Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let&rsquo;s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.

Omakase, a term that translates to &quot;I&#39;ll leave it up to you&quot; 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&#39;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.

In comparison with ordering &agrave; la carte sushi, omakase offers a more immersive and adventurous dining experience. The cooking techniques vary widely depending on the dish; sashimi may be delicately sliced raw fish or seafood, nigiri might involve hand-pressed rice topped with wasabi and neta (topping), while other dishes could be grilled or simmered.

An omakase meal typically lasts two to three hours and consists of anywhere between 10-20 courses. To show gratitude towards the chef for their skillful preparation, customers usually express verbal appreciation after each course is served.

Pairing wine with omakase can elevate this already exquisite experience even further. Here are some wines that complement different elements of an omakase meal:

1. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Von-Winning-Riesling-Herrenletten-Erste-Lage-Trocken-2021-w2600484yk">Riesling - Von Winning - Riesling Herrenletten Erste Lage Trocken 2021- $39.99</a>

Von Winning Winery has been producing wines since 1849 in Germany&#39;s Pfalz region known for its diverse soil types ideal for growing Riesling grapes. This particular wine showcases bright acidity balanced by notes of ripe peach and apricot alongside mineral undertones&mdash;a perfect match for delicate sashimi dishes.

2. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Hiedler-Gruner-Veltliner-Ried-Thal-2021-w5616107gk">Gruner Veltliner - Hiedler - Gruner Veltliner Ried Thal 2021 - $26.99</a>

Hailing from Austria&rsquo;s Langenlois region, Hiedler has been making wine since 1856. Their Gruner Veltliner Ried Thal is characterized by its fresh and lively acidity, with flavors of green apple and white pepper&mdash;excellent for cutting through richer omakase dishes.

3. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Domaine-LaFage-Rose-Miraflors-2022-w2115833ea">Ros&eacute; - Domaine LaFage - Ros&eacute; Miraflors 2022 - $18.99</a>

Domaine Lafage in France&#39;s Roussillon region is known for their high-quality wines produced from old vines. Their Ros&eacute; Miraflors boasts a vibrant pink hue with notes of red berries and citrus fruits&mdash;a versatile choice that can complement a variety of omakase courses.

4. <a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/sake/Konteki-Pearls-Of-Simplicity-Junmai-Daig-w52718362g">Sake - Konteki - Pearls Of Simplicity Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) - $37.99</a>

Produced in Kyoto, Japan&rsquo;s ancient capital, Konteki Sake represents the epitome of Japanese tradition. The &quot;Pearls Of Simplicity&quot; Junmai Daiginjo offers clean and smooth flavors with hints of pear and melon&mdash;an authentic pairing to honor the origins of omakase dining.

In conclusion, an Omakase meal is not just about eating; it&#39;s about surrendering yourself to the chef&#39;s expertise while embarking on a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds one course at a time&mdash;and when paired with carefully selected wines or sake, this experience becomes even more unforgettable.

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

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.

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

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head north of the border to visit Montreal and the Syrian restaurant, Damas. 

Wine List Review of Damas, Montreal, Canada

Michaela Quinlan

Damas

Damas:

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 Damas, located in Montreal. Explore Syrian cuisine at its finest with sharable small dishes to begin your evening, to exotic spices showcasing fresh, traditional fare.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: You certainly need to spend time with this incredible wine list which is as exotic as their menu items. We have a number of unique selections for you today from some of our favorite Old-World regions.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: It is safe to say the entire menu caught my eye. How about we kick things off with a sparkler from Jura. Consider the 2018 Overnoy Cremant de Jura from France. The term Cremant informs us this sparkler is produced outside of the Champagne region in France. Located in Eastern France, this organic, 100% Chardonnay is a winner with bright minerality, green apple, almonds, dried apricots, and a note of salinity make this wine an excellent aperitif or as a companion to spice.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another wine that caught my attention was the 2021 Grand Saint Charles, St Pepin from Quebec. The St Pepin grape is a hybrid grape grown in North America and is similar to Riesling. The aromas and flavors consist of tropical fruit, grapefruit, and citrus. The medium body of this dry, white wine would pair beautifully with soft cheese and spicy dishes.

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 when pairing wine with a variety of spices would be the 2021 Domaine Neumeyer Blanc Tache and the Montreal duo Club Orange wine. Here we have a true Old World meets New World. Domaine Neumeyer from Alsace joined forces with the Montreal duo Club to produce this must-try orange wine. This wine is fresh and bright with aromas of ripe pears, peaches, and dried apricots. This Muscat blend remained in contact with the grape skins for 15 days and will pair well with all bold spices and aged cheese.

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: Another stand-out wine to pair with a variety of spices is the 2020 Silvio Messana Garnaccia from Tuscany. Don&rsquo;t let the name fool you, as the grape in this wine is Vernaccia. This medium-bodied, organic, orange wine from Central Italy features bright acidity, lemon rind, ripe peach, with notes of honey on the finish. Another orange wine to pair with the incredible spices and acidic dressings/sauces.

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 too?&nbsp;

MQ: An excellent quality and value wine to consider is the always versatile grape Riesling. The Kreydenweiss, Clos du Val D&rsquo;Eleon from Alsace, France, is medium-bodied with notes of white pepper, apricot, and ripe pear. This Riesling is dry and will pair beautifully with heavy spices, and rich seafood such as tuna and salmon.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: A trip now to Catalunya for the 2019 Massard, El Mago. This value Garnacha from Spain is medium-bodied with notes of ripe cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the finish. The rich, red fruit makes this another versatile grape to pair with spice and richly sauced proteins, all for an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: Another beautiful wine region, Provence, brings us the 2011 Domaine de Trevallon. This is a stellar, organic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and showcases aromas and flavors of boysenberry, cassis, ripe black cherries, and prunes, with thyme, rosemary, and violets. The earth and minerality on the finish make this French stand out a perfect companion to spice and any special event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and for helping us navigate Damas&rsquo; 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

Bocca di Lupe

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Starborough is a family-owned winery located in Marlborough, New Zealand. They are committed to producing premium wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region, while also using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. They offer a range of white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

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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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