Whether you are just visiting or you&rsquo;re a local to New York City, you know how difficult it can be to choose a new restaurant, but we can help. We&rsquo;ve reviewed the best and brightest restaurants in New York City and we review the wine list, too. It&rsquo;s a one-stop shop where you can find wine reviews and restaurant reviews.

In this article, we visit&nbsp; ABC Kitchen on 35 East 18th Street.

ABC<a href="https://www.abckitchens.nyc/dine/abc-kitchen"> Kitchen&rsquo;s</a> tagline is &lsquo;local, organic, home&rsquo;, but while the atmosphere of this restaurant is comfortable and welcoming, and dare we say, wholesome, the menu is far beyond the meals your mother made.

This farm-to-table restaurant is wholly organic, focusing on fresh herbs, vegetables, and dedication to planet earth is clear in their use of recycled materials.

But what about their wine list?&nbsp; <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/sommeliers/maria-valetta/78">Maria Valetta, wine educator and certified sommelier</a> offers her advice on the one-page menu.

Although it is only one page, this wine list offers a carefully curated selection of wines from all over Europe.

Maria first noted&nbsp; ABC Kitchen&rsquo;s variety of skin-contact wines on the list. Skin-contact wines, or as they are more commonly known, <a href="https://www.winemag.com/2019/07/10/skin-contact-white-wines-orange-wine-beginners/">orange wines,</a> are white wines that have been made like a red, meaning that the wine has been allowed to stay in contact with the skins longer than normal for a white wine. This can be as little as a few days to as long as a year.

The result is a deeper color that ranges from pale gold to deep bronze, orange wines are full-bodied, and more tannic in nature. On this wine list, there are skin-contact wines from Spain, Austria, and Germany. Try the Muller Thurgau, Weinhaus Schlossmuhlenhof for $76 a bottle or &lsquo;Das Ist Keine Orange&rsquo; 2020 from Germany at $70 a bottle. These wines are also offered by the glass which gives you the opportunity to try them without committing to a bottle.

Moving over to whites, Maria recommends one of her favorite Italian wines, a vermentino from Tuscany, the 2017 Vermentino, Tenuta Pietramora &lsquo;Limite&rsquo;. Tuscany is in Central Italy. Wine producers in this area are known for clean, light, and refreshing white wines. Perfect for summer days in the Italian sunshine, or sunshine anywhere.

This hand-harvested wine is slow-pressed with short skin contact. It&rsquo;s light and dry with moderate acidity and notes of citrus, green apple and pear. It pairs well with the charcuterie plate or one of the market table salads, but given its light nature, it would also pair well with pastas and lean fish.

Maria also highlights an excellent pinot noir at a great price, an Argentinean malbec from a historic winery in Mendoza, and sparkling wines and champagne if your trip to ABC Kitchen is a special occasion, or you just want to celebrate life, because, well, why not?

Cheers.

&nbsp;

Whether you are just visiting or you’re a local to New York City, you know how difficult it can be to choose a new restaurant, but we can help. We’ve reviewed the best and brightest restaurants in New York City and we review the wine list, too. It’s a one-stop shop where you can find wine reviews and restaurant reviews.

Best Restaurants New York City and Wine Review

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world's most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world's best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our palates yearn for refreshing beverages that embody the essence of summer. For those new to the world of wine, choosing between cider, orange wine, and rosé can be a delightful journey. Each offers unique flavors and experiences perfect for warm weather sipping. In this article, we’ll explore three standout choices: Wolffer Dry Cider No. 139, Cune Viña Rosado 2023, and Spiritus Terrae Malvasia Orange 2021.

Savoring Summer: The Best Rosé Drink Choices from Cider-Orange-Rosé for Beginners

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

Mon Ami Gabi

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Mon Ami Gabi, an expansive restaurant at the base of the Vegas Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel Casino. 

Wine List Review of Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Mon Ami Gabi Las Vegas Paris Hotel and Casino 

Robert Tas (RT): Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can learn to order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, Certified Sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert! It&rsquo;s wine o clock!

