CorkRules - Episodes | The Nautilus The Nautilus

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at The Nautilus. This is a New England restaurant with a coastal/seafood base, but it also adds an international flavor to the menu with sharable seafood plates inspired by Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Nautilus offers wines from around the world, and Michaela shares her top choices from the wine list.

Wines reviewed include:

2021 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay, South Africa
2014 Clos de l'Elu, Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley
2020 Savage Grace, 'Blanc de Franc,' Yakima Valley, Washington.

Transcript: The Nautilus

Nautilus

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 Nautilus. Located in both Boston and on Nantucket, Nautilus focuses on sharable seafood plates with Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean inspirations. This lively environment also focuses on the cocktail and wine selections.

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

MQ: It would be an understatement to say their wine list is vast, along with their Sake selections. Nautilus offers wines from around the world to enjoy with their incredible menu, and I must admit, I could offer several recommendations for each category. I hope you enjoy these favorites!

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

MQ: The first wine that caught my eye, is a long-standing favorite, the 2021 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc from Walker Bay in South Africa. The wine is named after the Southern Right whales that frequent the Walker Bay, and the winery makes a contribution to their conservation with each bottle sold. Along with their standout Pinotage, this sauvignon blanc exudes aromas and flavors of lemon zest, grapefruit, bright acidity, minerality, and a hint of salinity on the finish. This is a perfect companion to cheese and shellfish.

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

MQ: I can’t resist a single varietal cabernet franc. One to consider would be the 2014 Clos de l'Elu, Cabernet Franc, from the Loire Valley. This medium-bodied Cabernet Franc showcases ripe raspberries, earth, olives, and black pepper, all which would pair well with the variety of spices and flavors on Nautilus’ menu.

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

MQ: An absolute must-try is the 2020 Savage Grace, 'Blanc de Franc,' from the Yakima Valley of Washington. Michael Savage was the one-man band when he decided in 2011 to switch from studying wine to producing it. When you extract the juice of a wine grape, the juice is clear, whether a red frape or white grape. The color comes from the contact of the juice with the skins. Therefore, Michael only allowed limited contact of juice and skins with his Cabernet Franc to create a white wine, or in this case, the Blanc de Franc. This white wine has fresh acidity, citrus, and stand-out herbal aromas and flavors. Another compliment to the Nautilus menu.

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: If you happen to be eyeing some of the seafood dishes, you must try the 2018 Santo Winery, 'Aspa,' Assyrtiko from Santorini. The Assyrtiko grape is grown in volcanic soil near the ocean. Prepare yourself for bright acidity, minerality, lime zest, pear, and notes of salinity on the finish. This is your go-to for shellfish and other seafood 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: Why not head to the Amalfi coast and try the 2019 Reale, 'Aliseo”, Falanghina, in Campania, Italy. The Falanghina grape is fuller-bodied with pear, green apple, citrus, minerality, and notes of almond on the finish. A wine to consider to pair with richly sauced dishes, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What other value wines stood out to you?

MQ: Another beautiful red wine to consider would be the 2020 Kumeu River, Pinot Noir, Kumeu, New Zealand. Located in the North Island of New Zealand, this Pinot Noir stands out with cranberries, red cherries, herbs, and an earthy finish. These soft tannins will pair beautifully with any proteins on the menu.

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

MQ: Why not conclude our travels today in the Northwest region of Spain with the 2010 Bodegas Vega Sicilia 'Pintia,' Tinta de Toro. Vega Sicilia has an outstanding reputation producing Tina de Toro, which is viewed as the superior clone to Tempranillo. This highly-rated red wine showcases blackberries, cassis, smoke, minerality, with ripe, round tannins. A beautiful wine to pair with any special occasion.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Nautilus’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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