The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a tradition deeply rooted in Italian-American heritage, is an extravagant seafood banquet celebrated on Christmas Eve. This age-old custom brings families together to enjoy seven (or more) fish courses paired beautifully with select wines. Let&#39;s delve into this delightful culinary journey and explore some exquisite wine pairings for each course.

1. Antipasto Platter &ndash; Vermentino

We start our feast with an antipasto platter featuring marinated anchovies, octopus salad, and calamari rings. The ideal pairing here would be a bottle of Vermentino from Sardinia&#39;s renowned producer <a href="https://www.saratogawine.com/Pedres-Vermentino-Di-Gallura-Docg-Thilibas-2022-750ml.html?utm_source=winesearcher&amp;utm_medium=paidprodlisting&amp;utm_content=928250&amp;utm_campaign=prodfeeds&amp;v=20L">Cantina di Gallur</a>a. Known for its vibrant acidity and mineral-driven flavors of lime zest and green apple, it perfectly complements the briny taste of seafood appetizers.

2. Linguine alle Vongole - Soave Classico

Next up is linguine alle vongole; pasta tossed in white clam sauce garnished with parsley. To accompany this dish we suggest <a href="https://www.plummarket.com/store/2022-pieropan-soave-classico-veneto-022-0.html">Pieropan&rsquo;s Soave Classico</a> made from Garganega grapes grown in volcanic soils around Veneto region offering floral aromas coupled with notes of almond that blend harmoniously with clams&#39; delicate flavor profile.

3. Shrimp Scampi - Chardonnay

For the third course comes shrimp scampi saut&eacute;ed in garlic butter sauce served over spaghetti or risotto where a Californian Chardonnay like <a href="https://www.sokolin.com/2019-ramey-chardonnay-russian-river-valley?utm_source=Wine+Searcher+Feed&amp;utm_medium=Product+Feed&amp;utm_campaign=Products&amp;sku=100991-750-AI">Ramey Russian River Valley</a> Chardonnay works wonders due to its full-bodied character combined with crisp citrus flavors which cut through rich buttery sauces while enhancing shrimp&#39;s sweetness.

4. Fried Calamari - Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Fried calamari needs something light yet flavorful such as <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Desiderio-Bisol-and-Figli-Brut-Prosecco-di-Valdobbiadene-Crede-2021-w0013904x7">Bisol&rsquo;s Prosecco Superiore DOCG</a>. This sparkling wine from Veneto region is made using Glera grapes and offers a delightful balance of fruitiness, acidity, and effervescence that complements the crispness of fried calamari without overpowering it.

5. Baccal&agrave; - Verdicchio

Baccal&agrave; or salted cod stewed with tomatoes and olives calls for something like <a href="https://www.mwwinepark.com/products/13708294/umani-ronchi-casal-di-serra-verdicchio-2021">Umani Ronchi&rsquo;s Casal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore</a>. Made in Marche region from Verdicchio grape variety, this white wine has subtle notes of citrus fruits along with a hint of almond which pairs well with the robust flavors of baccala.

6. Grilled Swordfish - Etna Rosso

Grilled swordfish served alongside caponata requires a medium-bodied red such as <a href="https://www.stirlingfinewine.com/products/14037159/benanti-etna-rosso-2019">Benanti&#39;s Etna Rosso</a> made primarily from Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on volcanic soils around Mount Etna in Sicily. Its bright acidity combined with delicate tannins and earthy undertones make it an excellent match for grilled fish dishes.

7. Tiramisu &ndash; Vin Santo

No Italian feast would be complete without dessert; Tiramisu paired beautifully with <a href="https://www.saratogawine.com/Avignonesi-Vin-Santo-Di-Montepulciano-2010-375ml.html?utm_source=winesearcher&amp;utm_medium=paidprodlisting&amp;utm_content=924363&amp;utm_campaign=prodfeeds&amp;v=20L">Avignonesi&rsquo;s Vin Santo di Montepulciano</a> crafted predominantly from Trebbiano Toscano (or Procanico) grapes dried over straw mats before being aged in traditional oak barrels called caratelli. This sweet Tuscan wine exhibits rich honeyed flavors complementing tiramisu&#39;s creamy texture while balancing its sweetness perfectly.

The Feast of Seven Fishes not only celebrates the joyous holiday season but also showcases Italy&#39;s rich seafood cuisine enhanced by their diverse range of wines spanning across various regions each possessing unique terroir characteristics reflected within every bottle produced there.

