The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.&nbsp;

By the way, we love champagne with all kinds of food (seafood, fried chicken, spicy food, etc) and is more than just for a quick toast at midnight.&nbsp;

High-End Champagnes:&nbsp;

When it comes to high-end champagnes, names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug often come to mind. These prestigious champagnes are typically reserved for special occasions and are known for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> is produced by Moet &amp; Chandon and is named after the Benedictine monk who is often credited with discovering the champagne-making process. Krug, on the other hand, is known for its rich and complex flavors, thanks to its unique production methods, including fermentation in small oak barrels. These won&#39;t disappoint! Yum!!&nbsp;

More Approachable Options:&nbsp;

If you&#39;re looking for a more approachable champagne that still offers great quality, there are plenty of options to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> are two examples of champagnes that are well-regarded but are often more affordable than their high-end counterparts. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> is known for its delicate, fruity flavors, while <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Charles-Heidsieck-Brut-Blanc-De-Blancs-w1263779l4">Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blanc</a> is a type of champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a crisp and elegant taste. Solid choices!&nbsp;

Blanc de Blanc:

Blanc de Blanc is a term used to describe champagnes that are made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. This style of champagne is known for its light and crisp flavors, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste. Blanc de Blanc champagnes are often a great option for pairing with seafood or light appetizers.&nbsp;

Lower-End Examples and Spanish Cava:

If you&#39;re looking for lower-end champagne options, there are plenty of choices to consider. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Piper-Heidsieck-Brut-Cuvee-w504046291">Piper-Heidsieck&#39;s Brut Non-Vintage</a> is a great affordable option that still offers great quality and flavor. This champagne is known for its fresh and lively taste, making it a great choice for casual gatherings. In addition to champagne, <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a> is another great option to consider for all budgets. Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in Spain using the traditional champagne method, and it offers great quality at a more affordable price point.&nbsp;

Whether you&#39;re looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider. From prestigious names like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/MoA-t-and-Chandon-Dom-Perignon-Brut-2013-w87575582p">Dom Perignon</a> and Krug to more affordable options like <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Ruinart-Brut-Rose-w2136832vx">Ruinart Rose</a> and <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Gramona-Brut-Corpinnat-Imperial-2017-w91087350j">Spanish Cava</a>, there&#39;s a champagne out there for every taste and budget.&nbsp;

Cheers to the holiday season! #drinkwhatyoulove #bubbles

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.

Bubbles for the Holidays!!

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

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Kokkari, 

Wine Review of Kokkari, San Francisco

Grant Wood

Kokkari

Kokkari

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Grant Wood, wine educator and certified

sommelier.

Hello Grant, great to have you back for another great wine list.

GW: Hello 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 wine lists can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, 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.

Kokkari

&nbsp;

Kokkari is a very popular lunch and dinner spot right in the middle of the financial district, not too far from the Ferry Building. They offer excellent Greek fare with a fabulous wine list to match. I&rsquo;ve dined here multiple times and they always deliver.

Let&rsquo;s start with their wines by the glass shall we? First, I&rsquo;d go for the 2019 Troupis, rose of Moschofilero from Arcadia in Greece which is a perfect wine to go with their watermelon and feta salad. A nice white to by the glass is the 2020 Hatziyiannis, Assyrtiko from Santorini which offers bright, clean, mineral driven flavors with a briny character that is perfect for a warm Mediterranean day

but if you&rsquo;re feeling something red then I&rsquo;d go for the 2019 Limerick Lane, Russian River Zinfandel which focuses on old vines that go back 100 years and definitely is not the typical super ripe, jammy, and somewhat sweet character that California can be known for.

Let&rsquo;s take a look at the wines by the bottle.

Starting with bubbles as we always do, I was surprised to see some English fizz which is becoming more and more of a thing and after my trip to London earlier this year, I have to say there is some impressive sparkling wine coming from the Uk. Thank you climate change? Anyway, the a 2015 Gusbourne, Brut Reserve based on Chardonnay, PN, and PM coming from Kent is a fun take on the wines of Champagne. A more traditional choice, however, would be the 2015 Pierre Paillard, Grand cru Les Mottelettes from Bouzy.

