As a sommelier, I&rsquo;m often asked how to find delicious, budget friendly wines. This can often be a challenge because most people seek out commercially popular regions like Napa or Bordeaux. They&rsquo;ve heard of it, are comfortable with it and, when faced with numerous choices, gravitate towards it. I&rsquo;m here to tell you: this is your first mistake!

A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality. While, in my opinion, there is a huge difference between $10 and $25 wines, once you get to the higher price points, a lot of $50 wines taste just as great as some $300 wines. Why is this? A lot of different factors go into the cost of a wine. Land in commercial regions like Napa and Bordeaux comes with very high price tag. Vineyards in Napa range anywhere from $350,000 to $1 million per acre; naturally, producers need to charge more for their offerings to reap a profit. These regions are also infamous for using new oak barrels to give their wines that vanilla, baking spice quality popular with consumers. There&rsquo;s nothing wrong with that style of wine, but when new oak barrels can only be used once and cost up to $2,000, be ready for a higher price tag. It&rsquo;s not surprising that it&rsquo;s difficult to find a Napa cabernet sauvignon for anything less than $50- $75! So, how do you shop for great wine at a budget friendly cost?

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SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN REGIONS:

&nbsp;

Ever heard of Chinon? Or Basilicata? Exactly. Regions such as these are where the bargains live. This is because producers can purchase land for a fraction of the price and often obtain second hand, used oak barrels, resulting in lower over-head cost while maintaining quality wine. Chinon, a region in the Loire Valley of France, is often overshadowed by Burgundy and Bordeaux. The wine is made from Cabernet franc and has all the raspberry, cedar, earthy qualities of a good French wine&hellip; at a fraction of the cost. Whole Foods, one of my favorite grocery stores for affordable, quality wines, carries Chinon for about $18. Likewise, regions like Bandol and Languedoc in southern France are labels to look for when you want a cost effective Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre instead of the more well-known region of Chateauneuf Du Pape.

Italy, in general, is a top pick of mine for delicious, affordable wines. Over 900 grape varieties are grown there, resulting in a lack of supply and demand that benefits the consumer. Many people have heard of Barolo, a premium wine region in northern Italy&rsquo;s Piedmont, or Brunello di Montalcino, a celebrated wine region in central Italy&rsquo;s Tuscany, but those often come with higher price tags. The previously mentioned Basilicata is a region in southern Italy, and home to quality bargain wines made from Aglianico, a deep, black fruited grape with powerful earth and structure. If you want something similar to Barolo, try seeking out the Langhe Hills region instead. It uses the same Nebbiolo grape variety from the Piedmont region but, without that commercial reputation, runs at a bargain. Barbera, a grape variety sometimes thought of as Nebbiolo&rsquo;s little sister, is another option. I&rsquo;ve found great Barbera by Cantine Povero for as little as $15. Which leads to my second tip:

&nbsp;

SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN VARIETIES:

&nbsp;

Still hankering for something from California? Try Sonoma&rsquo;s Pax Vineyard. They grow lesser-known grapes like Valdiguie, which is a light, bright, fruity grape similar to Burgundy&rsquo;s Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape. Or Napa Valley&rsquo;s Heitz Cellar&rsquo;s Grignolino, a berry, earthy gem originally from Piedmont in Italy. Both wines fall comfortably in the $25 dollar price range.

If you want a white Burgundy, try reaching for an Aligote, Burgundy&rsquo;s lesser known white grape, instead of Chardonnay. Faiveley makes a delightful sipper for around $22. My point is, there are a lot of delicious wines out there that don&rsquo;t get the credit they deserve. Like a lot of products, you are often paying for the name built by marketing. Just because you haven&rsquo;t heard of a grape, doesn&rsquo;t mean it isn&rsquo;t great.

&nbsp;

LOOK FOR SECOND LABELS

If you MUST have that well known region with that well known grape variety, this last tip is for you. The best way to find value is if a winery makes a second label, like most wineries in Bordeaux. For example, Chateau Palmer, a prestigious third growth estate, runs at about $400 a bottle. It&rsquo;s second label, Alter Ego, can be found for about $65. Chateau Palmer owns great land and employs top farmers, so even though Alter Ego contains the grapes that didn&rsquo;t make it into their top cuvee, it&rsquo;s still an above average wine. Most chateaux do this. Mouton Rothschild makes Le Petit Rothschild. Lafite Rothschild makes Carruades de Lafite and so on.

The big hitters in Napa have a similar system. Harlan estate&rsquo;s proprietary cabernet can run upwards of $900, but their second label, The Maiden, is closer to $350. They even have a third label, The Mascot, that can be purchased for a cool $150.

&nbsp;

HAVE FUN TAKING RISKS!

But if it were me, I&rsquo;d still prefer to grab a Chilean cab for a fraction of the price. You can get Max Errazuriz&rsquo;s top wine, Don Maximiano Founder&rsquo;s reserve for $85, much less than Harlan Estate&rsquo;s cheapest offering. This is because I find it fun and exciting to try wines and grapes from new regions. Sure, there might be some flops, but there are also hidden gems! You&rsquo;ll also get to brag to all your friend about the new find you discovered.

