Estephe-2019-w24071707e">La Dame de Montrose 2019</a> - $52.99

6. Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Les Forts de Latour is the second wine of the iconic Ch&acirc;teau Latour, one of Bordeaux&#39;s five First Growth estates. This wine is only produced in exceptional years, and it delivers the same level of quality and complexity as its first wine at a fraction of the price. The 2010 vintage, with its opulent flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite, received a perfect 100-point score from Wine Enthusiast and can be purchased for around $500 per bottle.

7. Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia is the second wine of Tenuta dell&#39;Ornellaia, one of Italy&#39;s most esteemed wineries in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a glimpse into the excellence and elegance of the estate&#39;s flagship wine, Ornellaia. The 2016 vintage, with its intense flavors of black cherry, plum, and spices, received a score of 94 from wine critic James Suckling and can be found for around $80 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.wine.com/product/ornellaia-le-serre-nuove-2020/1050279">Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia 2020</a> - $69.99

8. La Pignan, Ch&acirc;teauneuf-du-Pape, Rh&ocirc;ne, France

La Pignan is the second wine of Domaine de Marcoux, one of the top producers in the renowned Ch&acirc;teauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rh&ocirc;ne Valley. Made from a blend of Grenache, Mourv&egrave;dre, Syrah, and Cinsault, this wine offers a velvety texture and complex flavors of blackberry, cherry, and garrigue herbs. The 2016 vintage, with its impressive score of 96 from Wine Spectator. Very hard to find but a gem if you can.

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Second wines offer an excellent alternative for wine lovers to experience the quality and style of top wineries without breaking the bank. As your local wine shops or restaurant sommeliers to help guide you. These wines showcase the versatility and expertise of winemakers in producing high-quality wines at various price points. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, trying a second wine can be a great way to explore new styles and regions while still enjoying exceptional quality.

We recently got a request from one of our community members asking about second wines, so we pulled together an article to explain second wines and share some great bottles. These are all great wines and are significantly more in reach price wise.

Second Wines Primer and Bottle Guide for affordable options

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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.

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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.

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We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

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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.

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YO Ranch Steakhouse

Alexis Rogers

Kochi

Kochi

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 Alexis Rogers, wine educator and restaurant sommelier

Hello Alexis, Welcome back to another episode!

AR: Hi Robert! Thanks for having me!

RT:&nbsp;Before we dive into the wine list at Kochi, a little bit about us. CorkRules was created to demystify and simplify ordering wine at restaurants - an experience that can be intimidating for most people.

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.

Today we are discussing Kochi. This Hell&rsquo;s Kitchen eatery boasts an 8-course tasting menu of mostly skewered dishes (kochi means &ldquo;skewer&rdquo; in Korean) as well as other Korean-inspired menu items. Both menu and concept are inspired by the Korean Royal Court&rsquo;s culinary traditions of smaller multi-course meals.

So, Alexis, tell us a little bit about the wine list at Kochi

AR: This wine list is very Franco-centric - which I love. It is basically organized into &ldquo; French&rdquo; and Everywhere Else within the Grape Heading. But hey, credit where credit is due! One bottle in particular that I got super hyped about was the 2019 Nicolas Joly &ldquo;Coulee De Serrant&rdquo; Savieneres. Coulee de Serrant is a single vineyard from which a single producer makes wine - aka as a &ldquo;monopole&rdquo;. This particular vineyard has gained such recognition that it was awarded its own separate AOC within Sauvenieres with even stricter production regulations. It&rsquo;s a magical parcel of land giving a famed producer incredible fruit. This highly aromatic wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc gives us notes of grapefruit, pear, honey, chamomile, fresh straw, and candied lemon. Also, look for the skin-contact version of this wine under the orange wine section!

RT : I think that, for a layman, French wine is the most difficult to comprehend and therefore order or buy.