RT: It sure is, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list with confidence so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily select wines from your favorite restaurant wine lists based on your preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price! Plus, you can check out which wines your friends ordered and try them yourself. Want to get started? Our podcast wine list reviews are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the list. So be sure to listen and check out what our Top Sommeliers recommend at your favorite restaurant.

Today we are talking Mon Ami Gabi LAS VEGAS. You will fall in love with this expansive restaurant at the base of the Vegas Eiffel Tower in the Paris Hotel Casino. The multiple dining rooms give you all the French Bistro Vibes thanks to &ldquo;Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant Group&rdquo; who did a phenomenal job with the d&eacute;cor &ndash; every room feels so classically French

As you make your way through the dark wood intimate bar area and continue to the sun-lit main room, you&rsquo;ll notice the retro tile flooring, charming tulip lamps, bevelled mirrors galore, and chalkboard menus. This all leads to the famous people-watching hot spot, a large outdoor patio with bright red awnings and umbrellas, that overlooks the famous dancing Bellagio Fountains. &nbsp;The food menu matches the d&eacute;cor perfectly&ndash; expect classic French bistro favorites such as Escargot, Steak Frites, and Trout Almondine.

Maria, I am excited to talk about Mon Ami Gabi&rsquo;s wine list.

I am as well because this restaurant is one of my favorite spots in Las Vegas for Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, or an early dinner. And I love their reasonably priced wine list, but did you know they also have a reserve list?

RT: Like a secret wine menu? I bet most people did NOT know this.

MV: You must ask for it! But more on that later, I think we should start with the wines by the glass.

RT: Well absolutely, what do you like to start with here Maria?

MV: I truly love the Pinot Blanc, the Dopff &amp; Irion, 2018 $16 &nbsp;An Alsatian beauty&hellip; if you like Pinot Grigio this will blow you away.. after all this grape IS a white mutation of Pinot Gris (aka pinot grigio) so you have some similar characteristics.

This is such a lovely wine. I had it with lunch recently and my friend tried mine and then she also ordered a glass. It has this rich roundness to it, with a hint of ginger and soft fresh peach, but not the hoppy bitterness you can sometimes get with a pinot grigio.

RT: what else can you recommend by the glass?

MV: The Malbec Chateau Armandiere 2018 This is malbec from the southwest area of France called Cahors, and it has been growing malbec since the early Middle Ages, it&rsquo;s more rustic than the plusher malbecs of Argentina, but this is what makes the wine pair so perfect with classic French Bistro fare, try it with the Steak tartare or Chicken liver pate

RT: Nice food and wine pairing there, do you have a favorite bottle on the regular wine list?

MV: I do, I love the Condrieu &ndash; by E. Guigal, &#39;19 Bin 2401&nbsp;

Now it is a little pricey, but I love the white wines from this region in Northern Rhone France. They are made exclusively from the Viognier grape and in very tiny quantities, that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s a little expensive but the wines are always very distinctive and fashionable to drink and Guigal is one of the most famous and experienced wineries in the area.&nbsp; Viognier is an aromatic grape so expect quite a bit of floral notes on the nose, and an almost waxy roundness in the mouth. It&#39;s unlike any other wine you have tried, I promise.

RT: I bet that is not a wine a lot of our listeners have tried and so this is a great recommendation maria. So now I think before we look at the reserve wine list can you select a few bottles off the main wine list where the options are more reasonable?

MV: I sure can, now this next wine is perfect if your table is split on the ordering, say 2 people have ordered the seared salmon and 2 have ordered steak Frites but you want a red, then I would suggest the Jacky Janodet Domaine les Fines Grave Moulin-a-vent Beaujolais Cru 2018 It is a perfect compromise and will compliment both dishes. 100% Gamay, Old Vines, Small production. Spiced red cherries, blue flowers. Velvety in the mouth those fine soft tannins make it Very enjoyable and able to cross over with fish.

