Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of CorkRules where they review the wine list of <a href="https://www.casalever.com/menu/">Casa Lever</a>, a classic Italian restaurant located within the Park Avenue glass skyscraper the Lever House, so you know it&rsquo;s going to be classy. Damien Hirst artwork adorns the walls. In 2010, a New York Times critic described it as &ldquo;a new Italian restaurant of the Manhattan old school, built for socialites and those who finance them, staffed by handsome, rakish men with huge wristwatches. . . .&rdquo; It may be a little more inclusive and accessible today, but this Manhattan landmark it&rsquo;s still immensely elegant.

For something light and giggly, consider the Rossini Royale, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, strawberry, and &quot;Sant Ambroeus&quot; Prosecco. If a refreshing pick-me-up is what you need, the Summer in the ends&nbsp;is a light blend of Bombay Dry Gin, cucumber water, and spring herbs cordial and it will not disappoint. However, if you&rsquo;re looking for something with a little more weight, try the Carta Bianca&nbsp;with Glenmorangie X, Amaro Lucano, pineapple, and almond orgeat may offer what you want.

They also offer all the classic cocktail favorites: Bellinis, Pimm&rsquo;s Cups, Martini&rsquo;s etc. Whatever cocktail kicks off the evening for you, the bar will provide, but show some restraint, there&rsquo;s a lovely wine list to explore before the evening is over.

The wine list&nbsp;includes dozens of wines by the glass, ranging from $17 to $80. So if you have an occasion to celebrate or just want a delicious glass of wine that won&#39;t break the bank, this list will meet your needs. &nbsp;

Moving on from cocktails to bubbles, Casa Lever&rsquo;s&nbsp;wine list&nbsp;offers a lovely selection of Prosecco, Champagne, and Lambrusco. Splurge on a glass of the &nbsp;Champagne Brut &quot;Rare&quot;, Piper Heidsieck, (2007) a wonderful blend of chardonnay and pinot noir or consider ordering a bottle of the less-costly Prosecco di Valdobbiadene &ldquo;Cartizze&rdquo; by Villa Sandi This wine offers exceptional value and quality.

For whites, there is a lovely if small selection from Italy with one or two from the U.S. and France. The Vouvray Sec &quot;Clos Naudin&quot;, Philippe Foreau, (2015) Chenin Blanc, from the Loire Valley is well worth trying, but if you want a medium-bodied dry white, order the Sauvignon Blanc &quot;Asimenia&quot; (2021), from Toscana. This white will pair nicely with a rich dish like the &nbsp;Carbonara.

On the red side of life, on the wines-by-the-glass list French and Italian wines dominate, and you can&rsquo;t go wrong with a Ch&acirc;teauneuf du Pape &quot;T&eacute;l&eacute;gramme&quot;, Vieux T&eacute;l&eacute;graphe, (2019) a wonderful blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourv&egrave;dre, and Cinsault, from the Rh&ocirc;ne Valley.

To learn more about the wine list at Casa Lever and the difference between Cava, Champagne and Prosecco, <a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/casa-lever/episodes/13">listen to the CorkRules podcast </a>with certified sommelier Grant Wood.

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list through sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience, makes it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, and provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences. Connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

For something light and giggly, consider the Rossini Royale, a delicious combination of Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, strawberry, and "Sant Ambroeus" Prosecco. If a refreshing pick-me-up is what you need, the Summer in the ends is a light blend of Bombay Dry Gin, cucumber water, and spring herbs cordial and it will not disappoint. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more weight, try the Carta Bianca with Glenmorangie X, Amaro Lucano, pineapple, and almond orgeat may offer what you want.

Cocktails and Wine at Casa Lever

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.

Seasonal upscale hotel eatery presenting steaks & seafood with views of the harbor.

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

Brant Point Grill

Post & Beam

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Etude

Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Los Carneros, USA

Jordan

Cabernet Sauvignon NV

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Far Niente

Chardonnay, Napa Valley NV

California, USA

Ca' Bolani

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Gris

Italy

Castellani

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Gris

Delle Venezie, Italy

Zonin

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

Echo Bay

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Finca Decero 'Mini Ediciones' Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Franc NV

Agrelo, Argentina

Spirit Bay

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Zonin Prosecco Frizzante Veneto NV

Veneto, Italy

Chardonnay

Bravium, Russian River Valley NV

California, USA

J. de Villebois

Sauvignon Blanc Val de Loire NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Studio By Miraval Rose De Pays Mediterranean Igp Provence A F France NV

France

Justin Girardin

Bourgogne Pinot Noir NV

Pinot Noir

Bourgogne, Burgundy, France