AR: You&#39;re totally right. French wines are labeled by their Point of Origin - or AOC, so understanding French Wine law STARTS by memorizing which grapes are grown in which village. But even if you don&#39;t remember that Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, you WILL remember the electricity and grassy citrus-y flavors and that you loved it and that it paired fabulously with goat cheese. So while French wIne law can feel alienating and gratuitously pompous, the wines themselves and the experience of drinking them is a universal pleasure,

RT: Haha, that was quite a love song to French wine! But it&rsquo;s these hard to comprehend rules that are the reason we are sitting here - we need someone to decode them!

AR: And it&rsquo;s my pleasure to do so!

RT: So now I think it&rsquo;s time we look at the menu and do some pairing! The Spanish Mackerel definitely caught my eye&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

AR : Mine too! And I knew exactly where to go for pairing! Spanish Rosada - or rose. Specifically, the incredibly affordable 2019 Muga Rosado from Rioja. Mackerel is an oily fish that needs a bright fresh wine but also something with a little body and structure to stand up to it. Rose is the perfect agent for this mission. This bottling is made from Grenache and Viura with a smattering of TempraNULLlo for some structure. This bottle would probably actually do very nicely with a good portion of this menu and might be a good bet if you were thinking of the tasting menu

RT: I think that Rose is the unsung hero of food pairing and rarely gets the credit it deserves.&nbsp; I noticed a pretty large selection of half bottles on this list, did any of those stand out to you?

AR: Yes, actually! The first bottle my eyes really landed on was the 2017 Royal Tokaji Lare Harvest Furmint from Tokaji Hungary. This region and its wines date back to the 12th century but really came into prominence in the 7th century when the world - and especially its royal courts- caught on to the pleasures of the sweet, concentrated elixir. Tokaji wines featured prominently in a lot of the geopolitical tussles of the day - their sales funded the wars of independence against the rule of Transylvania by the Austro - Hungarian empire, The royal Russian Romanovs maintained a colony there to ensure their supply and almost went to war over Poland&rsquo;s sticky-fingered tax on the wines traveling through on their way to Russia. But they all had to compete with Louis the 14th court at Versailles after he declared the wines to be The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings. Today, many styles of Furmint are made - from dry table wines to sweeter Late Harvest, to the botrytis-affected Aszu, to the extremely rare and expensive Eszencia - which is so rich and concentrated and expensive that one drinks it from a crystal teaspoon.

RT: What a fascinating history! Here is a fun fact, I&rsquo;m actually Hungarian. My parent immigrated and I was raised by staunch Hungarian parents.&nbsp;

Alexis, thank you so much for being here and the dive into some of the great stories wine tells and the list at Kochi! 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:

Info@corkrules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime,

please check out our website for all our latest episodes or on your favorite podcast service for all your favorite restaurant wine lists.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

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END

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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

Menade is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Rueda, Castilla y Leon. They are committed to producing organic and biodynamic wines with minimal intervention in the cellar. Through their sustainable practices, they strive to express the unique terroir of the region in their wines.

Warm, sophisticated mainstay providing select American dishes, plus a wine cellar & outdoor seating.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

Yardbird

CHICA Las Vegas

Chica

Bar Zazu

Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

Brera

Jasmine

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

West Park Bistro

Acacia

Carneros Pinot Noir 2018

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Santa Ynez Valley, USA, California 2016

Syrah

Central Coast, California, USA

Beckmen, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 2016

California, USA

Louis Latour

Ardeche Chardonnay 2017

Chardonnay

France

Ridge Vineyards

Three Valleys 2016

Zinfandel

California, USA

Salentein

Portillo Malbec 2018

Malbec

Argentina

Conundrum White by Caymus 2015

California, USA

Livio Felluga

Pinot Grigio 2016

Pinot Gris

Colli Orientali del Friuli, Italy

Pine Ridge

Chenin Blanc - Viognier 2017

Blend

Napa Valley, USA

Trefethen

Double T Red 2017

Blend

California, USA

Cellars

Cline, Estate Syrah, Sonoma County 2017

Sonoma County, USA

Decoy

Sonoma County Merlot 2017

Merlot

California, USA

Decoy

Limited Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Acacia

Carneros Pinot Noir 2014

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Talbott Vineyards Monterey County Chardonnay 2016

California, USA