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

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head north of the border to visit Montreal and the Syrian restaurant, Damas. 

Wine List Review of Damas, Montreal, Canada

Michaela Quinlan

Damas

Damas:

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 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Damas, located in Montreal. Explore Syrian cuisine at its finest with sharable small dishes to begin your evening, to exotic spices showcasing fresh, traditional fare.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: You certainly need to spend time with this incredible wine list which is as exotic as their menu items. We have a number of unique selections for you today from some of our favorite Old-World regions.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: It is safe to say the entire menu caught my eye. How about we kick things off with a sparkler from Jura. Consider the 2018 Overnoy Cremant de Jura from France. The term Cremant informs us this sparkler is produced outside of the Champagne region in France. Located in Eastern France, this organic, 100% Chardonnay is a winner with bright minerality, green apple, almonds, dried apricots, and a note of salinity make this wine an excellent aperitif or as a companion to spice.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another wine that caught my attention was the 2021 Grand Saint Charles, St Pepin from Quebec. The St Pepin grape is a hybrid grape grown in North America and is similar to Riesling. The aromas and flavors consist of tropical fruit, grapefruit, and citrus. The medium body of this dry, white wine would pair beautifully with soft cheese and spicy dishes.

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: A must-try when pairing wine with a variety of spices would be the 2021 Domaine Neumeyer Blanc Tache and the Montreal duo Club Orange wine. Here we have a true Old World meets New World. Domaine Neumeyer from Alsace joined forces with the Montreal duo Club to produce this must-try orange wine. This wine is fresh and bright with aromas of ripe pears, peaches, and dried apricots. This Muscat blend remained in contact with the grape skins for 15 days and will pair well with all bold spices and aged cheese.

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: Another stand-out wine to pair with a variety of spices is the 2020 Silvio Messana Garnaccia from Tuscany. Don&rsquo;t let the name fool you, as the grape in this wine is Vernaccia. This medium-bodied, organic, orange wine from Central Italy features bright acidity, lemon rind, ripe peach, with notes of honey on the finish. Another orange wine to pair with the incredible spices and acidic dressings/sauces.

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 too?&nbsp;

MQ: An excellent quality and value wine to consider is the always versatile grape Riesling. The Kreydenweiss, Clos du Val D&rsquo;Eleon from Alsace, France, is medium-bodied with notes of white pepper, apricot, and ripe pear. This Riesling is dry and will pair beautifully with heavy spices, and rich seafood such as tuna and salmon.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: A trip now to Catalunya for the 2019 Massard, El Mago. This value Garnacha from Spain is medium-bodied with notes of ripe cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish. The rich, red fruit makes this another versatile grape to pair with spice and richly sauced proteins, all for an excellent price.

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 beautiful wine region, Provence, brings us the 2011 Domaine de Trevallon. This is a stellar, organic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and showcases aromas and flavors of boysenberry, cassis, ripe black cherries, and prunes, with thyme, rosemary, and violets. The earth and minerality on the finish make this French stand out a perfect companion to spice and any special event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and for helping us navigate Damas&rsquo; 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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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

Hubert Brochard is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Loire Valley. They specialize in producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The winery has been in operation since 1950, and is known for their commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Branch of a hip, ingredient-focused local chain offering inventive meatball sandwiches & salads.

Craft

Craft L.A.

Barbrix

Wally's

The Belvedere

Spago Las Vegas by Wolfgang Puck

Spago

Jeune Et Jolie

Cucina Urbana

Rossoblu

Petit Trois

Cowboy Star

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

The Meatball Shop

Stefano Massone

Masera Gavi 2021

Cortese

Gavi - Cortese di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy

Annabella

Cabernet Sauvignon (Special Selection) 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley, USA

Baglio Mancini

Terre Siciliane Rosso 2017

Sicily, Italy

La Crema

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016

Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast, USA

Ca' Furlan

Cuvee Beatrice Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

La Doria Moscato d'Asti, Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Moscato d'Asti 2014

Moscato

Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Andrea Oberto

Barolo NV

Nebbiolo

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Ancient Peaks

Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Margarita Ranch 2015

California, USA

Domaine de l'Ecu

Classic 2018

Melon de Bourgogne

Loire Valley, France

Bisci

Verdicchio di Matelica 2021

Verdicchio

Marche, Italy

Compton

Family Wines Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley NV

Willamette Valley, USA

Moulin de Gassac Guilhem, France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc 2019

White Blend

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Andrea

Oberto Barolo, Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo 2017

Nebbiolo

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Collelceto

Brunello di Montalcino - Riserva Elia 2017

Sangiovese

Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

La Morandina

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Moscato Bianco

Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy