Nestled along the South Carolina coastline, Charleston boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning food scene that has quickly captured the attention of food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. With an array of innovative restaurants and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the city is a must-visit destination for gastronomes and oenophiles seeking a truly unforgettable culinary experience.&nbsp;

Charleston&#39;s food scene has been shaped by its historical roots, blending traditional Southern cooking with influences from African, French, and Caribbean cuisines. From the early plantation days to the present moment, the city&#39;s chefs have expertly crafted meals that pay homage to both its storied past and exciting future.&nbsp;

Over the past decade, Charleston&#39;s food scene has experienced remarkable expansion and innovation. With a new generation of talented chefs pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity, the city has become a hotbed for unique dining experiences that blend tradition with innovation. This burgeoning scene has attracted culinary enthusiasts from around the world, ensuring that Charleston remains at the forefront of the global culinary landscape.&nbsp;

Here are some of our favorites: &nbsp;

<a href="https://eatatfig.com/">FIG</a> - Offering Transcendent Flavors and Impeccable Service:&nbsp;

FIG, an acronym for &quot;Food Is Good,&quot; is a restaurant that has become synonymous with excellence in the Charleston food scene. Known for its transcendent food and inspired and informed waitstaff, FIG has garnered a loyal following of food enthusiasts. The restaurant takes pride in its seasonal food menu, which showcases the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. Additionally, FIG&#39;s impeccable wine program complements its dishes perfectly, with knowledgeable staff recommending the ideal wine pairings to enhance the dining experience.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/the-fig/episodes/782">CorkRules Podcast Episode #362</a> &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cheznouschs.com/">Chez Nous</a> - Elevating Culinary Distinction from France and Europe:&nbsp;

For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Chez Nous is an exceptional choice. This hidden gem stands out for its culinary excellence and attention to detail. The menu at Chez Nous changes daily, reflecting the chef&#39;s creative vision and utilizing the finest local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant&#39;s intimate atmosphere adds to its allure, making every visit a memorable and personal experience. To complement the culinary journey, Chez Nous offers a thoughtfully curated wine list, showcasing a selection of both Old and New World wines that beautifully complement the dishes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://eattheordinary.com/">The Ordinary</a> - A Seafood Haven with Unparalleled Freshness: Charleston&#39;s coastal location lends itself to an abundance of fresh seafood, and no restaurant captures the essence of the city&#39;s seafood scene quite like The Ordinary. With its outstanding reputation, this seafood-focused establishment consistently delivers top-notch dishes that highlight the best flavors of the sea. From oyster sliders to indulgent bisque soup, The Ordinary offers a menu that satisfies seafood lovers&#39; cravings. To enhance the dining experience, the restaurant boasts an impressive wine program that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the sea. From crisp whites to full-bodied reds, the carefully selected wine list elevates the seafood offerings, creating a harmonious tasting journey.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/the-ordinary/episodes/811">CorkRules Podcast Episode #367&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://leonsoystershop.com/">Leon&#39;s Oyster Shop</a> - Where Oyster&rsquo;s &amp; Fried Chicken and Champagne Collide:&nbsp;

For a unique twist on traditional Southern cuisine, Leon&#39;s Oyster Shop beckons with its delectable combination of seafood and fried chicken. But it&#39;s not just the food that sets this establishment apart. Leon&#39;sis renowned for its exceptional grower champagne list, recognizing that bubbles go hand-in-hand with a variety of flavors. The addition of champagne to the menu adds an element of luxury and celebration to the dining experience, making Leon&#39;s a popular destination for both foodies and oenophiles.&nbsp;

A Must-Visit Destination for Foodies and Oenophiles:&nbsp;

Charleston&#39;s food scene has become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and oenophiles seeking a truly remarkable culinary and wine experience. The city&#39;s historical influences, expansion, and innovation have created a thriving environment for culinary creatives to showcase their talents. From FIG&#39;s transcendent flavors and impeccable service to Chez Nous&#39; culinary excellence and attention to detail, Charleston offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nestled along the South Carolina coastline, Charleston boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning food scene that has quickly captured the attention of food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. With an array of innovative restaurants and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the city is a must-visit destination for gastronomes and oenophiles seeking a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Charleston Food Scene:

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

Michaela Quinlan

Tiny's

Tiny&#39;s

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!

&nbsp;

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 Tiny&rsquo;s. This family run, neighborhood spot located in the heart of Tribeca features classic American fare and stand-out seafood dishes. When you are in the neighborhood, you can&rsquo;t miss Tiny&rsquo;s in the pink townhouse.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Tiny&rsquo;s curated wine list features several standouts, and hopefully new favorites, to pair with their incredible menu.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was the 2019 Vignai da Duline, Friulano from Friuli, Italy. Friulano is a dry white wine from Northern Italy and is an excellent aperitif or perfect pairing with any shellfish or seafood. Similar in style to Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and grapefruit, the Friulano also features notes of pear and ripe peach with a mineral finish.

RT: That&rsquo;s a great start. Did any red wine jump out at you?

MQ: Staying in Italy, another to consider would be the 2018 Rosso Della Motta, nebbiolo from the Piemonte region. With balanced flavors and aromas of ripe red cherries, raspberries, leather and oak, this Nebbiolo is a stand-out pairing for pastas and meat sauces.

RT: That is for sure unique.

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: &nbsp;A must try from Spain is the 2017 Marques de Tomares, Rioja Blanco. This blend of Viura and Garnacha Blanca showcases notes of citrus, pear, and herbs, along with tropical fruit, and a nutty finish. A perfect complement to roasted chicken and fish.

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: &nbsp;If you are eyeing some of the richer entrees on Tiny&rsquo;s menu, then I would consider the 2015 Montecariano, Amarone della Valpolicella from &nbsp;Veneto in Italy. Amarone consists of a rich, complex blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and a splash of Molinara. Showcasing black cherries, blackberries, and plumb, with silky tannins, and a smooth finish of vanilla, and cocoa.

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: Of course, I have two favorites for this category. To begin, I would consider the 2019 Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina from Campania. Falanghina is the featured white grape of Campania that features bright acidity and citrus, but also balances hints of honeysuckle, with classic nutty/almond notes on the finish. Another complement to seafood and vegetable dishes, all at an excellent price.

RT: These are all sounding great. What else caught your eye?

MQ: You may know by now, that I simply can&rsquo;t pass by a Cabernet Franc, especially a high-quality, value Cabernet Franc. With that in mind, I would consider the 2020 Sebastien David &quot;Hurluberlu&quot;, Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France. It is medium-bodied, but still offers all the punch of rich red wine. It features raspberries, red cherries, with notes of plumb, earth, herbs, and oak. A wonderful pairing for herb-roasted chicken and blue cheese.

RT: For me personally&hellip;

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: When searching for that special bottle on each menu, I find myself seeking out family-run wineries who tell their story in every bottle. The same can be said for the 2015 Il Colle Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany who have been meticulously making wine for over forty years. &nbsp;A perfect growing season, warm and dry during the summer months resulting in concentrated flavors of raspberries, blackberries, and currants, along with violet floral notes, smooth tannins, with hints of tobacco and nutmeg on the finish. Another wonderful addition to any occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Tiny&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.

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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

Skyside is a wine producer based in Sonoma County, USA. Founded in 2018 by Jackson Family Wines, Skyside is committed to crafting expressive and approachable wines that reflect the unique terroir of Sonoma County.

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

Grape the Wine Co.

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