Holiday Season Wine Trends, what our CorkRules App users drinking!

As we delve into the holiday season, our community of wine enthusiasts at CorkRules is buzzing with excitement. Our users are out and about, savoring some fantastic wines that are trending this festive period. We have compiled a list of these top-rated wines complete with detailed reviews, tasting notes, producer&#39;s history and food pairing recommendations.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Billecart-Salmon-Brut-Rose-Champagne-w9034541ol">1. Billecart Salmon - Brut Rose Champagne NV</a>

Champagne is always a top selection among our users. Billecart-Salmon is at the top of list and they been producing exceptional champagnes since 1818 in Mareuil-sur-A&yuml;, France. The Brut Ros&eacute; NV is no exception to their tradition of excellence. It received an impressive score of 94 points from Wine Spectator.

This champagne enchants you with its beautiful pale pink color and delicate bubbles. On the nose, it reveals aromas of fresh red fruits and citrus zest which carry through to the palate along with subtle hints of dried fruit and toasted brioche. The body is light yet expressive; acidity perfectly balanced making it crisp but not overwhelming; tannins are almost imperceptible giving way to a smooth finish.

Pair this delightful bubbly with smoked salmon or sushi for an unforgettable gastronomic experience!

Partial List of Featured Restaurants serving Billecart &ndash; Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas, NV &ndash; Aquerello San Francisco, CA &ndash; Barbuto NY, NY

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Melville-Chardonnay-Estate-Sta-Rita-Hills-2019-w7644576n6">2. Melville - Chardonnay Estate Sta Rita Hills 2019</a>

Melville Winery located in California&rsquo;s Santa Rita Hills AVA has been crafting exquisite wines since 1987 focusing on cool-climate varietals like Chardonnay. Their Estate Chardonnay scored a commendable 92 points by Robert Parker&#39;s Wine Advocate for its vibrant character.

It opens up with intoxicating aromas of ripe apple, pear, white flowers complemented by subtle oak nuances. On tasting it offers a medium-bodied structure packed full flavors mirroring the nose along with mineral undertones that add complexity. Acidity levels are well-balanced, making it refreshing while the tannins are soft and well-integrated.

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy pasta dishesor grilled chicken.

Partial List of Featured Restaurants serving Melville &ndash; Essential by Christophe NY, NY - Plumed Horse Saratoga, CA &ndash; Woodwind Chicago, IL

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Trimbach-Riesling-390th-Anniversary-2016-w9458613ag">3. Trimbach - Riesling</a>

Trimbach, a family-owned winery in Alsace, France has been producing wines since 1626. Their Riesling 390th Anniversary edition celebrates their rich heritage and scored an impressive 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The wine exhibits vibrant aromas of green apple, lime zest, wet stone and white flowers. On the palate it is dry with high acidity which gives it a zesty freshness. The body is medium with flavors echoing the nose along with a minerally finish that lingers on your palate.

Enjoy this Riesling alongside spicy Asian cuisine or fresh seafood for a delightful pairing!

Partial List of Featured Restaurants serving Trimbach &ndash; STK Steakhouse Scottsdale, AZ - The Martin&#39;s Key West, FL, - Lure Fishbar NY, NY

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Alain-Graillot-Crozes-Hermitage-2019-w2646348x3">4. Alain Graillot - Crozes Hermitage 2019</a>

Alain Graillot established his winery in Northern Rh&ocirc;ne Valley in 1985 and quickly gained recognition for his Syrah-based wines like Crozes-Hermitage.

It received a notable score of 92 points from Vinous due to its expressive character. The wine opens up with enticing aromas of blackberry, black pepper spice, violets followed by earthy undertones. On tasting you will find it full-bodied yet balanced by firm tannins and good acidity levels providing structure to dark fruit flavors present on the palate.

Pair this red wine with hearty meat dishes like lamb stew or steak au poivre for an excellent match!

Partial List of Featured Restaurants serving Alain Graillot &ndash; The Lobster Club NY, NY - Del Ray Cafe Alexandria, VA - Bourbon Steak Seattle, WA

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Cade-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Howell-Mountain-2018-w0854190qc">5. Cade - Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2018</a>

Cade Estate Winery located on Napa Valley&rsquo;s Howell Mountain was founded in 2005 by Gavin Newsom &amp; Gordon Getty focusing on environmentally responsible winemaking practices. Their Cabernet Sauvignon received a stellar 96 points from Wine Advocate for its bold character.

The wine greets you with rich aromas of black cherry, cassis, mocha and cedar. On the palate it is full-bodied with robust tannins and balanced acidity supporting flavors that mirror the nose along with hints of dark chocolate on the finish.

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with grilled red meats or mature cheeses.

Partial List of Featured Restaurants serving Cade: Buffalo Club Santa Monica, Ca &ndash; Frankie and Johnnie&rsquo;s Steakhouse NY, NY &ndash; Karne Korean Steakhouse Houston, TX

We hope this list inspires your holiday season wine selections. Remember to share your experiences on CorkRules app as we love hearing about your wine adventures! Cheers to a festive season filled with great wines and good company!

