The world of wine has always been associated with sophistication, elegance, and a sense of refined taste. However, it may surprise you to discover that some of the world&#39;s most renowned NBA players have not only conquered the basketball court but also ventured into the captivating world of winemaking. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the fascinating stories behind NBA players turned vintners, discover their exceptional wines, and uncover the origins of their passion for winemaking.

<ol>
	<li>Tony Parker - TP Wines: NBA legend Tony Parker, known for his illustrious career with the San Antonio Spurs, has also found success in the world of winemaking. Through his venture TP Wines, Parker has established a reputation for producing exceptional wines. The grapes for his wines are sourced from the esteemed vineyards in France&#39;s Bordeaux region. With a focus on Bordeaux blends, TP Wines showcases Parker&#39;s commitment to excellence on and off the court. Critics have praised his wines for their complexity, balance, and remarkable aging potential. Notable releases include the TP Reserve, a bold red blend with dark fruit flavors and velvety tannins, earning an impressive critic score of 93.</li>
	<li>Carmelo Anthony - Melo Wines: Carmelo Anthony, a prolific NBA scorer who has played for several teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, is no stranger to the world of wine. With Melo Wines, he has crafted a portfolio of wines that reflect his appreciation for fine craftsmanship and dedication. Anthony&#39;s wines predominantly hail from Napa Valley, California, known for its world-class wines. One of his standout creations is the Melo 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing rich black fruit flavors, supple tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. Critics have awarded this wine an impressive score of 92, highlighting its quality and attention to detail.</li>
	<li>Dwyane Wade - Wade Cellars: Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and celebrated player, has transitioned his passion for winemaking into a successful venture with Wade Cellars. Collaborating with renowned winemaker Jayson Pahlmeyer, Wade produces premium wines that embody his personality and flair. Wade Cellars&#39; flagship wine, the Wade Cabernet Sauvignon, is sourced from the esteemed Napa Valley and showcases the region&#39;s exceptional terroir. With its velvety texture, layers of dark fruit, and refined tannins, the Wade Cabernet has garnered critical acclaim, receiving a remarkable score of 95.</li>
	<li>Channing Frye - Chosen Family Wines: Channing Frye, known for his championship-winning stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has made a name for himself in the wine industry with Chosen Family Wines. Frye&#39;s passion for winemaking stems from his family&#39;s love for wine, and he channels this enthusiasm into producing exceptional varietals. Chosen Family Wines specializes in small-lot, single-vineyard wines sourced from California&#39;s premier wine regions. The Chosen Family Pinot Noir, with its vibrant red fruit aromas, silky texture, and well-integrated acidity, has garnered critical praise and a commendable score of 91.</li>
	<li>James Harden - 13 Wines: James Harden, an NBA superstar known for his scoring prowess, has ventured into winemaking with his label, 13 Wines. Harden&#39;s wines reflect his commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Sourced from top vineyards in California, the 13 Wines portfolio showcases a range of varietals, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

The world of wine has always been associated with sophistication, elegance, and a sense of refined taste. However, it may surprise you to discover that some of the world's most renowned NBA players have not only conquered the basketball court but also ventured into the captivating world of winemaking. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the fascinating stories behind NBA players turned vintners, discover their exceptional wines, and uncover the origins of their passion for winemaking.

When Passion Unites: NBA Players and their Exquisite Wines

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

Dante

Josh Ardizzoni

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where&nbsp;we review a Wine List from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Josh Ardizzoni, certified sommelier and wine consultant

JA: Hey Robert! Happy to be here :)

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 those lists can sometimes be intimidating and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list with confidence, find those hidden gems, 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.

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RT: Today we are discussing Dante &ndash; Greenwich Village&rsquo;s legendary Italian-bent caf&eacute;, once crowned &ldquo;World&rsquo;s Best Bar.&rdquo; Although the cocktail program gets so much well-deserved attention, Dante is also a fabulous destination for European-centric food and wine. Josh, I&rsquo;m excited for you to share some favorites from this charming list.

JA:&nbsp; Hello Robert, super excited to delve into Dante. If I close my eyes, I can almost smell the wood fire.

