In the vineyards where the sun does dance,

Beneath the sky&#39;s eternal expanse,

A nectar flows, both bold and refined,

The essence of wine, a gift to find.

&nbsp;

Within its depths, a symphony unfurls,

Notes of passion, as life gently swirls,

From grape to glass, a transformation true,

An alchemy of nature, ancient and new.

&nbsp;

In the vineyards, time becomes a dream,

As golden memories glisten and gleam,

Each sip a portal, a journey to explore,

A taste of life&#39;s essence, forevermore.

&nbsp;

Like the wine that ages with loving care,

Life too evolves, beyond compare,

From youthful vigor to wisdom&#39;s embrace,

Each chapter written with its own grace.

&nbsp;

The wine&#39;s aroma, a fragrant tale,

Whispers of stories that will never fail,

To stir the senses, ignite the soul,

As life&#39;s rich tapestry begins to unfold.

&nbsp;

In every glass, a vibrant reflection,

Of joy and sorrow, of love&#39;s affection,

For wine, like life, is a fleeting art,

A celebration of moments, held close to the heart.

&nbsp;

So raise your glass, let laughter flow,

In wine, in life, let your spirit grow,

Savor each sip, let passion entwine,

For in wine and life, the essence divine.

&nbsp;

The Promise of Wine

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Mistral

Michaela Quinlan

Mistral

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 Mistral, located in Boston&rsquo;s South End. Inspired by Provence, this restaurant has been featuring French cuisine at its best for 25 years.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: While the menu may be representative of France, their wine list covers all regions. There are some classics, and our favorite hidden gems on this list, along with half and large-format bottles.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: One that caught my eye right away was the 2018 Domaine Perrault-Jadaud Les Grives So&ucirc;les Vouvray from the Loire Valley. Vouvray is the region within the Loire producing beautiful Chenin blanc. Chenin blanc produces a dry, medium-bodied white wine featuring pear, citrus, green apple, and notes of dried apricot and white flowers. A perfect companion to rich seafood such as crab and scallops, along with cream sauces.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Absolutely. Another consideration would be 2014 Château Castera from Bordeaux. We have a touch of age on this Bordeaux, which consists of a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot. This blend features cassis, ripe blackberries, earth, smoke, and a note of vanilla on the finish. The smooth tannins will pair well with herbed dishes and rich sauces.

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 classic, must-try is the 2019 J.J. Prüm, &lsquo;Bernkasteler Badstube&rsquo; Kabinett Riesling from Mosel, Germany. The Kabinet designation of this riesling means that it is dry and features pear, tangerine, citrus, and honey, with a mineral finish. This is a perfect pairing for any spicy dish, shellfish, and charcuterie.

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: A wonderful pairing for Mistral&rsquo;s menu would be the 2019 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhone. A stellar, well-balanced, full-bodied grenache/syrah blend features blackberries, ripe blueberries, smoke, earth, and hints of vanilla on the finish. A perfect complement to proteins and rich 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 to?&nbsp;

MQ: Absolutely. Let&rsquo;s begin with the 2019 Bodegas Ladera Sagrada &lsquo;Castelo do Papa&rsquo; Godello from Galicia, Spain. The godello grape produces light, fragrant white wines featuring aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, pear, cantaloupe, and honey with a mineral finish. A perfect pairing for lighter sauces, shellfish, and cheeses, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. Did any others stand out?

MQ: Another consideration would be the 2020 Jean-Paul Brun &ldquo;Terres Dorées&rdquo; Côte de Brouilly, Gamay from Beaujolais in Burgundy. The Gamay grape produces medium to full-bodied red wines featuring plum, ripe, red cherries, minerality, and spice with a smooth finish. Look to gamay to pair with olives, savory dishes and anything from the grill.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s visit the classic 2014 Robert Foley &ldquo;Claret&rdquo; Bordeaux Blend from Napa. The Robert Foley Vineyard was established in 1998 and became an instant classic producing Bordeaux-style blends of cabernet sauvignon and merlot that express ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis, cocoa, nutmeg, and cedar. Everything you are looking for to pair with savory, herbed dishes, along with your celebration.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Mistral&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.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

&nbsp;

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

Coquerel is a family-owned boutique winery located in the heart of the Napa Valley. Founded in 2005 by Gary and Christine Coquerel, the winery produces small batches of handcrafted wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery is known for its focus on the varietals of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Quaint, stylish nook known for a creative, seasonal American menu made from local ingredients.

Steak Frites

Alexis Percival is a New York City based CMS certified sommelier, consultant and event planner who puts the art in party.

Certified sommelier Alexis Percival

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

Cafe La Haye

Mathis

Grenache NV

Grenache

Sonoma Valley, USA

Bedrock Wine Co.

Old Vine Zinfandel NV

Zinfandel

California, USA

Rochioli 'J.Rochioli' Big Hill Pinot Noir 2019

Russian River Valley, USA

Liwa

Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Dry Creek Valley, USA

Massican

Annia, Napa Valley 2021

White Blend

California, USA

Lillian Whitehawk

Vineyard Syrah 2013

Central Coast, USA

Grey Stack

Rosemary's Block Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

California, USA

J Vineyards

Pinot Noir (Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara) 2019

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Olema

Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Once & Future

Sangiacomo Vineyard Merlot 2018

Merlot

Los Carneros, USA

Kistler

Les Noisetiers 2021

Chardonnay

Sonoma Coast, USA

Roederer Estate

Brut NV

Blend

Anderson Valley, USA

Abreu

Rothwell Hyde Red 2016

Blend

St. Helena, USA

Spottswoode

Sauvignon Blanc, Napa County - Sonoma County 2021

Napa County-Sonoma County, USA

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rose 2019

Mourvedre

Bandol, France