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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas navigate the wine list at Strega in Boston’s historic North End. Strega’s wine list offers renowned wines in half-bottle formats from both Old and New World, and, as classic Italian restaurant they offer a standout Italian selection, too. In addition to a few Super Tuscans and superior chardonnays, Michaela chooses wines that showcase ripe pear, cantaloupe, and lime zest, wines that feature bright acidity, ripe cranberries, raspberries, red cherries, cedar, clove, and cocoa, and wines that sing with notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, ripe peach, green apple, and grapefruit. If these wines don’t tickle your palate and take your dining experience to a new level, call the doctor. It’s time for a checkup.  

 Wines reviewed include:

  • 2020 Feudi di San Grigorio, Greco di Tufo, Italy

  • 2019 Terrabianca Campaccio, Italy

  • 2020 Colosi Nero d’Avola, Italy

Transcript: Strega

https://stregabynickvarano.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NE-Wine-List-UD93022-5.pdf

Strega:

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 Strega located in Boston’s historic North End. Established in 2003, Strega is famous for its hospitality, décor, and unforgettable classic Italian cuisine.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what you think of their wine list.

MQ: Strega’s list is as classic as their dinner menu. Featuring famous half bottles from both Old and New World, along with standout Italian selections, this is certainly a can’t miss menu!

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

MQ: Let’s begin in Tuscany with the 2020 La Lastra Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This dry white wine is bright and crisp showcasing ripe pear, cantaloupe, and lime zest, with notes of minerality on the lingering finish. A beautiful wine to kick off your dining experience and to pair with shellfish and cheese.

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

MQ: Remaining in Tuscany, consider the 2018 Chianti Classico Reserva from the famous Antinori family. This medium bodied, aromatic Sangiovese features bright acidity, ripe cranberries, raspberries, red cherries, cedar, clove, and earth with smooth, ripe tannins. A true classic to pair with tomato-based sauces.

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

MQ: Heading south to Campania, a must try white wine is the 2020 Feudi di San Grigorio, Greco di Tufo. This medium bodied white features honeysuckle, white flowers, ripe peach, green apple, with notes of grapefruit, minerality and a touch of salinity on the finish. Pair this can’t miss white wine with shellfish and seafood.

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: A rich Super-Tuscan for the table that would pair beautifully with all richly sauced pasta and proteins worthy of consideration is the 2019 Terrabianca Campaccio. This standout blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot is full bodied featuring ripe black cherries, currants, earth, smoke, and cocoa with notes of vanilla and cinnamon on the long finish due to aging in French oak. A crowd pleaser for the table.  

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 refreshing white wine of excellent quality and value is the Soraighe Libet Soave Classico in the Veneto of Italy. This Northern Italian white wine consists of 100% Garganega and showcases white peach, apricot, lemon zest, and minerality with an herbal note on the finish. A beautiful white wine to pair with shellfish, and pasta with seafood.

 

 

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

 

MQ: If you are seeking a quality/value red wine, one to consider is the 2020 Colosi Nero d’Avola from Southern Italy. Nero d’Avola is bold and features ripe red fruit such as cranberries, red cherries, and notes of cocoa on the smooth finish. Another consideration to pair with tomato-based dishes. 

 

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

 

MQ: A wonderful addition to your Strega experience to consider would be the 2017 Gaja Barbaresco from the Piedmont in Italy. The Gaja Winery was founded in 1859 and this 97 point rated Nebbiolo is truly sought-after. This bold red wine is aromatic with notes of lavender and licorice, with ripe black cherries and strawberries. This wine is elegant with excellent structure and ripe tannins. Discuss the aromas as you allow this bottle to decant. A superb addition to any event.

 

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Strega’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 Sam 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.

 

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website and download the CorkRules app for ios. It makes personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to connect with friends and has price transparency. Order wine with confidence.

 

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

 

Thank you.

 

End

 

 

 

 

 

 

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