Moving on to whites and rose, I love the wines from Hatzidakis, here they have their 2017 Nykteri from Santorini is awesome otherwise the 2019 Robola of Cefalonia by Gentilini would e a great value as well. Something from California that is always a favorite is the 2019 Arbe Garbe white blend of Italian varieties from Sonoma which is fresh and textural.

I also love 2020 Mellineaux, Kloof St. Old Vine Chenin from Swartland, They&rsquo;re an awesome South African producer focusing on old vines. Lastly, the 2019 white blend from Matthiason is always a food-friendly wine from Napa.

Moving on to reds, a great Greek wine to shift gears to is the 2018 Diamontakos, Xinomavro from Naoussa is awesome. Xinomavro is considered the Nebbiolo of Greece with is high acid and high tannins, the grape name translates to &lsquo;acid black&rsquo; which gives you an idea of what to expect. I know you like the bigger reds, Robert, so I&rsquo;d point you towards the 2010 Molettieri, Vigna Cinque Querce from Taurasi which is 100% Aglianico with some age on it would be a great wine for their bigger cuts of meat.

Moving to wines from the new world, the 2016 Hope &amp; Grace Doctor&rsquo;s vineyard Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands is great. I used to work in their tasting room in Yountville years ago and they do a great job with Pinot Noir.

Another great wine and a shout out to my bosses dad, Joel Peterson (the godfather of Zinfandel) is the 2018 Once &amp; Future Oakley Road Mataro from Contra Costa County is awesome. Yet another shout out to the Bedrock crew, Cody Rasmussen their associate winemaker and his wife Emily have their own label called Desire Lines and the 2018 Griffin&rsquo;s Lair Syrah is a banger and a very famous vineyard for cool climate Syrah here in California.

Overall, I think this is a well thought out list and their food is amazing so definitely put Kokkari on your radar for the next time you&rsquo;re in SF.

Cheers!

Grant, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Kokkari&rsquo;s_wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try your great suggestions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like Grant&nbsp;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;

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

Sonoma-Cutrer is a premier producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines that are known for their elegance, depth, and balance. The winery is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, an area renowned for its cool climate and ideal growing conditions for these two varietals.

A vet of the Taipei-based Din Tai Fung chain helms this Chinese spot for soup dumplings & cocktails.

Meson

Brasserie Mon Chou Chou

BondST

Buenos Aires Restaurant

Buenos Aires

Meadowsweet

Casa Mono

Atera

La Cava

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Lavo

Quality Italian

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

Pinch Chinese

Lunes

Les, Wine Barra Vineyard Chardonnay, Mendocino County 2020

Mendocino County, USA

Antoine Derigny

Brut Champagne Grand Cru NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Monte Rio Cellars

Piquette 2020

Blend

California, USA

Mary Taylor

Jean Marc Barthez Bordeaux Rouge 2018

Blend

Bordeaux, France

Rio

Monte, Cellars, Mission, Lodi 2020

California, USA

Cave du Marmandais

Confidentiel 2019

Blend

France

Bukolyi Marcell

Kisfiam 2018

Blend

Hungary

Hummel

Villanyi Cabernet Franc Nagytotfalu 2014

Cabernet Franc

Hungary

A Nagy Bajuszu Jasz Laci Setting Sun, Nagy Somlo 2018

Nagy Somlo, Hungary

Old Vine

Porter Creek, Rose, Sonoma County 2021

Sonoma County, USA

Celler La Salada 'El Pages Content', Catalonia 2021

Catalonia, Spain

Osmote 'This Is Red Pet Nat', Finger Lakes 2021

Finger Lakes, USA

American Wine Project

Antipodes Frontenac Gris NV

Frontenac

USA

Osmote

Wine Riesling Semi Dry, USA, New York, Finger Lakes, Seneca 2020

Riesling

New York, USA

Flavio Roddolo

Dolcetto d'Alba 2020

Dolcetto

Dolcetto d'Alba, Italy