In this episode, Robert Tas, CorkRules founder, and Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, review the wine list wines of the <a href="https://www.oysterbarny.com/">Grand Central Oyster Bar</a>, a historic restaurant that originally opened in 1913 in NY&rsquo;s Grand Central Station. &nbsp;They identify the perfect oyster wine, whites from the Loire Valley, and wines from the list that will take your dining experience to the next level here.

To understand what to pair with oysters or any other meal for that matter, it&rsquo;s good to understand the basic tasting notes and how they work with certain foods. So here&rsquo;s a quick review of the most popular varietals&rsquo; tasting notes and the foods that pair well.

Chardonnay has notes of yellow citrus, pear, green apple and maybe a touch of vanilla. It&rsquo;s a medium to full-bodied white and pairs well with rich seafood, cream sauces, and soft cheeses.

Sauvignon blanc is a little more bitter and tart than chardonnay. The notes include grapefruit pith sweeter notes of honeydew melon, passion fruit, and kiwi with a little herbaceous quality. It is a light- to medium-bodied wine that pairs well with fish, chicken, pork, Mexican, Vietnamese, and goat&#39;s cheese.

Pinot gris is light-bodied with delicate citrus and white floral notes. Light and easy to drink, these wines pair well with light fare such as salad, delicate fish dishes, and light, mild cheeses.

Riesling has notes of citrus and stone fruit these wines are usually floral with sweet herbal elements. They are high in acid when dry but they can also be sweet. These wines work well with Indian, Thai, Moroccan, and German fare.

Cabernet sauvignon is a full-bodied red with bold tannins, a long finish, and also generally has a higher alcohol content. The tasting notes are black cherry, black currant, and cedar. This varietal pairs well with heavier, fattier meats such as lamb and beef, and hard cheeses like Pecorino.

Syrah is also a full-bodied red but these wines are fruitier with medium-weight tannins. Syrah is often used ot create the Rhone blend. It also pairs well with strong meat flavors of lamb or smoked meats and hard cheeses. The tasting notes are blueberry, plum, black pepper, so this wine is a little spicier and lighter than the cabernet, while still holding the weight.

Zinfandel is on the lighter side. It&rsquo;s a medium-bodied wine that&rsquo;s fruity and spicy. It pairs well with lighter meats like chicken and pork but also works well with full-flavor cheeses such as Manchego, or Tommes de Sauvignon.

The Grand Central Oyster Bar lives up to its name, but for more information on their wine list, and other tips for wine and seafood pairings check out the CorkRules <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/oyster-bar/episodes/11">wine review podcast.</a>&nbsp;

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list 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. &nbsp;CorkRules helps you 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;

To understand what to pair with oysters or any other meal for that matter, it’s good to understand the basic tasting notes and how they work with certain foods. So here’s a quick review of the most popular varietals’ tasting notes and the foods that pair well.

Pairing Wine with Oysters at the Grand Central Oyster Bar

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

The Switch? – #restaurantfail #winelistfail

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

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

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head to Vermont to review the wine list at Michael’s on the Hill.

Wine List Review of Michael's on the Hill, Vermont. 

Sam Hohl

Michael's on the Hill

Michael&#39;s on the Hill

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 Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier.

Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

&nbsp;

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules, which is now available in the Apple App store 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.

Cork Rules

Michael&rsquo;s On The Hill 

Overview

Michael&rsquo;s On The Hill is located in Waterbury Center, Vermont and offers farm-to-table dishes by an award winning chef. Here you&rsquo;re invited to enjoy European inspired fare along with cocktails or wine while taking in the Green Mountain views.

Stand outs

This list features lots of French selections but has a great range for other New and Old world bottles at various price points so there&rsquo;s sure to be something to please every taste. For a white let&rsquo;s start with the 2019 Ch&acirc;teau Yvonne Chenin Blanc. This bottle comes from the Parnay commune in Saumur-Champigny. Chateau Yvonne dates back to the middle-ages and is now known as one of the top producers in Saumur. They only produce about 2000 cases a year so this is a treat. This bottle will be super crisp, nice bright acid and notes of pear, lime and wet stones. You could try it with the green salad with apple and buttermilk dressing to start. This high acid white is going to pair nicely with a variety of vegetable dishes, fattier fish, or chicken.

