The San Francisco Giants have upped their wine game by offering a curated selection of wine for fans at games. In fact, serving wine at Giants&rsquo; games is so popular with fans that, in 2022 they hired their own Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience and we at CorkRules wholly agree.

Master Sommelier at the SF Giants

Wine writer, educator, and Master Sommelier, Evan his written three books on wine and has been twice cited in the &ldquo;Top 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Wine Industry&rdquo;, by IntoWine.com. Evan&rsquo;s vision to improve the Giant&rsquo;s wine program included encouraging Giants fans to learn more about wine by conducting in-person and virtual wine tasting sessions and increasing the selections of wines featured by introducing fans to a variety of regions and profiles.

To expand the Giant&rsquo;s relationship with the wine industry, he collaborated with current and former Giants players who are involved in the wine industry, and this win-win relationship was further strengthened by curating wine-related programs for the Giants community, including field trips to wine country, member discounts, and other wine-related activations such as wine pairings and Giants&rsquo; specific culinary events. In fact, the Trefethern Family Vineyards website clearly welcomes and offers free shipping to SF Giant fans.

Pairing Wines at Baseball Games

Despite the perception that quality wines are best paired with haute cuisine, Evan reminds us that there is no need to be snobbish about pairing wine. It&rsquo;s all about what taste good to you. A good wine can be paired with hot dogs and traditional game food, yes we said it. Gilroy&#39;s Garlic Fries and Gerwutzrtaminer sounds absolutely binge worthy.

As the wine industry grows by popular demand in North America, and more celebrities step into the industry, Evan also sees his role&nbsp;as wine educator and consultant for players who want to invest in a business outside of the game.

The San Francisco Giants are also partial to quality bubbles. They have a long-time partnership with Mumm Napa, and when the SF Giants wone the 2012 and 2014 World Series, Mumm Napa issued a limited-release good luck elixir to celebrate.

The experience at the hot dog stand and sitting in the stalls has just taken a Giant leap forward.

To listen to Evan&rsquo;s interview on curating wine for the SF Giants, check out <a href="https://corkrules.com/san-francisco-giants/episodes/359">Episode 261 of CorkRules.</a>

Evan&rsquo;s&nbsp; books are : <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Pairings-Sommeliers-Practical-Partnering/dp/0520243773/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=Perfect+Pairings%3A+A+Master+Sommelier%E2%80%99s+Practical+Advice+for+Partnering+Wine+with+Food&amp;qid=1629248122&amp;sr=8-3">Perfect Pairings: A Master Sommelier&rsquo;s Practical Advice for Partnering Wine with Food</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Pairings-Sommelier-Distinctive-Favorite/dp/0520254783/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=Daring+Pairings%3A+A+Master+Sommelier+Matches+Distinctive+Wines+with+Recipes+from+His+Favorite+Chefs&amp;qid=1629248184&amp;sr=8-1">Daring Pairings: A Master Sommelier Matches Distinctive Wines with Recipes from His Favorite Chefs</a>; and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wines-South-America-Essential-Guide/dp/0520273931/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=Wines+of+South+America%3A+The+Essential+Guide&amp;qid=1629248259&amp;sr=8-3">Wines of South America: The Essential Guide</a>.

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The San Francisco Giants have upped their wine game by offering a curated selection of wine for fans at games. In fact, serving wine at Giants’ games is so popular with fans that, in 2022 they hired their own Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein. The goal is to enhance the gameday experience and we at CorkRules wholly agree.

San Francisco Giants' Master Sommelier, Evan Goldstein is Upping the Wine Game

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

Carbone

Michaela Quinlan

Carbone NYC 2022

RT: Hello and welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists!

I&rsquo;m, Robert Tas along with Maria Valetta, certified Sommelier and wine educator,

Hello Maria

MV: Hi Robert. I&rsquo;m looking forward to our wine list review today&hellip; It&rsquo;s a restaurant I&rsquo;m familiar with because I&rsquo;ve been to their location here in Las Vegas, but the original is in your hometown of NYC&nbsp;

RT: That&rsquo;s right Maria, today we are talking about Carbone NYC and things are about to get saucy!

MV: I&rsquo;m ready!

RT: Known for its HEFTY portions of SAUCY Italian-American favorites, served in a swanky setting, Carbone rightfully became a foodie destination the minute it opened its doors on Thompson street in 2013. Reservations are still incredibly tough to snag at this retro-refined, glamorous spot. Inside you&rsquo;ll find unique artwork by Vito Schnabel, server uniforms designed by Zac Posen, and a tiled floor inspired by The Godfather Movie !!!! , And the food&hellip; ,,, will make you want to Mangia Mangia!

Maria I can&rsquo;t wait to see what you think of their extensive wine list.

MV: I really love how well Carbone does elevate Italian-American cuisine..- it reminds me of the way I grew up and the kind of food we ate&hellip; especially for our early Sunday suppers. I have to say, &nbsp;This list has all the top Italian hits&hellip;and I&rsquo;m not talking about Louis Prima,

RT: Although you&rsquo;ll hear his songs in the background for sure

MV: Oh Yes it def that kind of place.. but I was talking about the Italian wine Top Producers! From Bruno Giacosa my favorite producer in the NW of Italy in Piedmont to Fontodi in Tuscany&hellip; to Emidio Pepe in the eastern region of Abruzzo Who famously grows the Montepulciano grape. I want to drink it all. But they also have an excellent collection of high-end producers from America as well&hellip;

RT: Well that sure makes sense given it&rsquo;s an Italian-American concept

MV: Right!

