&nbsp;

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy&#39;s most distinctive wines.

The Paola Bea estate, located near the town of Montefalco, has been in the family for generations. However, it was under Paola&#39;s stewardship that it gained international recognition. The vineyards are farmed organically without any chemical intervention and minimal mechanization.

Paola Bea wines are known for their intense character and depth of flavor. They reflect not only the unique terroir but also Paola&#39;s dedication to traditional winemaking methods such as long maceration periods and aging in large oak barrels.

His approach results in wines that are expressive, complex, and have a strong sense of place &ndash; characteristics highly valued by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you&#39;re tasting the acclaimed Sagrantino or lesser-known blends like San Valentino Palo Bea, you can expect an authentic representation of Umbrian viticulture at its finest from this esteemed producer.

Review of San Valentino Palo Bea

San Valentino is a highly esteemed winery located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices, this producer has carved out a niche for itself as an innovative and sustainable wine creator. The vineyard was established by Umberto Cesari in 1965, who passionately believed in the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Romagna.

Color:

The San Valentino Palo Bea presents a rich, deep ruby red color that is almost opaque. This intense hue hints at the concentration and complexity within each bottle.

Nose:

On the nose, this wine offers an enticing blend of ripe black fruits like cherries and plums mingled with earthy undertones of leather and tobacco. There are also delightful notes of spices such as clove and cinnamon which add depth to its aromatic profile.

Tannins:

The tannins in San Valentino Palo Bea are well-structured yet supple, providing a robust backbone without overwhelming the palate. They contribute to its full-bodied nature while ensuring longevity for cellaring.

Taste:

Upon tasting, one can expect an explosion of flavors echoing those on the nose - ripe dark fruits layered with spice and earthy nuances. The finish is long-lasting with hints of sweet vanilla oak from barrel aging.

Critic Score &amp; Reviews:

San Valentino Palo Bea consistently receives high scores from critics around the world due to its exceptional quality. It frequently garners ratings above 90 points from renowned publications like Wine Spectator and Decanter Magazine. Reviewers often praise it for its balance between fruit intensity, tannic structure, acidity levels, making it both approachable now but capable of aging gracefully over time.

Food Pairing:

Given its robust character and complex flavor profile, San Valentino Palo Bea pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, game, and rich pasta dishes. It also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

San Valentino Palo Bea is a testament to the winemaking prowess of its producer. Its full-bodied nature coupled with complex flavors and aromas make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality Italian wine that showcases the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Emilia-Romagna.

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy's most distinctive wines.

San Valentino Paolo Bea an Italian treasure

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

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

Bar Mezzana

Sam Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas talk wine, food, and wine producers as they explore the wine list at Bar Mezzana in Boston.

Wine List Review of Bar Mezzana in Boston

Sam Hohl

Bar Mezzana

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 Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

SH: Hi Robert! Great to be back.

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&nbsp; 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. Today, Sam and I are reviewing&hellip;

Overview

Bar Mezzana is located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. They feature Italian coastal cuisine with a focus on their crudo selection and homemade pasta.&nbsp;

Where to start

Bar Mezzana&rsquo;s beverage list has classic Italian cocktails and some interesting finds for wine bottles. This wine list is set up by sections that have titles like &ldquo;Cabernet Adjacent&rdquo; and &ldquo;Not Quite Chard&rdquo; so if you know what you usually like, find the section and experience something new in your preferred taste profile.

What stood out to me right away was their section from Chertok wines. These wines are made by Max Rose, who is originally from Boston and set out determined to make wines that are basically New England in a bottle. He&rsquo;s worked with fruit from vineyards all over New England before finding a farm in Vermont where he grows grapes and apples. He does the farming by hand and is deeply committed to the health of the farm&rsquo;s ecosystem and the products he creates. The bottle called &ldquo;Midrash&rdquo; is made from Marquette which is a hybrid grape varietal created for cold climate growing, ideal for Vermont. It tends to have a medium body with notes of cherry and dark berries and would make a great partner with pasta, like their Agnolotti stuffed with duck confit.

