CorkRules - Episodes | Row 34 Row 34

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas demystify the wine list at Row 34, a casually elegant restaurant with deep seafood roots. A few of the wines Michaela recommends include bubbles from the Languedoc, bold wines that are must-try for red lovers, and the perfect whites to pair with seafood.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Soalheiro Primeiras, Vinhas, Alvarinho, Portugal
2019 Tetramythos Agiorgitiko, Greece
2019 Vincent Fournier Sancerre Blanc, Loire Valley

Transcript: Row 34

Row 34

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

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.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Row 34. Row 34 features locations in Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, and Portsmouth, where they strive to feature the freshest seafood, oysters, and lobsters in the area. Come for a personal seafood fix or plan a private event. Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: I am excited to share some favorites from around the world to pair with their incredible menu, from the raw bar, to a stately burger, we have the pairings for you.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: As we are all aware, a wonderful way to kick off any dining experience is with bubbles. My first consideration today is the J Laurens Blanquette de Limoux. This is a beautiful brut sparkling wine from Limoux, located in the Languedoc that also falls into our quality and value category featuring aromas of white flowers, and flavors of green apple and brioche. Not only a perfect aperitif, but a classic pairing with any fried dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: This is a unique and versatile wine for consideration, the 2020 Foradori, Manzoni Bianco from Trentino-Alto Adige. Manzoni Bianco is a white grape that grows in Northern Italy and produces a medium-bodied white wine that is sure to become a favorite of riesling and pinot blanc fans with aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and honey, followed by flavors of green apple, and a mineral finish. A wonderful pairing for lighter fish and shellfish.

RT: So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: A must-try for our bold, red wine fans would be the 2019 Tetramythos Agiorgitiko, from Greece. The Agiorgitiko grape is rich and hearty featuring aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plumb, with flavors of black pepper and oak on the finish. If you are checking out any rich proteins or the burger on the menu, this is the way to go.

RT: These are some great calls. So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Since Row 34 does feature spectacular seafood, one wine to consider for the table would be the 2019 Vincent Fournier Sancerre Blanc from the Loire Valley. What I enjoy about Sauvignon Blanc, specifically from Loire, and of course Sancerre, is the bright acidity, and minerality. This wine blends lime zest, lemon, and grapefruit, along with faint herbs and brilliant minerality on the finish…beautifully well-balanced. Truly a crowd-pleasing white wine to pair with fish and seafood options.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: A fantastic quality and value wine to consider would be the 2020 Soalheiro Primeiras, Vinhas, Alvarinho, from Portugal. If you are contemplating the oysters or fried clams perhaps, this is a wine to consider. Its bright acidity, minerality, and medium body, along with aromas and flavors of ripe pear and citrus truly define quality in this value wine.

RT: That sounds great. Any other value wines on the menu?

MQ: Of course! We can head back to Northern Italy for the 2018 Venica & Venica Merlot from Friuli. This merlot exudes aromas and flavors of red cherries, blueberries, plumb, with tobacco and earth on the finish. Round, soft tannins and structure make this merlot one to savor and pair with any richly sauced dishes…all at an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: When reviewing the menu, I have to mention Chardonnay. Specifically, a chardonnay that will complement the raw bar, as well as dense fish and lobster. One to consider for a special occasion would be the 2018 Daniel – Etienne Defaix, Chablis, from Burgundy. This 14th-generation winemaker produces a well-balanced, fresh Chardonnay featuring aromas of ripe pear, and peach, with flavors of citrus and honey and a mineral finish in part to the classic chablis kimmeridgian soil which consists of limestone and seashells. A beautiful bottle to share during any special event.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Row 34’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you 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.

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