Certified sommelier Maria Valetta explores the <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/smith-&amp;-wollensky/episodes/6">wine list of Smith and Wollensky</a>&nbsp;on the upper east side of New York City. Top wine varietals under the spotlight include a 2020 Louis Jadot Macon Village, the PAX 2019 Gamay, the 2018 Aperture Cabernet from Sonoma showcased on their Captain&rsquo;s Pocket List Page or the 2018 Hourglass Blueline Estate Cabernet from Napa.

When it comes to defining wine, you can categorize them by region, varietal, or style, but to really get to grips with understanding the world of wine, it makes sense to go to the source. The grape.

The type of grape is known as the varietal, and whereas once upon a time the varietals were specific to a region, in contemporary vineyards, varietals are planted, crossbred, and potentially, genetically modified. Additionally, the flavors, skins, and chemical compounds of each varietal will change depending on the terroir, temperature, and weather.

There are over a thousand different varietals of wine grapes but the following eight are the most commonly known grape household names. chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, &nbsp;pinot gris, and riesling, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, zinfandel, and pinot noir.

However, beyond these eight common varietals there exists a large and adventurous world of wine varietals to explore, each with its own unique characteristics based on environment, age, and production method.

At <a href="https://www.smithandwollenskynyc.com/">Smith &amp; Wollensky</a>, prime, dry-aged steaks are the cornerstone of their menu, but if fish, lobster or oysters are on your mind, you won&rsquo;t be disappointed with the Cold Water Lobster Tails or the Scottish Salmon Waldorf. Pair the salmon with the Benton Lane Pinot Noir from the

Willamette Valley to experience how a light tannin red works well with the meaty fish. Pinot noir is a lighter-bodied wine with notes of cherry, cranberry, and rose. It&rsquo;s drier and has a higher acidity with smooth tannins. The higher acidity and tannins pairs well with oily, meaty fish dishes. The tannins help bring out flavor that is carried in the fat, and in symbiosis, the fat tempers the tannins&rsquo; astringency, which allows the other characteristics in the wine to rise on the palate.

And with the Lobster, &nbsp;try a bottle of the Louis Jadot, Macon-Villages Chardonnay

Burgundy, and see how the chardonnay&rsquo;s notes of yellow citrus, pear, green apple pairs well with the rich seafood. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white that won&rsquo;t be overpowered by the richness of the lobster. When pairing wine with food, just like every good match, it&rsquo;s all about bringing out the best in each other.

On CorkRules podcast episode five, Maria identifies a few value wines on the list that should not be missed, she points out a few outliers that are well worth trying, and she shines a light on the meaning of verticals to help demystify the world of wine.

Cheers.

At Smith & Wollensky, prime, dry-aged steaks are the cornerstone of their menu, but if fish, lobster or oysters are on your mind, you won’t be disappointed with the Cold Water Lobster Tails or the Scottish Salmon Waldorf. Pair the salmon with the Benton Lane Pinot Noir from the

Top Wine Varietals at Smith & Wollensky

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

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at L’Auberge Chez Francois, an elegant restaurant serving classic French dishes in a farmhouse setting with a delightful garden patio.

Wine List Review of L'Auberge Chez Francois, Virginia

Michaela Quinlan

L'Auberge Chez Francois

<a href="https://www.laubergechezfrancois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wine-Book-New-FINAL.pdf">https://www.laubergechezfrancois.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wine-Book-New-FINAL.pdf</a>

&nbsp;

Music Intro:

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.

&nbsp;

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

&nbsp;

MQ: Hi Robert!

&nbsp;

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules, our mobile app and our podcasts 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.

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

&nbsp;

RT: Today we are talking about L&rsquo;Auberge Chez Francois in Great Fall, VA. Family owned and operated since 1954, L&rsquo;Auberge features classic French cuisine, paired dinners and produce from two of their on-site gardens.

&nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

&nbsp;

MQ: This top-rated restaurant is truly a must visit for special occasions. Their wine list features an extensive list of local, Old World and New World favorites, along with multiple formats, such as half bottles, magnums, and 3L bottles.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

&nbsp;

MQ: We must start with a French classic. Consider the 2020 Domaine Schoenheitz Gewurztraminer from Alsace. This Gewurztraminer is medium bodied with notes of tropical fruit, ripe peach, dried apricot, with honeysuckle and a mineral finish. The slight touch of sweetness to this white wine makes it an excellent pairing for hard cheese and spicy dishes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

&nbsp;

MQ: A French red wine that caught my eye was the 2015 Domaine Brana, Bizi Berri, from Southwest France. This Cabernet Franc blend is well balanced featuring ripe blackberries, and ripe red cherries, along with notes of herbs, mushrooms, olives, black pepper, and earth. Pair this wine with herbed proteins and savory dishes.

&nbsp;

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; ?

&nbsp;

MQ: A must try is the beautiful, local white blend from Barboursville Vineyards. Consider the 2018 Nascent which consists of Viognier, Vermentino, and Falanghina. This wine features white flowers, lemon zest, ripe pear, and dried apricots. Pair this rich, yet dry wine with seafood such as tuna and scallops, as well as cream sauces.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: These are some great calls.

&nbsp;

So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

&nbsp;

MQ: A rich, New World red blend to consider would be the 2019 Anthill Farms, Mixed Blacks from the Russian River Valley of California. This blend consists of Zinfandel , Petit Sirah, Mourvedre, Carignan, along with several others, including a splash of white wine. This organic and aromatic blend features ripe red cherries, cassis, licorice, violets, and sage with round tannins on the lingering finish. This unique red makes an excellent companion to herbed and richly sauced proteins and pasta.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

&nbsp;

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind...&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

MQ: A favorite white varietal that is always a winner in quality and value to consider is the 2020 Domaine de la Pepiere, Muscadet from the Loire Valley in France. Muscadet is a classic pairing with oysters and shellfish, or as an aperitif.&nbsp; It is a light, dry white wine with bright acidity, lemon zest, grapefruit, and a touch of saline on the mineral finish. A fresh, crowd-pleasing white wine.

&nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

&nbsp;

MQ: Always a winner, the 2018 Chateau Haut-Monplaisir, Cahors in Southwest, France. Cahors is the region that produces exceptional Malbec. Rich and round, this smoky red features ripe blueberries, blackberries, earth, leather, oak, and notes of cocoa on the dry finish. An excellent quality/value wine to pair with all richly sauced proteins such as pork and beef.

&nbsp;

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;

&nbsp;MQ: Of course, L&rsquo;Auberge features extraordinary CA Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux selections. Since this is a destination for special events and celebrations, consider a vintage Champagne. The 1996 Duval-Leroy, Femme de Champagne from the Champagne region of France. Duval-Leroy has been crafting highly rated vintage and non-vintage Champagne since 1859. This bottle consists of your classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay, Piot Noir, and Pinot Munier. Notes of Meyer lemon, ripe peach, and nectarine with brioche, and almond on the finish.

This bottle is Late Disgorged. A final step in Champagne production is Disgorgement. The wine spends additional time on the lees and is then inverted into freezing liquid causing the yeast, which brings us those gorgeous bubbles, to freeze and is then removed. Later disgorgement results in a wine with additional richness. A traditional, vintage production to add to any special occasion.

&nbsp;

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate L&rsquo;Auberge Chez Francois&rsquo; wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

&nbsp;

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.

&nbsp;

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;

&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Château Haut-Surget is a family-owned winery in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux. The winery has been producing high-quality wines using traditional and sustainable winemaking practices since 1784.

Long-running trattoria spotlighting Florentine & Tuscan specialties in a nostalgic setting.

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

The View

Il Capriccio

Clarity

Bellissimo Restaurant

Bellissimo

Sandbar

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern

Mirabelle at Three Village Inn

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

Trattoria Diladdarno

Available Wines
Total Wines - 8

Castello di Albola

Chianti Classico 2020

Sangiovese

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Riccardo Baracchi, Pinot Nero, IGT 2016

Tuscany, Italy

Castello di Albola 'Santa Caterina', Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016

Chianti Classico, Italy

È Jamu

Zimbato Chianti 2019

Sangiovese

Chianti, Italy

Cantina Zaccagnini

Il Vino dal Tralcetto Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005

Montepulciano

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Italy

Castello di Albola

Chianti Classico 2020

Sangiovese

Chianti Classico, Italy

Barboursville Vineyards

Octagon 2015

Blend

Virginia, USA

Séduction

Cabernet - Syrah NV

Cuvee

Pays d'Oc, France