Value 

A bottle that would pair really well with a lot dishes on the menu that is also affordable would be the 2020 Kontozisis &ldquo;A-Grafo&rdquo; Assyrtiko. Assyrtiko is a classic Greek grape varietal and this bottle comes from the Kontozisis organic vineyards in the Thessaly region. A-Grafo means &ldquo;unchartered&rdquo; in Greek, and this bottle definitely stands out from other Assyrtikos. The grapes were fermented whole-cluster so it gives it more structure, it&rsquo;s got that shining acid the grape is known for, but also some lovely floral notes and refreshing citrus as well. It would be delicious with the PEI mussels, or the Paccheri pasta with Lobster, since it&rsquo;s so good with seafood and the acid would be a great palate cleanser to the lobster crema.

Celebratory 

So I just have to mention a few options for your shindig because there are some great choices. First, the Barolo and Barbaresco section can&rsquo;t be ignored. They have some really amazing options that you can get by the bottle or glass!! What an awesome opportunity to have some really beautiful Italian wines. I would go for the 2016 Erbaluna &ldquo;Rocche Dell&rsquo;Aannunziata&rdquo; Borolo. Erbaluna is a family-owned winery in La Morra known for their high-quality wines. The 2016 is a great vintage so this bottle is not going to disappoint. Notes of strawberry and delicate floral tones, soft on the palate with balanced tannins.

Maybe your night calls for some bubbles? The 1701 Franciacorta Sat&egrave;n is made from 100% Chardonnay from Lombardy in Northern Italy. This Franciacorta winey has been around for centuries and grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The current owners focus on preserving all of the rich history of the estate and want tradition and purity to shine in their wines. This bottle is aromatic with notes of roasted nuts and flower petals, and has beautiful bright flavors of apple and peach. It&rsquo;s got these delicate bubbles too, so it&rsquo;s elegant and fun to drink. Try it alongside one of the fish crudos, or it would be great with subtle sweetness in the seared scallops. Totally indulgent and delicious!

RT: Sam, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Bar Mezzana.&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; If you would like Sam to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">CorkRules</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form.

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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules

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

Soalheiro is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Vinho Verde region in Portugal. The winery is known for its high-quality Alvarinho wines, which are produced using sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques. Soalheiro's wines are characterized by their freshness, minerality, and complexity.

Easygoing, bi-level restaurant with outdoor seating serving modern Tuscan dishes & Italian wines.

Per Se

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

Pepolino

Otello

Lambrusco Sparkling Red NV

Lambrusco

Italy

Gru (The Crane)

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo NV

Montepulciano

Abruzzi, Italy

Movia

Rebula - Ribolla NV

Ribolla Gialla

Goriska Brda, Slovenia

Leone de Castris 'Il Medaglione' Primitivo Salento IGT NV

Puglia, Italy

Buglioni

Musa Lugana NV

Trebbiano

Lugana, Italy

Frescobaldi

Remole Rosso NV

Sangiovese

Tuscany, Italy

Bera

Barbera d'Asti NV

Barbera

Barbera d'Asti, Italy

Ca' Vittoria

Brut Rose NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Saracco

Pinot Nero NV

Pinot Noir

Monferrato, Italy

Grattamacco

Bolgheri Rosso NV

Miscela

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Donna Olimpia

Millepassi Bolgheri Superiore NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

La Scolca

Gavi La Scolca (White label) NV

Cortese

Gavi - Cortese di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy

Vinska Klet

'Krasno' Sauvignon Blanc - Ribolla Gialla NV

Goriska Brda, Slovenia

Fattoria Le Fonti

Chianti Classico Riserva NV

Sangiovese

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Ceretto

Arneis Langhe Blange NV

Arneis

Langhe, Piedmont, Italy