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!!

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

Sushi Note

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the Sherman Oaks hot spot, Sushi Note. 

Wine List Review of Sushi Note, California

Grace Hood

Sushi Note

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 Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

GH: Hello hello!

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 are we reviewing today?

GH: We are going to be chatting about the Sherman Oaks hot spot, Sushi Note!

RT:&nbsp;Awesome! I know we&rsquo;ve done a few reviews for sushi restaurants before. Anything special about this one?

GH: Well, when looking over their wine list, they have a very well-curated selection. The wine director, Ian Lokey, obviously put a lot of care and consideration into this list. There&rsquo;s lots of personal touches and explanations about wines and styles and varietals. Lots to read, which I always appreciate, but then again, I&rsquo;m a total self-proclaimed wine nerd hahah

RT: Hey nothing wrong with that Grace. That&rsquo;s why we value your expertise! &nbsp;

GH: I appreciate it, Robert!

RT: If I were to guess, are we starting with champagne?

GH: Of course, we are Robert! But only because sushi pairs so well with it. Light wine for light cuisine. &nbsp;If you wanted a non-vintage champagne, go for the Duval Leroy Brut Reserve. However, if you wanted and older champagne, I would choose the 2008 Jacques Copin

RT: Mmmm those both sound delicious and refreshing. Great choices. Now how about some whites to go with all this fresh sushi?

GH: So, something I really loved on the Sushi Note menu, is that they are highlighting the Alsatian region of France! And I quote &ldquo;For hundreds of years the Alsatian people, finding themselves split between Germany and France, have created wines that go beyond Riesling and Pinot Gris. They have historically embraced field blends and lesser-known varieties like Sylvaner and Auxerrois. All of them with a noticeable hallmark: They are magnificent with food.&rdquo;

RT: I love it. Alsace doesn&rsquo;t get nearly enough love. And these lighter styles of whites are going to amazing with sushi

GH: You got that right Robert! My picks from the Alsatian section would be the Domaine Weinbach pinot gris, or the Marc Tempe Pinot Blanc. &nbsp;

RT: Awesome choices Grace. Now if we were wanting some heavier whites, what are some of your picks?

GH: Oh man they&rsquo;ve got some beautiful selections for Chardonnay. If you&rsquo;re thinking French, I would go with the 2019 Christophe et Gils Gourchame Chablis from Burgundy, or if you wanted domestic, the 2018 Willakenzie from the Willamette Valley would be a lovely choice. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

RT: Delicious. I&rsquo;m ready for both hahah Now with such a highly curated list, I can&rsquo;t wait what they have for red selections. &nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: Oh for sure Robert. Starting off with some lighter reds. They have a 2015 Barolo from Curto out of Piedmont in northern Italy. Or if you&rsquo;re thinking Pinot noir, they have a 2017 St. Innocent from the Willamette Valley, or if you wanted French pinot, they have a 2014 Savigny les Beane from Simon Bize 

RT: I&rsquo;ll take one of each!

GH: hahaha I know right! Can&rsquo;t go wrong with any of those! &nbsp;

RT: Now how about some bigger bolder richer red wines? &nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: Say less Robert! If you&rsquo;re a Syrah fan, go with the 2018 Cote Rotie from Domaine Christophe Semaska from the Rhone valley in France, or if you&rsquo;re wanting a French merlot, they have a 2009 St Emillion Grand Cru from Ch&acirc;teau Lessgue. Or if you&rsquo;re a California cab drinker they have a 2018 Rafanelli from dry creek in Sonoma 

RT: Oh yum. Those all sound delicious. Now, what about some value wines for our listeners who are on a budget?

GH: I got you! They&rsquo;ve got an awesome affordable Spanish sparkling from the Raventos vineyard. And if you wanted a wallet-friendly red you could do this 2015 Beaujolais from Domaine Alain Michaud from Burgundy

RT: Love it. And how about if we wanted to go to the opposite side of the spectrum and select some higher ticket items. Any special occasion wines on the Sushi Note list?

GH: Oh, is there ever Robert! They have a 2009 Moet and Chandon Grand Vintage Brut Rose which would be fabulous. And then for a red, look no further than this 1991 cabernet from Araujo Vineyard out of Napa. That&rsquo;ll be mwah &ldquo;chefs kiss&rdquo;

RT: Awesome Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Sushi Note. 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.

&nbsp;

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

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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

Emilio's Ballato

Château Grand Portail

La Croix Blanche Bordeaux 2019

Merlot

Bordeaux, France

Lucien Muzard & Fils

Meursault 'Les Meix Chavaux' NV

Chardonnay

Burgundy, France

Domaine de

Marquiliani Rose de Pauline NV

Corse, France

Domaine Hors Champ

Une Vie la Nuit 1953

Shiraz/Syrah

Vin de France, France

Valery Renaudat

Les Lignis Reuilly Rouge NV

Pinot Noir

France

Valery Renaudat

Les Lignis Reuilly Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

France

Domaine Vacheron

Sancerre Blanc 2020

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire, France

Chauvet Frères

Morgon Cote du Py NV

Gamay

Morgon, France

Coeur Esterelle Cotes de Provence Rose 2021

France

Rebmann

Cremant d'Alsace NV

Assemblage

France

Domaine du Colombier

Petit Chablis 2020

Chardonnay

Chablis, Burgundy, France

Saint-Emilion 2018

Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Maurice Lapalus & Fils

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

Bourgogne, France

Louis de Grenelle

Saumur Brut Rose NV

Blend

Saumur, France

Domaine Famille Paquet

Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay

Bourgogne, France