If wine is an expression of the terroir, soil that is heavily laden, or even lightly sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers must surely affect the jus. Indeed, master sommeliers and renowned winemakers are turning to age-old organic practices in both growing the vines and making the wines. The goal is to rejuvenate the terroir and bring the art of winemaking back into the marketplace because as all savvy winemakers know, sustainable luxury is a growing trend that future generations of wine lovers are embracing. From the growing popularity of Pet Nat wines to wine is eco-friendly packaging, the next generation of consumers are asking for environmentally friendly solutions.

Many old-world wineries are quick to understand the benefits of sustainable practices in both the vineyard and the winery, and they are implementing sustainable growing, packaging, and delivery solutions.

A Green Deal Report on Wine

The European Union&rsquo;s Green Deal announced in 2020 has put sustainability firmly at the heart of the current and future policymaking in Europe. (1) And The study on the state of play of sustainability initiatives in the wine appellation sector attached &ldquo;provides insights and recommendations to the European wine appellation sector on potential future approaches to sustainability, taking into account the urgency to respond to the challenges posed by climate change, among others, and the ambitious targets set by the EU&rsquo;s sustainability agenda for agriculture and food production.&rdquo; (2)

Within the European wine appellation sector, the majority of PDO wine producer groups strongly agree that the definition of &lsquo;sustainable wine&rsquo; involves primarily efforts that are associated with the protection of the surrounding environment and local heritage and namely:

<ul>
	<li>&lsquo;Protect biodiversity and the landscape&rsquo; (68% of the respondents).</li>
	<li>&lsquo;Prevent harming the natural environment while producing the wine (e.g., reduction of pesticides, fertilizers, water, no in-row weeding etc.)&rsquo; (65%); and,</li>
	<li>&lsquo;Preserve regional or local heritage and traditions&rsquo; (57%). (3)</li>
</ul>

Consumers Are Asking for It

According to the study, the most prominent drivers pushing a PDO wine producer to develop or adhere to a sustainability initiative are that:

● &lsquo;Consumers are asking for it&rsquo; (93% respondents selected this driver as one of the five most important ones);

● &lsquo;They want to protect biodiversity and the landscape&rsquo; (88% respondents selected this driver as one of the five most important ones).

● &lsquo;They want to limit the impact of wine production on the environment&rsquo; (83% respondents selected this driver as one of the five most important ones); and,

● &lsquo;They feel it is the right thing to do&rsquo; (82% respondents selected this driver as one of the five most important ones and 34% respondents selected this option as the most important driver). (4)

A Sustainable Wine Industry

Floods. Fires. Famines. Once upon a time these national and international disasters were a once in a lifetime occurrence. Now they are the new norm for most countries across the globe.

Winemakers from California to Queensland have seen the seen the impact of climate change in their vineyards, and they have no choice but to rethink how they will manage the vineyard to cope with rising temperatures, increased or decreased rainfall, and nutrient-depleted soil.

In a recent podcast with wine author and educator Jane Anson, Robert Tas and Jane discuss how the wine industry is moving forward, how packaging plays a role, and how to change people&rsquo;s perception of what luxury is in a sustainable future.

&nbsp;

If wine is an expression of the terroir, soil that is heavily laden, or even lightly sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers must surely affect the jus. Indeed, master sommeliers and renowned winemakers are turning to age-old organic practices in both growing the vines and making the wines. The goal is to rejuvenate the terroir and bring the art of winemaking back into the marketplace because as all savvy winemakers know, sustainable luxury is a growing trend that future generations of wine lovers are embracing. From the growing popularity of Pet Nat wines to wine is eco-friendly packaging, the next generation of consumers are asking for environmentally friendly solutions.

The Future of Wine - Sustainable Luxury

1803 is a Cajun restaurant that brings a little of New Orleans’ eclectic culture to the streets of New York. It’s a sexy, sultry space with a penchant for Deep South decadence and jazz. For a memorable culinary experience, this is the place to bring a date.

