&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

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Vermont to review the wine list at Michael’s on the Hill.

Wine List Review of Michael's on the Hill, Vermont. 

Sam Hohl

Michael's on the Hill

Michael&#39;s on the Hill

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 Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier.

Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

&nbsp;

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules, which is now available in the Apple App store 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.

Cork Rules

Michael&rsquo;s On The Hill 

Overview

Michael&rsquo;s On The Hill is located in Waterbury Center, Vermont and offers farm-to-table dishes by an award winning chef. Here you&rsquo;re invited to enjoy European inspired fare along with cocktails or wine while taking in the Green Mountain views.

Stand outs

This list features lots of French selections but has a great range for other New and Old world bottles at various price points so there&rsquo;s sure to be something to please every taste. For a white let&rsquo;s start with the 2019 Ch&acirc;teau Yvonne Chenin Blanc. This bottle comes from the Parnay commune in Saumur-Champigny. Chateau Yvonne dates back to the middle-ages and is now known as one of the top producers in Saumur. They only produce about 2000 cases a year so this is a treat. This bottle will be super crisp, nice bright acid and notes of pear, lime and wet stones. You could try it with the green salad with apple and buttermilk dressing to start. This high acid white is going to pair nicely with a variety of vegetable dishes, fattier fish, or chicken.

If you&rsquo;re looking to start a red you could try the 2017 Ch&acirc;teau de Saint Cosme. This is another bottle that comes from a lot of history and the estate located in the Gigondas appellation in Southern Rhone has been in the family since 1490. This is a blend of primarily Grenache, along with Syrah, Mourv&egrave;dre and Cinsault. It&rsquo;s going to be packed with strawberry flavors, along with peppery notes, violets and smoke. This rich, fuller bodied red can handle meat dishes such as the beef tenderloin or venison on the menu, but would also be so good with the Roasted Mushroom Tartine.

Another one I wanted to mention was the 2020 Union Sacr&eacute; &lsquo;Belle de Nuit.&rsquo; Union Sacr&eacute; is located in Paso Robles, California but they take their inspiration from the wines of Alsace. This is a Gew&uuml;rztraminer full of beautiful aromatics with notes of peach, orange and lychee. The cold evenings in this climate help with providing great acidity too. It&rsquo;s such a playful flavor profile, and a lot of fun with food! It pairs nicely with a variety of meats, fish, and even spicy foods! It would be so good with the Maple Glazed pork to bring out some of the sweeter notes in each.

Value

There&rsquo;s some great value bottles on this list, and the first one I wanted to&nbsp; mention is the 2018 Trimbach Pinot Blanc. Trimbach is located in Alsace and is operated by their 13th generation of winemakers. Trimbach produces just incredible value wines, and is definitely a go-to bottle for me. This Pinot Blanc is really well balanced with fruity notes of green apple, citrus and minerality. It&rsquo;s delightful to sip on and will work well with shellfish, cream based or fried dishes like the Maine Crab cakes.

The 2019 Broc Cellars &lsquo;Vine Starr&rsquo; Zinfandel is a wonderful choice for a value red. I&rsquo;m such a Broc Cellars fan so whenever I see their bottles on the menu, I&rsquo;m drawn in. Broc Cellars creates low-intervention wines that truly showcase their grapes and terroir, and this Zinfandel is just a beautiful example of what they do. The grapes are sourced from two vineyards that have volcanic soil, and the flavors are alive with blackberry and black cherry notes, some floral qualities and subtle spice. It&rsquo;s got a medium body and very balanced on the palate so it&rsquo;s super tasty for sipping on. It&rsquo;s also delicious with meat dishes, poultry and pork.

Celebratory 

A stand-out bottle for a special night or celebration would be the 2016 Ch&acirc;teau Giscours Grand Cru. Located in the Margaux appellation, the history of Ch&acirc;teau Giscours vineyards have been documented back to the 1500s. They&rsquo;re known for their incredible vineyard and produce delicious Bordeaux wines.This Cabernet and Merlot blend offers all the gorgeous complexity this terroir has to offer. It&rsquo;s got aromas of violets, lots of ripe fruit notes, black currant, tobacco, and cassis. It&rsquo;s bold and balanced with a long finish- it&rsquo;s sure to make your evening memorable.&nbsp;

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Michael&rsquo;s on The Hill&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 Sam 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.

Also please download the CorkRules app where we have all your favorite restaurants, and you can get personalized recommendations and connect with your friends.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. Please check out our the app or website for all our latest episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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

Drumheller is a boutique winery located in the heart of Washington's Columbia Valley. Their winemaking team is passionate about crafting wines that reflect the unique character of the region's diverse terroir.

Funky hangout serving New Orleans-inspired bites & drinks, plus beats in its basement music lounge.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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

Canary Club

Saam Mountain

Chenin Blanc NV

Chenin Blanc

Coastal Region, South Africa

Monopole

Blanco Seco (Clasico) NV

Macabeo

Rioja, Spain

Allende

Rioja Blanco NV

Viura

Rioja, Spain

Conquilla

Cava Brut NV

Blend

Cava, Spain

Louis Jadot

Beaujolais Blanc NV

Chardonnay

Beaujolais, France

Rolet

Cremant du Jura Brut NV

Blend

Jura, France

Domaine Mardon - Domaine Luc Tabordet

Quincy NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Quincy, France

Swick Wines 'P Chill' 2020

Willamette Valley, USA

Château de Pibarnon

Bandol Rose 2020

Blend

Bandol, France

Domaine Oudin

Chablis NV

Chardonnay

Chablis, France

Boudier Père & Fils

Aloxe-Corton 'Les Combes' Blanc NV

Chardonnay

Cortona, Burgundy, France

Geoffroy

Expression Brut Champagne Premier Cru 2020

Blend

Champagne, France

Uccelliera

Toscana Rapace 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon

Toscana, Italy

Bodegas Valduero

Ribera Del Duero Reserva 2018

Tempranillo

Ribera del Duero, Spain

Domaine Dubreuil-Fontaine

Aloxe-Corton 2020

Pinot Noir

Aloxe-Corton, France