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.

Alto means high, referring to altitude when talking about wine, in both Spanish and Italian. Recently higher altitude locations have been planted more and more. A few decades ago, these areas were not seen as suitable for growing quality grapes as the climate back then was too cool. Today, with many producers witnessing a rising temperature, and a lot of new techniques in the vineyard, these areas are finally becoming viable. The higher you plant the cooler the temperature will be, but you will also receive more sun which in turn helps ripen the grapes. The temperature will be quite warm during the day, but very cool at night. This leads to ripe fruit aromas developing during the day, followed by a cool nighttime keeping the fresh acidity in the grapes, the best of both worlds for the grapes.

In Italy this development has been very prominent in northern Piemonte in the last decade. There is now talk about an area called Alto Piemonte, comprised of a few different wine regions. They are all located higher up in the mountains, and like the most famous wines from Piemonte many are based on the Nebbiolo grape. The most well-known wine regions would be Ghemme, Gattinara, and Boca.

But Alto Piemonte is not the only area where the term is used. In quite a few cases, in both Italy, Spain, Argentina and Chile the term can be seen used as part of a producer name or even as the name of a specific wine, sometimes to convey the wine is from a high planted vineyard. It is not uncommon however for winemakers to use the term to show it&rsquo;s their highest quality wine, not a wine from high altitude.

More wine growers have shown interest in high altitude vineyards lately, and the record of the highest planted one is something a few are trying to beat. It&rsquo;s safe to say the positive effects the altitude has on the growing grapes mean these vineyards are here to stay, and terms as alto may be used in more languages soon.

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

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Michaela Quinlan

Blue Hill Farm

Blue Hills

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where&nbsp;(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 list&rsquo;s 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 Blue Hill at Stone Barns, which is located within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in the Pocantico Hills of NY. Your multi-course tasting selections are sourced from local farms.&nbsp; Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: We have discussed many extensive wine lists, however, this list truly takes you around the world.

This list begins with an extensive assortment of half bottles and large format bottles. No matter the size of your party or varying palates, this wine list is sure to please.

I also find the variety of vintages within this wine list to be quite special, especially if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or special year, there is most likely a vintage to match.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Since the menu is locally sourced, let&rsquo;s begin with a local wine selection. I would consider the Forge Cellars &ldquo;Sunrise Hill Vineyard&rdquo; Riesling 2018 from the Finger Lakes of NY. Riesling is a versatile grape that can produce wines from dry to sweet. In this case, we have a beautiful, bone dry, Riesling with bright acidity and features notes of citrus, tangerine, pear, with a hint of minerality on the finish. A beautiful local selection.

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;?

&nbsp;MQ: You know how much I love a visit to Burgundy. Domaine Darviot-Perrin &lsquo;Genevrieres&rsquo; 1er Cru Burgundy 2018. Here we have some of the best of the best when it comes to un-oaked Chardonnay form the Genevrieres vineyard site in Burgundy. Aromas and flavors of green apple, pear, melon, along with its medium body, truly make this wine a classic. Herbal dishes, along with medium weight sauces make wonderful pairings. &nbsp;

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: Staying local, I would consider the Macari Cabernet Franc 2015 from the North Fork of Long Island. Cabernet Franc, originally a blending grape in Bordeaux, is a tremendous wine on its own. Ripe blackberries and cassis blend with rich tannins, earth, nutmeg, and a hint of violets on the finish. This is an excellent selection should your tasting menu feature roasted vegetables and herbs. All for an excellent price.

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: Another local favorite to consider would be the Ravines Chardonnay 2013 from the Finger Lakes of NY. Here you have all of the coveted green apple, pear, and citrus with a light bit of oak and vaNULLla, all with a mineral finish. This is an excellent selection, as it is a food-friendly white wine. No matter the local selection, this wine is sure to please.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: A true stand out is the Biondi Santi Annata Brunello di&rsquo;Montalcino 2013. Rated 98 points from the Wine Enthusiast, this Brunello exudes floral aromas of violet and lavender, along with cherries, ripe blackberries, smoke, leather, and rich smooth tannins. Biondi Santi produced the first Brunello di Montalcino in 1888 and continue to produce renowned Sangiovese of great elegance and superior longevity. A wonderful addition to any event.

RT: That sounds fantastic. What if I am looking to take it up a notch after dinner? Do you have any suggestions for a dessert wine?

MQ: Chateau Massereau Barsac 2006 from Bordeaux. Barsac is a subregion of Bordeaux that neighbors Sauternes. This lighter, sweet white wine consists of sauvignon blanc and semillion. The sweetness of the wine is the result of Noble Rot which occurs in regions with high humidity. Noble Rot adds flavors of honey, ginger, and apricot. This is a beautiful dessert wine if you are looking to continue the celebration and conversation.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Blue Hill at Stone Barn&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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End

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BRAT

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Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Catena is a renowned family-owned winery in Mendoza, Argentina that has been producing exceptional wines for over a century. Their expertise in high altitude winemaking has allowed them to craft some of the most sought-after wines in Argentina.

American eatery serving early-bird dinner, Sunday brunch & more in a circa-1895 brownstone.

Steak Frites

Alexis Percival is a New York City based CMS certified sommelier, consultant and event planner who puts the art in party.

Certified sommelier Alexis Percival

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

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