Pairing Wine with Cajun Food at 1803

Drops of God, the popular manga series by Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto, has been adapted into a television series by AppleTV and has some buzz in the wine world. The AppleTV series tells a story about a competition between Camille's (Fleur Geffrier) estranged daughter and Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita), the protégé after the death of Camille's father, a famous wine collector, to win his world-renowned wine collection valued at $100M+.

Drops of God: The AppleTV Series That Could Save the Wine Industry

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

With the exception of sommeliers and vintners, for most of us who love wine, no matter how many bottles you drink in your lifetime, and no matter how delicious, you rarely think of the terroir, the grape, or the growing process as you drink it.

Chris Phelps on Wine and Life

Carmine's - Las Vegas

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Carmine’s in Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Carmine's Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Carmine's

Carmine&rsquo;s Las Vegas 

<a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages</a>

<a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining">https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining</a>

RT): Hi Everyone, welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria the Wine Blonde on Instagram. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!&nbsp; Great to be back.. Today we are checking out THE WINE LIST AT an Italian restaurant that&rsquo;s always a good time.

RT: That&rsquo;s right MARIA, today we are talking about the wine list at Carmine&rsquo;s Las Vegas location. You can find Carmine&rsquo;s in the Forum shops which connect to Caesar&rsquo;s Palace. This 20,000-square-foot restaurant serves up hearty portions of Southern Italian favorites served family-style along with memorable-sized desserts. The restaurant also has 4 private dining rooms making it the perfect venue for ordering the very best wines on their list for serving at your next corporate event or special celebration. Maria, does the wine list match the portion sizes here?

MV: I am really liking this list&hellip; sometimes with chain-style restaurants, wine selections seem to be a little dumbed down&hellip; you know what I mean Robert?

RT: I Do... laughs

MV:&nbsp; but not at Carmine&#39;s, and it&rsquo;s not just Italian either&hellip; I mean sure&hellip; there are more Pinot grigio options than I&rsquo;ve seen in a long time on a list&hellip; but the good thing is, it doesn&rsquo;t stop there. We have Lambrusco, Franciacorta, German Riesling, Malbec from Argentina&hellip; cali favorites, and of course lots of lovely Italian reds to choose from!

RT: SOUNDS GREAT! So can you guide us through. Let&rsquo;s start with wines by the glass give us your top picks on whites and Reds here.

MV: Okay great! If you are a PG fan, (and hey.. I remember when that was the only Italian white you would see on an Italian wine list by the glass) try the . <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Pinot Grigio, Tiefenbrunner, Alto Adige, Italy</a> so way up NE in that upper corner of the boot you&rsquo;ll find quite a bit of German Influence hence the name&hellip; this is going to be crisp with citrus and apple.. with a touch of almond, a great aperitif.

Or if you like a buttery style chard with some nice oak influence then the&nbsp; Chalk Hill Chardonnay from RR Cali is for you..&nbsp;

RT: I&rsquo;m holding out for the reds&hellip;

MV: yes, I know you are &hellip;.so red BTG I&rsquo;m liking the Nero d&rsquo;Avola from Sicily by Regaleali&hellip; that&rsquo;s kind of fun to say, round tannins, juicy fruit profile remember the food at carmine&#39;s is southern Italian so going with the Sicilian wine absolutely makes sense for the food here

And not only do they offer these by the glass and the bottle but also the quartino.. one-third of a conventional 750-milliliter wine bottle, enough for two small glasses, or enough to carry one diner through a plate of pasta.

RT: Nice a little extra wine.. count me in.. so let&rsquo;s have a peak at the bottles you recommend..

MV: There are some standouts on the bubbly list not to be missed that I mentioned quickly above&hellip; the Ca&rsquo; Del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta I call the Champagne of Italy..the bottle itself is beautiful! Great price too&hellip; a value wine for sure.

And also the Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco from the Emilio Romagna (the area where we get parmigiana reggiano and also prosciutto&hellip; Lambrusco is making a come back.. it&rsquo;s so fun to drink&hellip; this is great with a plate of cold antipasto ya know&hellip; Italian meats and cheese so give it whirl.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Lambrusco, Cleto Chiarli, Emilia Romagna</a>

RT: I like both of these options.. what about some whites and reds that could be wallet-friendly?

MV: that&rsquo;s easy. The <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Soave Classico, Pieropan</a> is a great option for the food here. From stuffed artichokes to a bowl of hot mussels to Clams and spaghetti this wine made from the Garganega &nbsp;from one of the best producers.. and from the classico part of the region is going to be perfect and fit with any budget.

My red wallet-friendly <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Barbera, Pio Cesare</a> a very very old Barolo producer.. family owned

For more than 100 years and through generations &hellip; lots of ripe fruit here bolstered by complexity. Veal marsala or <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-dining">Chicken Saltimbocca </a>

&nbsp;With this lush wine.

If you want a denser wine the <a href="https://www.carminesnyc.com/menus/menus-clv-q420-beverages">Valipolicella-Ripasso, Sant&#39; Antonio</a> 2018 this&nbsp; estate wine from the Veneto is a great bet and also great price.. the grapes here have been passed through the must of Amarone grapes which is why it&rsquo;s called Ripasso.. it means to repass&hellip;that give a riper denser fruit character, more tannins and makes it more interesting. A porterhouse steak could work with this wine.

RT: We should all drink more Valpolicella Ripasso!

Now say you&rsquo;ve secured one of those private event rooms and you&rsquo;re throwing a special party.. what are you pouring?

MV: If I plan on making an impression, then this is my line up&hellip; the Perrier Jouet grand Brut Champagne from Epernay France to great my guests&hellip;

Then on to a super interesting white &hellip;.get this!!!! They have a Gruner Veltliner from Italy&hellip; usually an Austrian variety&hellip; but this is so far up north in Italy that we&#39;re at the border of Austria so this makes sense.&nbsp; Abbazia di Novacella Gruner Veltliner 2020 a quarter of this wine is fermented in large oak casks giving it a silky texture and lean finish to go with the baked green apple, peach and wet stone notes.

Then &hellip;.on to the 2 kings of Italy: Barolo and Brunello. Nebbiolo and Sangiovese

The Damilano Barolo 2016 which is the Nebbiolo grape is going to be Tar, leather dried roses and dried cherries with polished tannins and then Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino&nbsp; 2017 is going to be Tart Cherries, Tomato paste, Italian oregano and a powerful finish..&nbsp; both of these clock in at about 14,5 % alc so robust for sure..&nbsp; and tasting these side by side is really going to be a lot of fun for guests and will be excellent with Carmine&rsquo;s red gravy dominated dishes

RT: Sounds like an event I&rsquo;d like to be invited to... killer, line up Maria

RT: well that&rsquo;s it for today&#39;s podcast episode on Carmine&rsquo;s Italian restaurant in Las Vegas .. Thank you everyone for joining us today you can find more wine tips from Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Meson

Dear Annie

Rossoblu

Lago

Elevated Italian cuisine & notable wines served in snug, warm surrounds in a time-tested building.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

homepage

Join us each week as we pour a glass and share top restaurant ‘wine list’ picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ‘wine list’ through somm recommendations, suggested food pairings and masterclass insights.

Trattoria Funistrada

Caparzo

Rosso di Montalcino NV

Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

Piccini

Memoro Rosso NV

Toscana, Italy

Coltibuono

Cultus Boni Chianti Classico Riserva NV

Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Fattoria dei Barbi

Brusco Dei Barbi, IGT NV

Tuscany, Italy

Breaux

Meritage Red NV

Virginia, USA

Roberto Fossati

Barbaresco NV

Barbaresco, Italy

Pio Cesare

Barbera d'Alba NV

Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy

Zenato

Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore NV

Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy

Ruffino

Modus Toscana NV

Toscana, Italy

Renato Ratti

Barolo Marcenasco NV

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Carpineto

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva NV

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Pio Cesare

Barolo NV

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Prunotto

Barbaresco NV

Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

Gaja

Ca'Marcanda Promis Toscana NV

Toscana, Italy

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon NV

California, USA