I understand that it can be intimidating buying something new, but I would encourage you to, nonetheless. The best way to learn is through experience and trial-and-error. And don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for help! No one expects you to memorize every grape from every region. That&rsquo;s the sole reason people like me have a job. When that store clerk asks if you need anything, let him or her guide you.

But most of all have fun! Wine isn&rsquo;t as serious as it likes to seem. I hope by using these tips you&rsquo;ll widen your usual repertoire and save some money doing it. Happy hunting!

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality.

Shopping for Value and How to Find It

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

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.

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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

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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

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas cross the border into Canada where they review the wine list at Stratus in Toronto.

Wine List Review of Stratus, Toronto

Michaela Quinlan

Stratus

Stratus:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where,&nbsp;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.

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 to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that 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. So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

&nbsp;

RT: Today we are talking about Stratus. Located in Toronto on the 36th floor of the TD South Tower, Stratus defines Canadian cuisine as a mix of new world flavors and old-world classics.

&nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: The incredible view and all-day dining options are just as impressive as their wine list. Arranged by grape varietal, Stratus maintains old world meets new world from their menu to their wine list.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with the 2019 Vasse Felix Chardonnay form the Margaret River in Western Australia. This highly rated, organic chardonnay is the best of all worlds with bright acidity, melon, and peach, with a hint of salinity, as these grapes absorb the ocean breeze. The creamy, nuttiness on the finish comes from the brief time spent in oak. Truly the best of everything when you are looking to pair with seafood and rich fish.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another favorite New World stop would be the 2018 Misty Cove Estate Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand. This medium bodied Pinot Noir features ripe red fruit, such as cranberries, and ripe raspberries, along with notes of sage, earth, and cola. The bright acidity ads to this wine&rsquo;s incredible ability to pair with lightly sauced proteins and rich, root vegetable dishes.

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; ?

MQ: I love when wine lists feature local wine. A standout, must try wine is the 2017 Cave Spring, Indian Summer, Late Harvest Riesling, from Niagara, Canada. We love to mention the versatility of the Riesling grape, often discussing wines that are dry to semi sweet. Now is our chance to feature the truly sweet, dessert style, or Late Harvest, Riesling. Late harvest is just that, where the grapes continue to hang on the vine following standard harvest collection. During this time, the grapes begin to raisin and the natural sugars in the grape increase, resulting in aromas and flavors of rich honey, dried apricot, with notes of lemon rind and beautiful acidity. This is a wine to pair with berries with cream and hard cheese.

RT: These are some great calls. So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Returning to the Old World, consider the 2019 Claudia Ferrero &ldquo;Pepita&rdquo; from Tuscany, Italy. This rich, full bodied Super Tuscan consists of Alicante, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot and showcases ripe, red cherries, blackberries, notes of black pepper, and firm, round tannins. This is your go-to to pair with richly sauced pasta and proteins.

RT: Ooh, terrific. 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: This is by far my favorite category; finding that exceptional quality and value wine. One to consider would be the 2020 La Guardiense Janare, Falanghina, from Campania, Italy. The Falanghina grape is a crowd pleaser for our fans of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This medium bodied, white wine features ripe peach, lemon zest, and bright acidity, with notes of green apple on the mineral finish. This is an excellent companion to shellfish, rich fish, and spicy dishes.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: We know I can&rsquo;t pass by a cabernet franc. So, while you are glancing over the wine list at Stratus contemplating the Cave Spring Late Harvest Riesling, don&rsquo;t miss the 2019 Cave Spring &ldquo;Dolomite&rdquo; Cabernet Franc. This medium to full bodied red wine features ripe black berries, black cherries, and white pepper, with notes of mushroom and earth. Pair this cabernet franc with all savory dishes, all for 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: With the variety of classic flavors on Stratus&rsquo; menu, a classic bottle to consider would be the 2018 Le Domaine d&rsquo;Henri 1er Cru &ldquo;Troesmes&rdquo; from Chablis. This family run winery produces a stellar Chardonnay showcasing aromas and flavors of ripe peach, cantaloupe, ripe green apple, with bright acidity, minerality, and a soft, toasty finish, due to the minimal oak aging. Top Chablis is always a winner, especially when pairing with rich fish, light proteins, and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Stratus&rsquo; wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;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: <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. 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;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

&nbsp;

End

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Moletto is a family-owned winery that has been producing high-quality wines in Prosecco Treviso, Italy since 1986. Their winemaking philosophy combines tradition and innovation to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The winery covers 50 hectares and is known for its dedication to sustainable viticulture.

No-frills sushi spot with diverse menu, affordable prices & daily happy-hour specials.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

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MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Anthony
Giglio

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The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

About Anthony

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MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Anthony Giglio

Related Episodes

#100

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

About Anthony

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

Anthony
Giglio