Ask a CorkRules Sommelier:&nbsp;

&quot;I&#39;m new to CorkRules app, it has a lot &nbsp;stuff can you explain it&quot;, Lori B, New York.&nbsp;

CorkRules is built for wine enthusiasts who are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting wine experiences. People often find themselves lost in a sea of options when trying to choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. Look no further! CorkRules Wine App is here to meet all your wine needs and revolutionize the way you explore, learn, and enjoy wine.&nbsp;

With a plethora of wine apps available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find one that truly meets all your needs. But fear not, CorkRules is the one wine app that will exceed all your expectations. It goes beyond just being a wine discovery tool like popular apps such as Vivino. Using advanced AI tools, CorkRules will get to know you and help you experience wine across all your different wine needs like never before.&nbsp;

Discovering New Wines with Personalized Recommendations:

CorkRules is your go-to app for discovering new wines. Like Vivino, but CorkRules leverages AI tools to provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences and previous choices. With CorkRules, you can discover new wines that align perfectly with your palate, ensuring that every sip is a delightful experience. The app&#39;s AI capabilities make it a step ahead of other wine apps which were never designed to get to know you, offering a more refined and accurate selection of wines.&nbsp;

 
Learn from Friends:

The app allows you to explore and learn about different wine varieties, making the process of discovering new wines both educational and enjoyable. One of the unique aspects of CorkRules is its emphasis on social interaction and community building. The app enables you to learn from your friends by seeing what they are drinking, creating a social experience that aligns with the essence of wine appreciation before, during and post event. Yes, that right! You can now share wine choices before an experience, share wine notes, and preferences. You can also share your wine experiences, post pictures, and connect with other wine enthusiasts and sommeliers, fostering a vibrant and engaging community.&nbsp;

Restaurant Wine Ordering and Hospitality:

CorkRules goes beyond wine discovery and social interaction by simplifying the process of ordering wine at restaurants. The app learns from your preferences over time, allowing for personalized recommendations and making it easier to find and order your favorite wines at restaurants. Moreover, CorkRules elevates your hospitality by enabling you to send your wine preferences to the restaurant ahead of time, ensuring that you receive personalized service, and you can reserve your favorite wines to make sure they are available for dining pleasure ahead of time. &nbsp;

Cellar Management and Wine Purchases:

For wine enthusiasts who manage their wine at home, CorkRules offers a comprehensive cellar management feature, akin to CellarTracker, that allows you to take pictures and keep track of your wine collection and reviews. &nbsp;

And let&#39;s not forget the convenience of purchasing your favorite wines with just one button. CorkRules not only helps you find the best prices but also directs you to all the retailers that carry the wine you desire. No more endless browsing or searching &ndash; CorkRules makes buying wine a breeze.&nbsp;

Modern User Interface and Innovation:

CorkRules prides itself on its modern and user-friendly interface, providing a seamless and visually appealing experience for its users. What truly sets CorkRules apart from other wine apps is its commitment to constant innovation and disruption in the wine space. The company is dedicated to transforming the wine and restaurant industry through cutting-edge digital solutions. With CorkRules, you are not just joining a wine app; you are becoming part of a community that is shaping the future of wine exploration and enjoyment.&nbsp;

CorkRules is not just an app - it&#39;s a community of wine enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing, discovering, and learning about wine. We encourage you to download the CorkRules app, be a part of this vibrant community, and contribute to making it even better. There is no better wine app on the market than CorkRules. It brings together all your wine needs into one powerful platform, offering personalized recommendations, social connectivity, restaurant assistance, wine management, and effortless purchasing. The fantastic modern user interface combined with the company&#39;s constant innovation makes CorkRules a must-have tool for anyone passionate about wine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/corkrules-wine-confidence/id1631528589">Download now!</a>

Cheers! #drinkwhatyoulove

If you&#39;d like to have a question answered by one of our CorkRules Sommeliers, please send an email to info@corkrules.com or click top right icon in the app.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

CorkRules is built for wine enthusiasts who are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting wine experiences. People often find themselves lost in a sea of options when trying to choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. Look no further! CorkRules Wine App is here to meet all your wine needs and revolutionize the way you explore, learn, and enjoy wine.

CorkRules - The Uber Wine App

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

Blu Ristorante

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Blu Ristorante in Toronto, Ontario where they offer a stand-out selection of Old-world and New-world wines to accompany their delicious menu. 

Wine List Review of Blu Ristorante, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Blu Ristorante:

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.

