<a href="https://1803nyc.com/">1803</a>&nbsp;is a Cajun restaurant that brings a little of New Orleans&rsquo; eclectic culture to the streets of New York. It&rsquo;s a sexy, sultry space with a penchant for Deep South decadence and jazz. For a memorable culinary experience, this is the place to bring a date.

Cajun cuisine was developed by Acadians (who were originally French) when they were deported from Acadia (an area that stretched from Massachusetts to Gaspe, Canada) to Louisiana during the 18th century. The Acadians developed a unique cuisine that was a melting pot of &nbsp;West African, French and Spanish cooking techniques. This rustic fare was based on locally available ingredients, including crawfish, shrimp, pork and sausage and aromatic green bell peppers, onion, and celery. These vegetables are known as &quot;the trinity&quot; by Cajun chefs, to which they may add parsley, bay leaf, green onions, dried cayenne pepper, and dried black pepper, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

So, what style of wine pairs well with Cajun food?

Steer clear of full-bodied reds that are rich in tannins. These wines are too heavy for the spices and the tannins will taste metallic when combined with seafood or spice. If you have your mind set on a red wine, consider choosing a lighter pinot noir or gamay that are low in tannins and won&rsquo;t overpower the spice or clash with the aromatic flavors.

However, it may be wiser to stick with white when dining Cajun style. Thanks to the abundance of locally-sourced seafood, catfish and shellfish dominate Cajun recipes. A riesling or gewurztraminer are wines that pair well with any Cajun seafood dish, these light German wines are well-structured and can handle heavier dishes without contradicting or altering the flavor of the spices.

If the dish is heavy with tomatoes, a medium-bodied and acidic red wine works well to match the acidity in the tomatoes. If the wine is low in acidity, the high acidity in the tomatoes will make the wine taste flat and metallic. So, with tomato-based sauces choose a Rioja, zinfandel or pinot noir. &nbsp;You could also choose a &nbsp;full-bodied white such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or Chenin blanc.

Of course, there are many more high acidity wines and low tannin wines to choose from, for expert advice, enlist the help of the sommelier, or pop over to the CorkRules <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/1803/episodes/15">podcast with certified sommelier Grace Hood </a>where she identifies a few bottles of bubbles and offers expert advice on wines to pair with Cajun food. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

1803 is a Cajun restaurant that brings a little of New Orleans’ eclectic culture to the streets of New York. It’s a sexy, sultry space with a penchant for Deep South decadence and jazz. For a memorable culinary experience, this is the place to bring a date.

Pairing Wine with Cajun Food at 1803

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

Oberlin

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a look through the wine list at Oberlin in Providence, Rhode Island to find the value wines, special bottles, and little-known gems that you might miss. 

Wine List Review of Oberlin, Rhode Island

Michaela Quinlan

Oberlin:

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 list&rsquo;s 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Oberlin. Located in Providence, RI, Oberlin features an extensive menu of seafood and pasta, all locally sourced and house made in a cozy and comfortable environment.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: This wine list is packed with Old World and New World wines, along with organic, skin contact, and local wines from New England.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first white wine that caught my eye was the 2021 Echeverria Viognier from the Curico Valley of Chile. I have not experienced too many Chilean Viognier. This Natural white wine features aromas of white flowers, citrus, melon, with notes of saline and a mineral finish. This Viognier would pair beautifully with seafood and spicy dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: We discuss many red Italian grape varietals, &nbsp;but one I don&rsquo;t see often is Pinot Nero. Consider the 2020 Hofstatter Meczan Pinot Nero from Alto Adige in Italy. Pinot Nero is another name for Pinot Noir, and this wine stands out due to its rich aromas of ripe raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. The medium body with notes of black pepper make this wine an excellent pairing for savory dishes and pasta.

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: Definitely a must-try seafood pairing is the 2019 Nine Oakes Khikhvi from the country of Georgia. This is a unique, orange wine, which allows the juice and skin of the Khikhvi grape to ferment in contact to produce aromas and flavors of dried apricot, and ripe tangerine, with notes of mint and tea leaves.

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: If you are considering seafood or lightly sauced pasta, a must-try is the always spectacular 2021 Chateau Pradeaux Rose from Bandol in France. Bandol is an exceptional appellation in Provence in southern France. This exquisite rose consisting of a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvedre, is medium-bodied with aromas of lime zest, red cherries, watermelon, and raspberries. The finish is round and lingering with a slight saline note thanks to the vineyard location along the Mediterranean.

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: Another unique quality and value wine is the 2011 Luis Pato &ldquo;Informal&rdquo; Baga from Portugal. The Baga grape used in this dry sparkler is a thick-skinned, red grape that features bright acidy and aromas and flavors of raspberries, strawberries, and herbs. There is always room for sparkling wine, and this selection pairs beautifully with any seafood dish.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: For our red wine drinkers, consider the exceptional quality and value of the 2020 Cantina Furlani Negrara from Italy. The red Negrara grape is indigenous to the northeastern region of Italy, specifically Trentino-Alto Adige and the Veneto. The ripe red fruit of this medium-bodied wine showcase ripe cherries, cranberries, raspberries, with notes of blueberries, earth, with an herbal finish. Pair this red with dense fish and richly sauced pasta.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Another standout on Oberlin&rsquo;s menu is the 2014 Esporao &lsquo;Canto de ze Crus&rsquo; Aragonez from Portugal. Aragonez is a rich, red grape, that is another name for Tempranillo. If you are looking for a rich, full bodied red wine to take your dining experience up a notch, then look no further. This is a unique grape from a region we may consider primarily for stellar dessert wine. The dark red fruit such as blackberries, boysenberries, cassis, with smoke, leather, and a lingering mineral finish would complement any richly sauced pasta, proteins, and special occasions.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Oberlin&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.

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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.

Rustic wine bar offering cheeses, charcuterie & upscale American entrees in a brick-walled space.

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

Kurant

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2021

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Barone Fini

Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2021

Pinot Gris

Italy

Delas

Saint-Esprit Cotes-du-Rhone 2021

Blend

Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Ramón Bilbao

Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo) 2019

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

Dr. Konstantin Frank

Riesling Reserve 2021

Riesling

New York, USA

Anton Bauer

Wagramterrassen Gruner Veltliner 2021

Gruner Veltliner

Wagram

Vina Robles

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles, USA

Mer Soleil

Silver Chardonnay 2021

Chardonnay

California, USA

Skyfall

Merlot 2018

Merlot

Columbia Valley, USA

Château d'Esclans

Whispering Angel Rose 2021

Grenache

Provence, France

Benvolio

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

La Crema

Monterey Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Vina Robles

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

Paso Robles, USA

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2018

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Black Stallion

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA