CorkRules - Episodes | The Edge in Jackson The Edge

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Edge in Jackson, New Jersey, offering a New American menu with subtle Latin and Asian influences. If you are uncertain of which wine pairs well with the subtle combination of spices and herbs, don’t worry, from seafood and sushi to pastas and proteins, Michaela identifies the wines that pair well with the dishes on the menu, and she points out a few unique bottles that will add to the table conversation.

Wines reviewed include:

2016 La Colombera, “Derthona” Timorasso, Piedmont
2017 Donnafugatta “Tancredi”, Sicily
2017 Bernhard Ott, Gemischter Satz, Austria

Transcript: The Edge

The Edge

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 The Edge Restaurant in Jackson, NJ. The Edge Restaurant features New American cuisine with Asian and Latin influences. Enjoy their multi-level modern dining room, outdoor dining, and special event spaces.

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

MQ: Their wine list features several Italian, French, and US favorites, along with a handful of unique international selections, that will certainly appeal to all palates.

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

MQ: The first wine to catch my eye was the 2016 La Colombera, ‘Derthona’ Timorasso from the Piedmont of Italy. This medium-bodied white wine consists of 100% Timorasso. The Timorasso grape is grown primarily in the Piedmont region of Italy and features bright acidity, minerality, ripe pear, peach, and lime zest. This wine ages beautifully and will pair well with shellfish, chard cheese, and charcuterie.

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

MQ: Another Italian wine that caught my eye was the 2017 Donnafugatta ‘Tancredi’ from Sicily. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d’Avola is full-bodied, rich, and well-balanced. It begins on the nose with ripe blackberries, black cherries, plumb, and violets, and finishes with notes of leather, smoke, earth, and soft, round tannins. Pair this red with richly sauced proteins and pasta.

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 to pair with salmon, tuna, sushi, and shellfish is the 2017 Bernhard Ott, Gemischter Satz, from Austria. This blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gruner Veltliner, features notes of citrus, tropical fruit, such as kiwi and pineapple, along with bright acidity, minerality, and a touch of vanilla on the finish, as this white blend spends a short time aging in French oak.

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: No matter what you are considering for your entrée, an excellent bottle for the table would be the 2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley of CA. This consistently highly rated Pinot Noir showcases a beautiful balance of ripe cranberries, ripe plumb, and violets, along with earth, cedar, and clove on the long finish. Always a winner to pair with savory dishes.

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: An exceptional quality/value white blend to consider is the 2018 Mas de Daumas, Gassac Blanc, from the Languedoc region of France. This unique blend of Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay is medium bodied, floral, and fresh. Combining aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, ripe peach, dried apricot, with notes of tangerine, Mayer lemon, with a nuttiness on the finish. Enjoy this blend as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.

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

MQ: The next stand-out quality/value wine is the 2016 d’Arenberg ‘The Laughing Magpie’ from McLaren Vale, Australia. This organic shiraz is bold and full bodied featuring ripe plumb, blueberries, and ripe blackberries, along with notes of black pepper, ginger, tobacco, and leather on the lingering finish. Pair this crowd-pleasing red with herbed and richly sauced proteins.

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 selecting a wine to add to any special occasion, I like to find those that are unique and will add to the table conversation. One such wine is the 99-point rated flagship wine from Clos Mogador. Consider their 2019 blend from Priorat, Spain. This organic blend of Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly worth the critical acclaim. Starting off with fresh minerality from the unique soils of Priorat, to aromas of lavender, violets, ripe blackberries, tobacco, cassis, spice, and cocoa on the lingering finish. Admire the rich color of this stand out wine as it opens in a decanter while you continue to enjoy your special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate The Edge Restaurant’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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