RT: So, this isn&rsquo;t a huge wine list but being so focused on Italy, Spain, and France, there are definitely a lot of unfamiliar offerings for the average diner. Will you walk us through a few recommendations?

JA: Of course! First, what&rsquo;s important to know here is that although the range of wines available on Dante&rsquo;s list is fairly limited, it&rsquo;s been nicely curated down to just those really lovable essentials. When I think of restaurants that feel like this one, I don&rsquo;t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable bottle of wine &ndash; it&rsquo;s more like picking out the right cozy sweater out of the closet on a cold day. Dante really nails that vibe.

RT: I&rsquo;m always looking for that great bottle with a great story that doesn&rsquo;t need to break the bank. What wines would you recommend that fit right into this experience?

JA: I can&rsquo;t think of a better match for all the gorgeous antipasti on the menu than &ldquo;Monte Grande&rdquo; Soave Classico from the Pra winery &ndash; a really concentrated expression of the Garganega grape from the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Floral, citrusy, textured&hellip; a little bit off the beaten path but this is one of Italy&rsquo;s top white varieties, very well balanced and able to lift up food beautifully.

RT: Soave sounds so interesting. Other special white wines to find here?

JA: Sometimes the best discoveries are about the producer and this list features bottles from really excellent winemakers. I&rsquo;m going for Chardonnay from Saint-V&eacute;ran in southern Burgundy made by husband and wife team Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon. This is one of the best little estates in the humble Maconnais region and is a great find on a list like this &ndash; playful, quaffable, and above all delicious!

RT: How about for reds? If I&rsquo;m ordering some heartier dishes like the wood-grilled fishes or beef, where do we go?

JA: A terrific value and something interesting is the Menc&iacute;a from Algueira. This is a fresh, vibrant wine from the Northwest of Spain, in Galicia. For me, good Mencia is like Pinot Noir infused with peppery and woodsy herbs, flavors which are a beautiful match for the dishes here. The wine director has also been generous enough to offer a delightful young Barolo expression from one of my favorite producers, G.D. Vajra. Their most open and early-drinking bottling is called &ldquo;Albe&rdquo; and can be found in great little spots like Dante for under $100. That&rsquo;s what I call an opportunity.

RT: It really seems like there are lots of values to be found, and lots of exploring through these European regions to do.

JA: Lists like this where there isn&rsquo;t really any fluff allow you to confidently go out and experiment with the magic of food and wine. Pairings like marinated olives with spicy, floral Fiano or wild boar rag&uacute; with a big rustic red from Priorat are happening here every day. You&rsquo;ve gotta go there, open a few bottles, and eat to your heart&rsquo;s content. That&rsquo;s what it&#39;s all about.

RT: Josh Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate the Dante wine list.

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.

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.

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

Trivento is a leading producer of premium wines in Argentina, known for its exceptional Malbecs and other varietals. The winery is located in the heart of Mendoza, the country's most important wine region, and is committed to producing wines that showcase the region's distinctive terroir.

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

Plucky Wines

Albert Boxler

Cremant d'Alsace 2017

Blend

France

Albert Boxler

Cremant d'Alsace 2017

Blend

Alsace, France

Agricola Punica

Barrua, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2018

Sardinia, Italy

Alain Graillot St. Joseph, France, Rhne 2019

Syrah

Rhone, France

Punica

Agricola, Barrua, IGT 2018

Sardinia, Italy

Thienot Brut Vintage, Champagne NV

Champagne, France

Kris Rose NV

Italy

Andre Perret

Saint-Joseph, Les Grisieres 2019

Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France

Alban Vineyards

Alban Estate Vineyard Viognier 2021

Viognier

California, USA

Albert Boxler

Gewurztraminer Alsace Grand Cru 'Brand' 2017

Gewurztraminer

Alsace, France

Domaine A.

Clape, Cotes du Rhone 2020

Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France

Alban Vineyards

Viognier 2021

Viognier

Central Coast, USA

André Perret

Condrieu Chery 2019

Viognier

Condrieu, Rhone, France

Albert Boxler

Gewurztraminer Alsace Grand Cru 'Brand' 2015

Gewurztraminer

Alsace, France

Domaine A. & P. de Villaine

Les Champs Cloux, Rully Premier Cru 2018

Rully, France