RT: So where should we begin, what would you order at Carbone

MV: Well after you have a cocktail to start,

MV: You should begin to peruse the menu for something to wash down all that red sauce&hellip; or gravy (which is what my Nana called it)

Carbone is a great place to go with a group of friends so I would order the Arnaldo&nbsp;Caprai&nbsp;(ca-Preye) Montefalco Sagrantino &#39;Collepiano&#39;2012&nbsp; (Magnum) For a magnum this is a great price, and you have plenty of wine to go around that way. Montefalco is a region in landlocked&nbsp; Umbria that grows the indigenous&nbsp; Sagrantino grape. Arnaldo basically brought this grape back to existence it&rsquo;s a grape that needs a lot of age to simmer the tannins, so the 2012 is going to feel integrated, with supple tannins loads of baked black cherries and plums and an herbal anise, long-lasting finish.

RT: Sounds Complex and love that it&rsquo;s a magnum giving you access to 2 full bottles of wine for the table

MV: Plus it&rsquo;s fun to try these indigenous Italian grapes!

RT: sounds like a good value too&hellip; and other value wines you would recommend? Say it&rsquo;s date night&hellip;but it&rsquo;s a Monday and I&rsquo;m not trying to blow my weekly budget yet?

&nbsp;

MV: I&rsquo;m going to stick with Italian because there are a lot more options for the price point you&#39;re looking for. Order the

Castello dei Rampolla 2019, a Chianti Classico, mostly comprised of the Sangiovese grape. AND the key word here is Classico (it&rsquo;s from the original most central, highly prized part of the chianti region in Tuscany). I recently had a 2009 Rampolla and wow was it epic&hellip;..all this tomato paste, Chocolate, and some dried oregano were just shining through the concentrated cherry flavors. &nbsp;Another plus, this winery uses biodynamic methods! Pair it with the Spicy rigatoni vodka!

RT: And what about that Friday Date night Wine&hellip; I want to kick the weekend off right:

MV: I&rsquo;m going to give you two wines to splurge on&hellip; an Italian and an American to stick with the restaurant theme!!

My Italian Pick is the Super Tuscan Marchesi Antinori&nbsp;&#39;Tignanello&#39;, 2018 (they also have a 2015 for $50 more if you want a little more age).

&nbsp;Super Tuscans are always impressive and by Super Tuscan, I mean wines made in Italy in the region of Tuscany that intentionally includes non-Italian grape varietals&hellip; typically producers will use cabernet sauvignon or Cab Franc or Merlot and/or Syrah. And some are pricier than others, but the &ldquo;Tigi&rdquo; (which was the first super Tuscan wine produced) is actually not insanely priced here- I just opened a bottle of 2018 recently and while it&rsquo;s still young, it&rsquo;s not awkward by any means. A little decanting and it shows a lovely chewiness and a rich fruit character this wine is mostly Sangiovese but beefed up with some Cab Sauvignon and a dash of Cab Franc.

RT: And your American Pic?

At the same price point as the Tigi, is The Eisele Vineyard Altagr&aacute;cia Cabernet Sauvignon 2018- it&rsquo;s an accessible wine from a legendary vineyard in napa Cali, This is going to be punchy no doubt, but the black currant, wild blueberries, and black pepper are sure to win you over especially when paired with one of their charcoal cooked steaks! So Centanni!

RT: Saluti! Well, that&rsquo;s all we have time for on today&rsquo;s episode&hellip;thank you Maria for helping us navigate Carbone&rsquo;s wine list.&nbsp; Thank you&nbsp; EVERYONE for joining us here on CorkRules, Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;Drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here on CorkRules. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@corkrules.com</a> and remember to Check out all our episodes on CorkRules.com.

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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.

This cozy English gastropub serves seasonal small plates & craft beers amid sofas & fireplaces.

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

SideDoor

Marca

Prosecco NV

Prosecco, Italy

Gooseneck Vineyards

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

Catena

Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Zolo

Black Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Castello del Poggio

Moscato d'Asti NV

Moscato

Delle Venezie, Italy

Rodney Strong

Merlot NV

Merlot

Sonoma County, USA

Gilded Letter

Zinfandel NV

Zinfandel

Lodi, USA

Louis Latour

Volnay NV

Burgundy, France

Louis Latour

Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru NV

Chardonnay

France

Mer Soleil

Reserve Santa Barbara Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

California, USA

Epoch Estate

Rose NV

Blend

California, USA

Bootleg

Red Blend NV

Shiraz/Syrah

Napa Valley, USA

Sonoma-Cutrer

Russian River Ranches Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

California, USA

Celeste Private Reserve Meritage, Carneros NV

Carneros, USA

Impero Collection

Premium Merlot NV

Merlot

Terre di Chieti, Italy