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.

Alto means high, referring to altitude when talking about wine, in both Spanish and Italian. Recently higher altitude locations have been planted more and more. A few decades ago, these areas were not seen as suitable for growing quality grapes as the climate back then was too cool. Today, with many producers witnessing a rising temperature, and a lot of new techniques in the vineyard, these areas are finally becoming viable. The higher you plant the cooler the temperature will be, but you will also receive more sun which in turn helps ripen the grapes. The temperature will be quite warm during the day, but very cool at night. This leads to ripe fruit aromas developing during the day, followed by a cool nighttime keeping the fresh acidity in the grapes, the best of both worlds for the grapes.

In Italy this development has been very prominent in northern Piemonte in the last decade. There is now talk about an area called Alto Piemonte, comprised of a few different wine regions. They are all located higher up in the mountains, and like the most famous wines from Piemonte many are based on the Nebbiolo grape. The most well-known wine regions would be Ghemme, Gattinara, and Boca.

But Alto Piemonte is not the only area where the term is used. In quite a few cases, in both Italy, Spain, Argentina and Chile the term can be seen used as part of a producer name or even as the name of a specific wine, sometimes to convey the wine is from a high planted vineyard. It is not uncommon however for winemakers to use the term to show it&rsquo;s their highest quality wine, not a wine from high altitude.

More wine growers have shown interest in high altitude vineyards lately, and the record of the highest planted one is something a few are trying to beat. It&rsquo;s safe to say the positive effects the altitude has on the growing grapes mean these vineyards are here to stay, and terms as alto may be used in more languages soon.

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

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Clarity in Vienna, Vermont. 

Wine List Review of Clarity, Vermont

Michaela Quinlan

Clarity

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHlouuGz1cRCxrdP-mn0zXj6pZJOvbDf/view">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHlouuGz1cRCxrdP-mn0zXj6pZJOvbDf/view</a>

&nbsp;

Clarity:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where,&nbsp;in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

&nbsp;

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

&nbsp;

MQ: Hi Robert!

&nbsp;RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules our mobile app and our podcast&rsquo;s to demystify wine list because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that&nbsp; list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

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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.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

&nbsp;

RT: Today we are talking about Clarity in Vienna, VA. Serving lunch, dinner, and a four-course tasting menu, along with locally sourced beef and produce, Clarity is a must visit.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

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MQ: Clarity features a beautiful list of Old World and New Word favorites. Enjoy today&rsquo;s selections during your private dining experience or special event.

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RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

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MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2019 Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre Rose from the Loire Valley of France. The Sancerre region within the Loire Valley is known for their stellar Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This 93 point rated, organic Rose is 100% Pinot Noir and features aromas and flavors of strawberries and cranberries with notes of herbs on the finish. A perfect companion to lighter fare and seafood.

&nbsp;

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

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MQ: Consider the 2019 Cass Mourvedre from Paso Robles, CA. This Estate grown, 100% Mourvedre is rich and full bodied. Perfect for the richly sauced proteins on the menu. Ripe blackberries, ripe blueberries, plum, fig, with notes of raisins and cocoa on the finish make this red a winner.

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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; ?

&nbsp;

MQ: A must try is the 2019 En Numeros Vermells, Pedro Ximenez from Priorat in Spain. This is truly a unique wine. Only 53 cases were made. The Pedro Ximenez grape is often used to make sweet sherry. However, this white wine is beautifully balanced with notes of peach and grapefruit, along with spice, pepper, and caramel with a salty nuttiness on the long finish. A must try to pair with richly sauced seafood.

&nbsp;

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?

&nbsp;

MQ: A stand out bottle to share with the table is the 2012 Pakravan-Papa, Prunice di Riparbella from Tuscany. This Super Tuscan, consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese is medium bodied, with smooth tannins, notes of ripe raspberries, ripe red cherries, smoke, leather, sage, and lavender. A food friendly wine to pair with herbed proteins.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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;

&nbsp;

MQ: An excellent quality/value white wine to consider when looking for a bottle to pair with herbed proteins, dense fish, and spicy dishes, consider the 2019 Le Jade, Viognier Cave de Pomerols from the Languedoc in France. Viognier is medium bodied, fresh and floral with notes of dried apricot, ripe peach, white flowers, and citrus with a mineral finish. All at an excellent price.

&nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

&nbsp;

MQ:&nbsp; If you are in search of a value red wine of excellent quality, consider the 2016 Valerie Forgues Gamay from the Touraine in France.&nbsp; Touraine is located in the Loire Valley, and this organic Gamay is medium bodied and showcases ripe red cherries, cranberries, and blueberries with notes of thyme, sage, and citrus on the finish. Pair this red with all herbed and savory dishes.

&nbsp;

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;

&nbsp;MQ: If you are visiting Clarity for any special occasion or celebration, why not consider a classic Champagne producer. The Billecart Salmon Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, from Champagne in France. Founded in 1818, Billecart Salmon is the oldest continuously family owned House in Champagne. This Grand Cru, or superior quality sparkler, Blanc de Blancs, meaning consisting of only white grapes, and in this case, Chardonnay, is consistently highly rated with classic aromas of fresh green apple, lemon zest, and brioche, with a creamy, nutty, and mineral finish. A stellar sparkler to pair with any special occasion.

&nbsp;

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Clarity&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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;

&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

Eos Estate Winery is located in Paso Robles, California. They are known for producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines from their estate vineyards. The winery is committed to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, with a focus on showcasing the unique character of each vineyard.

Relaxed pick for classic French cooking & fixed-price fare with wines in a bright, homey space.

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

The View

Il Capriccio

Bellissimo Restaurant

Bellissimo

Sandbar

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern

Mirabelle at Three Village Inn

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

Pescadou Bistro

Joseph Drouhin

Macon-Villages 2021

Chardonnay

Burgundy, France

Provenance

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Howell Mountain, USA

Brotte

Domaine Grosset Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne 2017

Grenache

France

Howling Moon Pinot Noir, Monterey 2017

Monterey, USA

Château Saint Pierre

Tradition Cotes de Provence Rose 2020

Blend

Provence, France

Chalone

Pinot Noir, Monterey County 2017

California, USA

Château Moncontour

Vouvray Sec 2020

Chenin Blanc

Vouvray, France

Egly-Ouriet

Brut Tradition Champagne Grand Cru 'Ambonnay' NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Domaine Trapet

Riquewihr Riesling Alsace 2020

Riesling

Alsace, France

Santa Maria

Palmer Stone Goodchild Vineyard Chardonnay, Valley 2021

Santa Maria Valley, USA

Crus

Cave des Grands, Blancs Macon-Vinzelles 2018

Burgundy, France

Le P'tit Domaine

Le Coup d'Douze Saumur Champigny NV

Cabernet Franc

Saumur-Champigny, France

Samuel Charles

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

North Coast, USA

Cardwell Hill, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019

Oregon, USA

Château Beauregard Ducasse

Graves Blanc 2021

Blend

Graves, Bordeaux, France