CorkRules - Episodes | The Shore Club

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit The Shore Club, a fabulous restaurant with locations in both Ottawa and Toronto. This is an elegant seafood and steakhouse with a comfy dining area and lively cocktail bar, plus a long wine list. Michaela explains why you should try a Brut Cremant if you are looking for quality bubbles at a good price, and, of course, she identifies the tasting notes in wines from both the old and new world wines and offers pairing suggestions guaranteed to elevate your dining experience.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Jules Rose from Provence, France
2020 Ben Marco ‘Plata’ Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
2020 Domaine Lucien Jacob Aligote, Burgundy

Transcript: The Shore Club

Shore Club:

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 Shore Club. Located in Toronto and Ottawa, this contemporary steak and seafood restaurant features lunch, light fare, and formal dining.

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

MQ: Another fantastic wine list featuring classic favorites, local wines, half bottles, what they deem alternative whites and reds, along with bin ends, make this list fun and welcoming to all wine lovers.

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

MQ: Anytime I see a menu featuring light fare and shellfish, I think of Rose, no matter the season. A light, crisp, and refreshing rose to consider is the 2020 Jules Rose from Provence, France. This blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah features the classic aromas and flavors we look for in Provence Rose. From notes of citrus, strawberry, and cantaloupe, this dry Rose is a perfect pairing for all light dishes, cheese, or as an aperitif.

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

MQ: Another favorite that caught my eye was the 2020 Ben Marco ‘Plata’ Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec is appealing in every way. The medium to full body, along with soft, round tannins, aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, fig, with coffee and cocoa make this crowd-pleasing red a perfect companion to richly sauced pasta and proteins.

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

MQ: If you are considering shellfish, or fried seafood you must keep something sparkling in mind. The Domaine Rolet Pere & Fils ‘Brut Cremant’ from the Jura region in France. Jura, located in Eastern France, is known for its standout Chardonnay. This ‘Brut Cremant’, which means dry sparkler produced in France, outside of the Champagne region, is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The fresh pear, green apple with brioche, and creamy, nutty finish make this sparkler a must-try.

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 are looking for a rich, full-bodied red to pair with steak or lamb chops, consider the Tin Barn ‘Pickberry Vineyard’ from the Sonoma Valley of California. These grapes are sourced from the single 30 acre ‘Pickberry Vineyard’. This highly rated Cabernet Sauvignon features ripe black cherries, plumb, and spice, with soft tannins and a lingering finish with notes of licorice. Sip this beautiful red while enjoying those richly sauced proteins and pasta dishes.

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

MQ: I am such a fan of the next wine for many reasons. To name a few, this white grape is crisp, crowd-pleasing, and always combines its excellent quality with amazing value. Consider the 2020 Domaine Lucien Jacob Aligote from Burgundy, France. The grape in this remarkable white Burgundy is Aligote, which exudes lemon and lime zest, gooseberry, and melon, with bright acidity, and a dry, mineral finish. A perfect companion to herbed cheese and seafood.

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

MQ: Spain brings us many styles, varietals, and price points of their wines. A standout red Spanish wine to consider of exceptional quality and value, would be the 2020 Cruz de Piedra Garnacha from the Aragon region of Spain. This medium to full-bodied red is well balanced and features ripe raspberries and cherries, along with notes of clove, earth, and vanilla on the smooth finish, making this a food-friendly wine.

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

MQ: If they still have this bottle available, consider the 2013 Turley ‘Hayne Vineyard’ Petit Syrah from Napa Valley. Rated 96 points by both Vinous and Robert Parker, Turley’s organically farmed Petit Syrah is truly a standout. Grown from vines planted in 1953, aromas of ripe blackberries, plumbs, fig, blackberry jam, along with black pepper, herbs, and rich, round tannins, this Petit Syrah is a special occasion on its own. Pair with steak, lamb, herbed dishes, and anytime you are looking to take your dining experience to the next level.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate The Shore Club’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 an 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.

End