Remember, these are just suggestions; feel free to experiment according to your personal preference because at the end what matters most is the joy of sharing good food and wine with loved ones during this festive season.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a tradition deeply rooted in Italian-American heritage, is an extravagant seafood banquet celebrated on Christmas Eve. This age-old custom brings families together to enjoy seven (or more) fish courses paired beautifully with select wines. Let's delve into this delightful culinary journey and explore some exquisite wine pairings for each course.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Delectable Holiday Tradition Paired with Exquisite Wines

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

Dirty French

Michaela Quinlan

Dirty French

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;A podcast where, in each episode, we 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 great wine list.

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 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 Dirty French. Located in the posh Ludlow Hotel down in the lower East side of Manhattan. You will be transported to a classic, timeless French bistro and get to hang with all the cool kids. I can hear the music vibing already!

Dirty French also operates a Lobby Bar where you may dine and drink indoors and outdoors in that swanky garden courtyard.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of this super-rich French wine list?

MQ: What better to pair with classic French cuisine, than stellar, French wine standouts from this extensive list? I am looking forward to sharing several with you.

RT: Me too, I love my French wines for sure. As you looked the list did you see anything special regions jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with a unique wine destination in France, Savoie &ldquo;Sav-wah.&rdquo; This region is located in the French Alps, and is a haven for white wine lovers. If you are looking to pair fondue, or savory sauces, I would begin with the 2018 Allobroges Blanc,&nbsp;Ardoisi&egrave;res&nbsp;Argile St Pierre de Soucy. This Argiles blend of Chardonnay, Jacquere, and Mondeuse Blanc is rich and round&hellip;think white Burgundy, with a hint of floral aromas.

RT: Who doesn&rsquo;t love the alps. That is for sure unique.

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 would be to head to the small region of Bandol located within Provence. This region is known for its limited roses produced along with a picturesque coastal climate. You must try the 2017 
Bandol,&nbsp;Domaine Tempier. This red wine made from the Mouvedre grape, exudes pepper, blackberry, and cassis. This is your go to when that spicy dish catches your eye.

RT: That sounds right up my alley. These are some suggestions.

So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and what bottle should we order with dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: The Valentin Morel, C&ocirc;tes du Jura&nbsp;Les Trouillots 2018 is a unique white wine from the region of Jura, a neighbor to Savoie. This wine is 100% Chardonnay. The wine does spend some time in oak, so you experience a fuller-bodied wine with hints of baked apple. Perfect to pair with tuna or other rich, seafood selections.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Yum. Michaela, any hidden value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Absolutely! The 2020 Muscadet S&egrave;vre-et-Maine,&nbsp;La Pepiere&nbsp;Clos des Briords is always a favorite. The Muscadet grape is grown in the Loire Valley. Let&rsquo;s not get confused with Moscato. Moscato is often a sweeter, white or rose wine. The Muscadet is a light and quite dry white wine. This is your easy sipper on its own, or perfect pairing with oysters can clams. Excellent wine for an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if were celebrating a special occasion where we want to break the bank?

MQ: I do love a classic&hellip;with that said, let&rsquo;s head to Chateauneuf du Pape for the Ch&aacute;teauneuf-du-Pape,&nbsp;Beaucastel 2014. This Southern Rhone classic has been in operation since the sixteenth century producing award-winning grenache/syrah blends. What I love about Chateauneuf du Pape is that the soil has a top layer of stones that warm in the sun during the day that keep the grapes warm during the cooler evenings. This balances the acidity for this stunning wine.

RT: I&rsquo;ve had this wine before and it&rsquo;s fantastic. Blackberry and pepper comes to mind. Full-bodied wine. You can drink this for the next 10 or so.

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Dirty French&rsquo;s very French 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.

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

Argento is a leading Argentinian wine producer that has been crafting exceptional wines since 1999. Using only the finest grapes from Mendoza, Argento produces wines that are full of character and truly reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Dante

Geronimo

La Mercerie

Bar Primi

Kirby’s Steakhouse

The Grill

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

Opa Sushi Bar

Available Wines
Total Wines - 8

Meyer Family Vineyards

Chardonnay 2020

Chardonnay

British Columbia, Canada

Gooseneck Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Meyer Family Vineyards

McLean Creek Road Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2017

Gewurztraminer

Canada

Wild Goose Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Okanagan Falls 2019

Canada

Hester Creek, Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley 2019

British Columbia, Canada

Whitehaven

Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Cannonball

Chardonnay 2016

Chardonnay

California, USA

Cannonball

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA