We recently got a request from one of our community members asking about second wines, so we pulled together an article to explain second wines and share some great bottles. These are all great wines and are significantly more in reach price wise.

Second wines, also known as &quot;second labels,&quot; have become increasingly popular among wineries over the past few decades. These wines are made by wineries to offer a more affordable and approachable option to their consumers, while still maintaining the high quality and standards of their flagship or first wines. In this article, we will explore the concept of second wines, why wineries do it, and highlight some of the best examples from top wineries.

Why do wineries make second wines?

The primary reason for wineries creating second wines is to maintain the consistency and excellence of their first wines. For a wine to be considered a first wine, it must meet specific criteria set by the winery. This includes using only the best grapes from the estate, adhering to strict winemaking techniques, and aging the wine in the finest barrels. However, not every grape from a vineyard will achieve the same level of quality, and therefore, some grapes may not make the cut for the first wine. Instead of discarding these grapes, wineries can use them to create a second or even third wine, which still reflects the quality and style of the winery&#39;s top wine at a more affordable price point.

Additionally, some wineries also produce second wines to introduce new consumers to their brand. The cost of a first wine can often be out of reach for many wine enthusiasts, but a second wine offers a more accessible option to experience the winery&#39;s style and expertise. These wines provide an excellent entry point for consumers to discover a winery&#39;s portfolio and potentially become loyal customers.

What are the differences between first wines and second wines?

There are several key differences between first and second wines. Firstly, the grapes used for the first wine are often from the winery&#39;s best and oldest vines, whereas the grapes for the second wine may come from younger vines or different parts of the vineyard. This can result in a difference in flavor and complexity between the two wines.

Secondly, wineries tend to use different aging techniques for their first and second wines. First wines are typically aged in new oak barrels, which can impart more intense flavors and tannins to the wine. Second wines, on the other hand, may be aged in older barrels or for a shorter period, resulting in a softer and more approachable wine.

Finally, there is often a difference in price between the two wines. First wines are usually priced higher due to their superior quality and limited production, while second wines offer a more affordable option for consumers.

&nbsp;

Examples of the Fantastic Second Wines

1. Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Alter Ego de Palmer is the second wine of the prestigious Ch&acirc;teau Palmer in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a glimpse of the quality and style of its first wine, Ch&acirc;teau Palmer. The 2016 vintage, with its elegant tannins and notes of black fruit, cedar, and tobacco, received a 94+ rating from wine critic Robert Parker and can be found for around $80 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Alter-Ego-Alter-Ego-de-Chateau-Palmer-Margaux-2020-w5970382gc">Alter Ego 2020</a>- $79.99

2. Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Le Petit Mouton is the second wine of one of Bordeaux&#39;s most iconic and legendary wineries, Ch&acirc;teau Mouton Rothschild. This wine is only produced in exceptional years, and the quality is a testament to the winery&#39;s excellence and attention to detail. The 2015 vintage, with its concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spices, received a score of 92 from Wine Spectator and can be purchased for around $335 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Le-Petit-Mouton-de-Mouton-Rothschild-Pauillac-2020-w8840018d3">Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild &nbsp;2020</a> - $335

3. Echo de Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Another Pauillac gem, Echo de Lynch-Bages, is the second wine of Ch&acirc;teau Lynch-Bages. This rich and complex wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, and has been praised for its refined tannins and flavors of blackberry, cassis, and cedar. The 2014 vintage, with its 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast, can be found for around $65 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/Chateau-Lynch-Bages-Echo-de-Lynch-Bages-Pauillac-2019-w6428939kd">Echo de Lynch-Bages 2019</a> - $58.99

4. Les Hauts de Smith Blanc, Pessac-L&eacute;ognan, Bordeaux, France

Les Hauts de Smith Blanc is the second white wine of Ch&acirc;teau Smith Haut Lafitte, a top estate in the Pessac-L&eacute;ognan appellation of Bordeaux. This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and S&eacute;millon, creating a refreshing and vibrant wine with notes of lemon, white peach, and a hint of minerality. The 2017 vintage received a score of 91 from Wine Enthusiast and can be purchased for around $40 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.plummarket.com/store/2019-chateau-smith-haut-lafitte-les-hauts-de-smith-blanc-pessac-leognan.html">Les Hauts de Smith Blanc 2019</a> - $38.99

5. La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Est&egrave;phe, Bordeaux, France

La Dame de Montrose is the second wine of Ch&acirc;teau Montrose, a historic and renowned producer in the Saint-Est&egrave;phe appellation of Bordeaux. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a balance of power and finesse, with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and savory spices. The 2015 vintage, with its 93-point rating from James Suckling, can be found for around $60 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.grapesthewineco.com/wines/La-Dame-de-Montrose-St-Estephe-2019-w24071707e">La Dame de Montrose 2019</a> - $52.99

6. Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Les Forts de Latour is the second wine of the iconic Ch&acirc;teau Latour, one of Bordeaux&#39;s five First Growth estates. This wine is only produced in exceptional years, and it delivers the same level of quality and complexity as its first wine at a fraction of the price. The 2010 vintage, with its opulent flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite, received a perfect 100-point score from Wine Enthusiast and can be purchased for around $500 per bottle.

7. Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia is the second wine of Tenuta dell&#39;Ornellaia, one of Italy&#39;s most esteemed wineries in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this wine offers a glimpse into the excellence and elegance of the estate&#39;s flagship wine, Ornellaia. The 2016 vintage, with its intense flavors of black cherry, plum, and spices, received a score of 94 from wine critic James Suckling and can be found for around $80 per bottle.

<a href="https://www.wine.com/product/ornellaia-le-serre-nuove-2020/1050279">Le Serre Nuove dell&#39;Ornellaia 2020</a> - $69.99

8. La Pignan, Ch&acirc;teauneuf-du-Pape, Rh&ocirc;ne, France

La Pignan is the second wine of Domaine de Marcoux, one of the top producers in the renowned Ch&acirc;teauneuf-du-Pape appellation of the Rh&ocirc;ne Valley. Made from a blend of Grenache, Mourv&egrave;dre, Syrah, and Cinsault, this wine offers a velvety texture and complex flavors of blackberry, cherry, and garrigue herbs. The 2016 vintage, with its impressive score of 96 from Wine Spectator. Very hard to find but a gem if you can.

&nbsp;

Second wines offer an excellent alternative for wine lovers to experience the quality and style of top wineries without breaking the bank. As your local wine shops or restaurant sommeliers to help guide you. These wines showcase the versatility and expertise of winemakers in producing high-quality wines at various price points. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, trying a second wine can be a great way to explore new styles and regions while still enjoying exceptional quality.

We recently got a request from one of our community members asking about second wines, so we pulled together an article to explain second wines and share some great bottles. These are all great wines and are significantly more in reach price wise.

Second Wines Primer and Bottle Guide for affordable options

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

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Materia Ristorante

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Materia Ristorante, a beloved location that offers fresh and seasonal Italian cuisine, distinctive wines and European hospitality in a charming dining room. 

Wine Review of Materia Ristorante, Connecticut

Sam Hohl

Materia

Materia

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where we review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier

&nbsp;Hello Sam, great to have you back for another great wine list.

SH: Hello 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 wine lists can be intimating, 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: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

Cork Rules

Materia Ristorante

Overview

Materia Ristorante focuses on Tuscan-inspired fare located in historical Litchfield, Connecticut. They are serving up fresh Italian dishes made with thoughtfully selected local and seasonal ingredients, and of course, have an Italian wine list to compliment these beautiful plates.

Where to start 

As we mentioned, this wine list is definitely part of the charm of this Italian-inspired experience. The approachable two-page list offers some beautiful Italian favorites and I&rsquo;m excited to talk about a few bottles that jumped out to me.&nbsp;

The 2017 Elvio Cogno Montegrilli would be a great place to start. This is a Nebbiolo from Langhe in the Piedmont region, and what&rsquo;s unique about this Nebbiolo is that they don&rsquo;t barrel age it so that they can showcase the true characteristics of the grape. The winemakers wanted to differentiate it from Barolos, known for a big presence with those earthy, leathery, and dried fruit profiles. No oak aging on this so it&rsquo;s going to be super fresh and vibrant which can be a really nice way to start off the meal. It&rsquo;s got notes of crushed red berries and subtle floral tones, complemented by soft tannins and a long finish. Now, I would go with the Fluke crudo with almond sauce and tomato brodo. This pairing would be very cool because the lightness and vibrancy of this red wine wouldn&rsquo;t trample over the raw fish, and the tomato broth in the dish is going to be such a delicate compliment to the balanced acid in this wine.

Value

The beauty of this list, and many Italian wines in general, is that there are affordable wines in many styles. This list has something budget friendly for everyone!

A bottle of white that I&rsquo;d check out is the 2018 Inama Foscarino Soave Classico. Inama is a team of 3rd generation family winemakers in the Veneto region who strive to produce wines that honor how they view their land. Foscarino is made with the ancient varietal Garganega from their vines that are over 40 years old. Soave Classicos also tend to have nice aging potential, so the couple years on this wine are going to add some great depth of flavor.

I love this choice because it&rsquo;s refreshing and complex. This bottle is going to be bright with notes of stonefruit, tree nuts, delicate flowers and a touch of salinity. Try it with the Burrata ravioli with citrus and lobster sauce.&nbsp;

Another great choice would be the 2017 Il Bugiardo, L&rsquo;imperfetto, Valpolicella Classico Superiore. This dry red blend from Valpolicella is made using the classic &ldquo;ripasso method&rdquo; which means the first fermentation is with the freshly picked grapes, afterwards they get a second fermentation with&nbsp; skins from Amarone- which is a concentrated red wine made from partially dried grapes. This process results in a full, rich, wine with notes of black cherry, herbs, and vanilla. This is going to be a match with the pasta stuffed with braised beef and with Parmigiano fondue.

Celebratory

If you need something to really elevate your night, I&rsquo;d go with the 2017 Tua Rita Per Sempre. This is 100% Syrah from Tuscany, not only a little ode to the menu&rsquo;s Tuscan inspiration, but a really beautiful representation of Syrah. When we think of Syrah we might immediately imagine that black pepper earthiness, lots of tannin. But this bottle is going to have balanced tannins and acidity, with all that juicy bold black fruit that Syrahs are known for. It&rsquo;s also going to slide into those spice notes, which are complimented by the richness and fruitiness. This is a really beautiful vintage that&rsquo;s going to bring lots of flavor in a really pleasant and enjoyable way. To top it off, try with their roasted beef tenderloin with potato puree and roasted shallot pepper sauce.

Sam, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Materia&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&nbsp;would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.com 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.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

&nbsp;

&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

Meiomi produces high-quality, approachable wines that showcase the best of California's wine regions. The winery focuses on blending multiple vineyard lots to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.

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

Dowling's at The Carlyle

Ca' Vittoria

Brut Rose NV

Glera (Prosecco)

Prosecco, Italy

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2021

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Il Conti

Pinot Grigio 2020

Pinot Grigio

Veneto, Italy

Volcan

Blanco Organico NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Terrazas de los Andes

Reserva Malbec 2018

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

The Hilt

Pinot Noir 2016

Pinot Noir

California, USA

The Hilt

Estate Pinot Noir 2016

Pinot Noir

Sta. Rita Hills, USA

Château Reysson

Haut-Medoc 2016

Blend

Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Château d'Esclans

Whispering Angel Rose 2020

Grenache

Provence, France

Domaine La Gemière

Sancerre 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Sancerre, France

Piaugier

Gigondas 2019

Shiraz/Syrah

Gigondas, Rhone, France

La Perrière

Sancerre Blanc 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Loire Valley, France

Tenuta Il Poggione

Rosso di Montalcino 2019

Sangiovese

Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Joseph Drouhin

Drouhin - Vaudon Chablis 2020

Chardonnay

Chablis, Burgundy, France

Joseph Drouhin

Drouhin - Vaudon Chablis Reserve De Vaudon 2020

Chardonnay

Chablis, France