If you&rsquo;re looking to start a red you could try the 2017 Ch&acirc;teau de Saint Cosme. This is another bottle that comes from a lot of history and the estate located in the Gigondas appellation in Southern Rhone has been in the family since 1490. This is a blend of primarily Grenache, along with Syrah, Mourv&egrave;dre and Cinsault. It&rsquo;s going to be packed with strawberry flavors, along with peppery notes, violets and smoke. This rich, fuller bodied red can handle meat dishes such as the beef tenderloin or venison on the menu, but would also be so good with the Roasted Mushroom Tartine.

Another one I wanted to mention was the 2020 Union Sacr&eacute; &lsquo;Belle de Nuit.&rsquo; Union Sacr&eacute; is located in Paso Robles, California but they take their inspiration from the wines of Alsace. This is a Gew&uuml;rztraminer full of beautiful aromatics with notes of peach, orange and lychee. The cold evenings in this climate help with providing great acidity too. It&rsquo;s such a playful flavor profile, and a lot of fun with food! It pairs nicely with a variety of meats, fish, and even spicy foods! It would be so good with the Maple Glazed pork to bring out some of the sweeter notes in each.

Value

There&rsquo;s some great value bottles on this list, and the first one I wanted to&nbsp; mention is the 2018 Trimbach Pinot Blanc. Trimbach is located in Alsace and is operated by their 13th generation of winemakers. Trimbach produces just incredible value wines, and is definitely a go-to bottle for me. This Pinot Blanc is really well balanced with fruity notes of green apple, citrus and minerality. It&rsquo;s delightful to sip on and will work well with shellfish, cream based or fried dishes like the Maine Crab cakes.

The 2019 Broc Cellars &lsquo;Vine Starr&rsquo; Zinfandel is a wonderful choice for a value red. I&rsquo;m such a Broc Cellars fan so whenever I see their bottles on the menu, I&rsquo;m drawn in. Broc Cellars creates low-intervention wines that truly showcase their grapes and terroir, and this Zinfandel is just a beautiful example of what they do. The grapes are sourced from two vineyards that have volcanic soil, and the flavors are alive with blackberry and black cherry notes, some floral qualities and subtle spice. It&rsquo;s got a medium body and very balanced on the palate so it&rsquo;s super tasty for sipping on. It&rsquo;s also delicious with meat dishes, poultry and pork.

Celebratory 

A stand-out bottle for a special night or celebration would be the 2016 Ch&acirc;teau Giscours Grand Cru. Located in the Margaux appellation, the history of Ch&acirc;teau Giscours vineyards have been documented back to the 1500s. They&rsquo;re known for their incredible vineyard and produce delicious Bordeaux wines.This Cabernet and Merlot blend offers all the gorgeous complexity this terroir has to offer. It&rsquo;s got aromas of violets, lots of ripe fruit notes, black currant, tobacco, and cassis. It&rsquo;s bold and balanced with a long finish- it&rsquo;s sure to make your evening memorable.&nbsp;

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Michael&rsquo;s on The Hill&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 Sam 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.

Also please download the CorkRules app where we have all your favorite restaurants, and you can get personalized recommendations and connect with your friends.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. Please check out our the app or website for all our latest 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;

&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

La Fontana is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Rias Baixas, Spain. With a focus on sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices, they produce some of the finest Albariño wines in the region.

Meat & seafood prepared with European flair and served in a charming yellow house with river views.

Krasi

Sazon

La Boca

Coppa

Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro

Helm Oyster Bar and Bistro

Ledger Restaurant & Bar

Ledger

Row 34

The Ordinary

The Fig

Harvest

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

Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant

E. Guigal Ctes du Rhne, France, Rhne NV

Red Rhone Blend

Rhone, France

La Gioiosa

Prosecco Rose Millesimato NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

della

Acinum Amarone, Valpolicella DOCG NV

Veneto, Italy

Argento

Reserva Organic Malbec 2014

Malbec

Uco Valley, Argentina

Gruet

Blanc de Noirs NV

Pinot Noir

New Mexico, USA

Gerard Bertrand Kosmos Red Blend NV

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Predator

Old Vine Zinfandel NV

Zinfandel

California, USA

Catena Zapata

Malbec Argentino NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

The Crusher, Pinot Noir, Clarksburg NV

California, USA

Hubert Brochard

Sancerre Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire, France

Auspicion

Chardonnay 2016

Chardonnay

California, USA

Marion-Field

The Harrison NV

Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, USA

Il Lebbio

Vernaccia di San Gimignano NV

Vernaccia

San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Château Fontarèche

Cuvee Pierre Mignard NV

Blend

Languedoc, France

Stags' Leap Winery, The Investor, Napa Valley NV

California, USA