RT: That is a helpful recommendation as I know all of us have encountered that food and wine pairing issue more than once. How about a white?

MV: Another great selection for around $60 is the Sauvignon Blanc Pascal Jolivet &ldquo;Attitude&rdquo; 2020 &ndash; an Excellent Loire Valley producer. BRIGHT FRESH! Green apple, Kiwi, Lemon Zest! Oysters, salads, Baked Goat cheese.

RT: So Now let&rsquo;s check out that reserve list!

MV: Let&rsquo;s do it &ndash; Interestingly the reserve list is not ALL French like the main wine list. It also has wines from California, Oregon, and Germany

2 Favorites worth dropping a dime on: The first one is the Peter Michael MON PLAISIR 2016 Knights Valley&nbsp; Chardonnay, 50% new French oak was used in the making of this stunning California chardonnay, baked apple pie, French Lemon cream, Just gorgeous and perfect with anything that has a butter sauce&hellip; remember to pair your wine with the sauce as that is usually the dominant flavor of the dish.

RT: Delicious pairing &ndash; I know Peter Michael is a coveted collector&#39;s wine &ndash; so you&#39;re right it&rsquo;s worth spending the money on. How about a reserve red?&nbsp;&nbsp;

MV: French food with a fine French burgundy is what life is all about, so if you&rsquo;re up for spending, order the Richebourg Grand Cru Thilbault Liger Belair (it is spelled wrong on the menu &ndash; we need to correct that&nbsp; LOL) but this wine is from the oldest and one of the greatest CRUs of Vosne Romanee a very terroir-driven organic wine, and while I do not always recommend wine this expensive, this one is a steal because to buy it online it would cost you more money, so basically no mark up at all here and that is a rarity

RT: Ha well watch them change the price now that the secret is out.

MV: Yes, that could happen, or it could sell out, but if not, this wine with the Roasted chicken with mushrooms and bacon is going to bring out all the wonderful earthy flavors in this beautiful complex Pinot Noir. Pinot with mushrooms is so insanely good

RT: Magnifique Maria! Thank you for all of your wine highlights from Mon Ami Gabi&rsquo;s lists.

Be sure to follow Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Thank you everyone for joining us here on CorkRules. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine list? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

CorkRules.com be sure to subscribe and like. And check out @CorkRules on Instagram for episode updates and upcoming giveaways. Must be 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

&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

Impero Collection is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Terre di Chieti region in Italy. They are dedicated to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Their wines are known for their complex flavor profiles and approachable nature.

Contento

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

Laurel

Swick Wines

Roussanne 2020

Roussanne

Columbia Valley, USA

Leininger

Frank & Frei Muller-Thurgau 2018

Muller-Thurgau

Franken, Germany

Octave

Vinho Verde Blanc 2020

Alvarinho

Vinho Verde, Portugal

casal

do ramilo Colares, Portugal, Lisboa, Colares 2017

Malvasia de Colares

Lisboa, Portugal

Château Nozieres

Ambroise de l'Her Cahors Malbec 2016

Malbec

Cahors, France

la Terre

Domaine de, Rouge Roussanne, USA, California, Sierra 2013

Sierra Foothills, USA

Colterenzio (Schreckbichl)

Pfefferer 2017

Moscato Giallo

Italy

Crocus

'L'Atelier' Malbec de Cahors 2017

France

Domaine du Cret de Bine Beaujolais 'Bio Addict' France 2016

France

Meinklang

Blaufrankisch 2020

Blaufrankisch

Burgenland, Austria

Vignoble Dinocheau

Pineau d'Aunis Rouge 2020

Pineau D'Aunis

Touraine, France

Bulli

Julius Bolle Macerato Colli Piacentini Frizzante NV

Malvasia di Candia Aromatica

Italy

Château Vieux Lavergne

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

Blend

Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Bow & Arrow

Gamay 2019

Gamay

Oregon, USA

Weingut Krauss

Grauburgunder 2019

Grauburgunder

Pfalz, Germany