<a href="https://www.benoitny.com/">Benoit</a>&nbsp;is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

So let&rsquo;s start with a region that has a long and rich history in winemaking and has produced some of the most expensive wines in the world: Burgundy.

Burgundy is a wine region&nbsp;that is renowned for producing quality wine, and it is the best-growing region for pinot noir and chardonnay. So it&rsquo;s no surprise that most Burgundy whites are produced with chardonnay and the reds from pinot noir. Burgundy or La Bourgogne to the locals, &nbsp;is in east-central France. This temperate region has dry summers and autumns and soil rich in clay and Jurassic limestone. It is these conditions that help chardonnay and pinot noir varietals thrive.

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Burgundy also has a highest number of appellations d&#39;origine contr&ocirc;l&eacute;e (AOCs). The vineyards in Burgundy are classified into four levels, which are rated on the quality of the terroir and climate. These designations are clearly labeled on the bottle and reflected in the price point.

Grand Cru tops the list and is reserved for only the best vineyards in Burgundy. These labels are highly coveted by wine collectors as only around two percent receive this classification. In fact, there are only 34 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy.

One step down is Premier Cru which is awarded to around 12 percent, or 345, vineyards. Now you understand why Grand Cru wines are so expensive.

If you are looking for a wine from Burgundy&nbsp;that doesn&rsquo;t break the budget, a Village Wine offers value without compromising quality. These vineyards may be positioned next to Premier or Grand Cru vineyards but are one step away from the top classification. &nbsp;And finally, Regional wines receive the lowest classification and are often created from a combination of vineyards instead of a single village. Often these wines will be labeled as a wine of Bourgogne instead of Burgundy.

While pinot noir and chardonnay are the two main varietals in Burgundy wine production, aligot&eacute;, pinot gris, gamay, and sauvignon blanc are also used. Aligot&eacute; is a white grape used to make dry white wines. Gamay is a cousin of pinot noir and is more well-known as a varietal grown in Beaujolais, which is south of Burgundy. It&rsquo;s a light-bodied wine, similar to pinot noir. Sauvignon blanc originates from Bordeaux but it grows well pretty much everywhere. However, in Burgundy, there is only one appellation that allows Sauvignon in the wines: Saint Bris. &nbsp;

But let&rsquo;s head back to Benoit&rsquo;s wine list, and if a 28-page list is too much to navigate, head on over to the CorkRules&rsquo; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/benoit/episodes/18">podcast with certified Sommelier Grace Hood</a>&nbsp;shares her quick recommendations on delicious bottles from the list.

Salut!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine lists picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

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Benoit is a Parisian-style bistro in midtown Manhattan where they provide an exceptional dining experience and a 28-page wine list with a stellar selection of bottles from every region in France.

Wines from Burgundy at Benoit

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

Sorellina

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorellina in Boston. 

Wine List Review of Sorellina, Boston. 

Michaela Quinlan

Sorelina

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 Sorellina. If you are visiting Boston&rsquo;s Copley Square, then you must stop by Sorellina to experience classic Italian with a modern twist.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Sorellina takes great pride in their wines by the glass, extensive Italian-focused wine list, Somm&rsquo;s Select glass pour options, and knowledgeable staff. We have a number of new favorites and classics to explore with you today.

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 Campania. One of my many favorite Italian white grapes in Falanghina. Do consider the 2020 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina. This medium bodied white wine is perfect to pair with shellfish, tuna, and salmon. The bright acidity, minerality, along with aromas and flavors of lime zest, green apple, and pear make this wine an excellent selection to kick off your dining experience.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: We have to head over to the Piedmont for a classic Nebbiolo. The 2019 Luigi Giordano &lsquo;Cavanna&rsquo; Barbaresco is a standout with its bright acidity, tart red cherries, smoke, round tannins, and classic herbal notes on the finish. This Nebbiolo is your go to selection to pair with pasta and richly sauced proteins.