As we delve into the holiday season, our community of wine enthusiasts at CorkRules is buzzing with excitement. Our users are out and about, savoring some fantastic wines that are trending this festive period. We have compiled a list of these top-rated wines complete with detailed reviews, tasting notes, producer's history and food pairing recommendations.

Holiday Season Wine Trends, what our CorkRules App users drinking!

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

Porto

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the modern Mediterranean restaurant Porto in Boston. 

Wine List Review of Porto, Boston

Michaela Quinlan

Porto

Music Intro:

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 Porto. Head to Boston&rsquo;s Back Bay for a trip to the Mediterranean. Come enjoy coastal Italian fare prepared by a James Beard Award winning chef. &nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Porto&rsquo;s wine list consists of unique and classic varietals that make perfect companions to their incredible dining menu. We hope you enjoy today&rsquo;s selections.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: A favorite varietal that caught my eye was the 2020 Santo Winery, Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece. The light to medium body of this white wine, along with the bright acidity, white floral nose, notes of tangerine, ripe pear, and lime zest with a mineral finish make this wine a wonderful aperitif, or to pair with shellfish and light fish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: I have been noticing a number of wine lists that feature a special section for Super Tuscan wines. Super Tuscan is often a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese from Tuscany. One to consider is the 2019 Castellare, Poggio alla Guardia from Tuscany. This highly rated red wine also has a bit of Merlot in the blend which only adds to the rich, ripe plumb, ripe blackberries, cassis, smoke, and leather with notes of cocoa on the mineral finish. Consider this red when pairing with charcuterie or herbed proteins.

&nbsp;

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: A must try is the 2020 Pacher Hoff, Muller Thurgau, from Varna, Italy. Northern Italy does an excellent job producing this more notably German or Austrian grape variety. The Muller Thurgau features aromas and flavors of citrus, white flowers, elderberry, green apple, and tangerine. This bottle is dry, however, Mueller Thurgau can also be produced with medium sweetness. Pair with lighter fare and spicy 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?

&nbsp;MQ: A wine to consider to pair with richly sauced and savory dishes would be the always highly rated Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco from the Piedmont in Italy. This dry, full bodied red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape features aromas and flavors of ripe, red cherries, rose petals, ripe raspberries, with notes of tobacco and violets on the smooth finish.

&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;

MQ: A wonderful sparkler that I was happy to see on the list is the 2016 Argyle Brut from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and splash of Pinot Meunier, results in a fresh, dry sparkler featuring ripe green apple, lemon zest, and brioche. A perfect way to begin your dining experience, or to pair with cheese, shellfish, or any fried dishes, all for an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: As a fan of Rhone blends, I am always excited when I spot that stand-out quality/value wine. Consider the 2019 Chateau Saint Cosme, Cotes du Rhone from the Rhone Valley of France. This organic blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre makes a perfect companion to the Mediterranean spices on the menu. Notes of black pepper, thyme, sage, ripe blackberries, with soft tannins and a mineral finish make this wine a can&rsquo;t miss.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: If you are looking for a bold, complex, stand-out vintage, consider the 2012 Chateau La Garde, from Pessac-Leognan in Bordeaux, France. This exceptional blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot will certainly add to the pleasure of your dining experience. The classic aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, cassis, earth, leather, graphite, and rich, round tannins truly make this wine a perfect companion to richly herbed and sauced proteins, and special occasions.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Porto&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.

&nbsp;

End

&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

Stimson Estate Cellars is a winery located in Washington state that specializes in producing premium wines. With over 30 years of experience, they are dedicated to crafting wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The winery is committed to sustainable winemaking practices and is certified by the LIVE program.

The spirit of the Old West comes through at this Italian find known for its Southern fried chicken.

Dante

Geronimo

La Mercerie

Bar Primi

Kirby’s Steakhouse

The Grill

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

Casa Orinda

Balletto Vineyards

Pinot Gris NV

Pinot Gris

Russian River Valley, USA

Zenato

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Grigio

Delle Venezie, Italy

Pine Ridge

Chenin Blanc - Viognier 2018

Blend

Napa Valley, USA

Luca

Old Vine Malbec 2019

Malbec

Uco Valley, Argentina

Kim Crawford

Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Marlborough, New Zealand

Roederer Estate

Brut NV

Blend

California, USA

Honig

Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Sauvignon Blanc

California, USA

Sterling Vineyards

Heritage Collection Merlot 2019

Merlot

Napa Valley, USA

Castello Nipozzano

Chianti Rufina Riserva 2016

Sangiovese

Italy

Balletto, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley NV

California, USA

Cellars

Ladd, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014

Sonoma Coast, USA

Greyscale

Merlot 2014

Merlot

Napa Valley, USA

Navarro Vineyards

Pinot Noir 2018

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Yamhill Valley

Estate Pinot Noir 2020

Chardonnay

Oregon, USA

Green & Red Vineyard Chiles Canyon Vineyards Zinfandel NV

Napa Valley, USA