&nbsp;

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 Blu Ristorante. Located in Yorkville, Ontario, Blu Ristorante is an Italian restaurant featuring classic cuisine. This formal dining destination features live music, private events, and a heated outdoor patio.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Located among shops, museums, and art galleries, Blu Ristorante is the perfect destination to enjoy classic Italian dining paired with an extensive list of old World and New World wines. We hope you enjoy today&rsquo;s selections from around the globe. RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin in Umbria with the 2021 La Carria Grechetto. Grechetto is one of the oldest native white grapes to Umbria. This light, dry white wine is floral with notes of white flowers, and lilacs, lemon zest, and grapefruit, with a mineral and herbal finish. Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or to pair with shellfish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: I was fortunate to have the privilege of visiting the Sokol Blosser Winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon, and their wines, like their views, continue to impress. Consider their 2020 Pinot Noir. This highly rated, organic Pinot Noir exudes aromas and flavors of ripe cranberries, mushrooms, clove, and earth. The black cherries, and black pepper add to the complexity of this wine. Pair this Pinot Noir with richly sauced proteins and savory 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 to pair with richly sauced pasta would be the 2016 Bedegas Fuenmayor &ldquo;Nocedal Reserva&rdquo; Tempranillo from the Rioja in Spain. I appreciate Spanish wines for handling the aging process for us. I don&rsquo;t have the patience! The Reserva designation means this wine has aged for a minimum of three years, with at least 12 months of that time, the wine ages in oak.&nbsp; This dry, bold red wine features ripe red cherries, cassis, fig, and plumb, with notes of vanilla and herbs on the finish.

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: If you are looking for another, crowd-pleasing consideration for the table to pair with all richly sauced dishes on Blu&rsquo;s menu, consider the 2020 Zolla Primitivo from Puglia. Primitivo is the Italian equivalent to Zinfandel, and this red showcases ripe blackberries, plumb, and fig with notes of spice and vanilla on the finish.

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: If you are looking for a classic Italian white wine of excellent quality and value, consider the 2021 Cabert, Pinot Grigio from Friuli. This Northern Italian white wine is light, dry and features bright acidity with notes of melon, ripe pear, lime zest, and a mineral finish. Pair this white with hard cheese, shellfish, and fried seafood.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: A New World standout to consider of excellent quality and value is the 2018 Atkins Farm Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia. This bright, full bodied red wine features ripe red cherries, and strawberries, with notes of lavender, mint, and cola. A perfect companion for all richly sauced proteins and pasta.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Blu Ristorante&rsquo;s list is full of top-notch, standout wines. One to consider for a special occasion would be the 2017 Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany. Il Poggione was one of the first wineries to craft Brunello di Montalcino in the early 1900s. With a 95-point rating from the Wine Enthusiast, this stellar Sangiovese exudes aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, and plumb, with notes of tobacco, leather, spice, and thyme. A perfect companion to richly sauced pasta, proteins, and celebrations.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Blu Ristorante&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.

Thank you.

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Conundrum is a California-based winery that produces a range of wines, including a white blend, red blend, and rosé. The winery uses a unique blend of grape varieties to create their wines, resulting in complex and flavorful blends that are approachable and easy to drink. Conundrum has been producing wines since 1989 and is owned by the Wagner Family of Wine.

Sleek choice offering Italian fare such as pasta & pizza, plus weekend brunch, macaroons & pastries.

Meson

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

BondST

Buenos Aires Restaurant

Buenos Aires

Meadowsweet

Casa Mono

Atera

La Cava

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

Quality Italian

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

Bottega Louie - WEHO

Brocard Chablis Burgundy France 2020

Burgundy, France

Nicolas Feuillatte

Reserve Exclusive Rose Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Taittinger

Brut La Francaise Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

The White Knight

Viognier 2021

Viognier

Clarksburg, USA

King Estate

Pinot Gris 2021

Pinot Gris

Oregon, USA

Cirelli

Pecorino Colline Pescaresi 2020

Pecorino

Italy

Feudi di San Gregorio

Falanghina 2020

Falanghina

Campania, Italy

Vigne

Le, di Zamo, Ribolla Gialla, Friuli Colli Orientali 2020

Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

The Four Graces

Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

Oregon, USA

Luna Nuda Prosecco Treviso Italy NV

Veneto, Italy

Araldica

Barbera Piemonte 2021

Barbera

Piemonte, Italy

Jeio

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut NV

Glera

Veneto, Italy

Mastroberardino

Greco di Tufo 2021

Greco

Campania, Italy

Château Fleur d'Eymerits

Lalande de Pomerol 2020

Merlot

Lalande de Pomerol, France

Failla

Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

California, USA