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: To shift away from classic Italian wines for a moment, I had to stop when I spotted a favorite. The 2018 Ken Wright Cellars &lsquo;Savoya Vineyard&rsquo; from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Ken Wright Cellars has been producing single vineyard Pinot Noir for over 40 years from 13 different vineyard sites. This particular Pinot Noir is from the Savoya Vineyard and showcases ripe blackberries, black cherries, cranberries, with herbs, spice, and a slightly smoky finish. This Pinot Noir will pair will with herbed and smoked dishes.

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 favorite, can&rsquo;t miss producer caught my eye. The 2019 Ridge &lsquo;Three Valleys&rsquo; Zinfandel from Sonoma County, CA. Since their start in 1988, Ridge has been producing knockout, highly rated wines. The &lsquo;Three Valleys&rsquo; represent the different vineyards where the grapes for this wine are grown, consisting of predominately Zinfandel, along with a bit of Petit Syrah, and Carignan. This medium to full bodied red features ripe red cherries, ripe raspberries, earth, spice, black pepper, soft tannins, and a long finish. Consider this Zinfandel blend to pair with richly sauced dishes and anything grilled.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Now back to Italy. How can we discuss Italian wines without mentioning Pinot Grigio? An excellent quality and value selection is the 2020 Cantina Terlan Pinot Grigio from Alto-Adige in Northern Italy. This medium-bodied white wine features ripe pear, lemon zest, melon, green apple, with bright minerality on the finish. This is an excellent aperitif, or to pair with shellfish, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s move from Northern Italy to Southern Italy, specifically Puglia for another standout value wine. Consider the 2017 Masseria Altemura, Negroamaro. If you are looking for spice, look no further. Negroamaro is a red grape that features aromas and flavors of ripe plumb and fig, along with a bit of licorice and cocoa. Nutmeg and clove also come through thanks to the aging in French oak. Pair this red with richly sauced and herbed dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: I find that Barolo is always an excellent choice to add to any celebration. Do consider the 2013 Viberti &lsquo;Bricco delle Viole&rsquo; Reserva Barolo. The grape in Barolo wines is Nebbiolo, and the Reserva designation means that the grapes have aged a bit longer than others, resulting in aromas and flavors of dried fig, ripe strawberries, and plumb, with spice and classic licorice on the long finish. You may wish to decant this wine, as the tannins are still quite firm. A wonderful addition to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Sorellina&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

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Alba Restaurant

Alba

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Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Seven Daughters is a family-owned winery located in the Veneto region of Italy. Founded in 1998 by Antonio Moretti, the winery is dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Seven Daughters uses traditional winemaking methods combined with modern techniques to create wines that are both elegant and complex.

Intimate wine bar serving mostly Old World varietals plus small plates in a wood-accented space.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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

Pierre Loti Wine Bar

Doluca

DLC Narince 2020

Turkey

Villa Doluca

Neo Narince - Emir 2020

Blend

Turkey

Doluca Tugra Okuzgozu, Aegean 2019

Aegean, Turkey

Doluca

DLC Okuzgozu 2019

Turkey

Danubiana

Green Smart Cricket Gruner Veltliner 2019

Gruner Veltliner

Vallate

Prosecco Extra Dry NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Taron

Tempranillo, Rioja 2017

Rioja, Spain

Cantina La-Vis

Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Gris

Trentino, Italy

I Lauri

Bajo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019

Montepulciano

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy

Café de Paris

Rose Brut NV

Blend

Vin de France, France

Chardonnay

Antech, IGP Pays d'Oc, France 2019

Pays d'Oc, France

Bex

Riesling 2020

Riesling

Nahe, Germany

Domaine des Monticoles

Coteaux Varois en Provence 2020

Blend

France

Hinojosa

Barricas Malbec 2017

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

La Grille

Franck Chatelain Pinot Noir 2020

Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre, France