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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Tresca in Boston’s North End. This restaurant wins yearly recognition from Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice and Open Table’s Diners’ Choice. Their Italian dominant wine list also features crowd-pleasing New World favorites and Michaela takes us on a tour of Italy’s wine regions as she points out stellar wines from various vineyards.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Surrau Limizzani Vermentino, Sardinia
2019 Tenuta di Ghizzano, Tuscany
2016 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Amarone della Valpoicella, Veneto

Transcript: Tresca

https://trescanorthend.com/menu/

Tresca

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 Tresca in Boston’s North End. Tresca features contemporary Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with exceptional hospitality. Make Tresca your destination for special occasions of all sizes.

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

MQ: Tresca’s Italian dominant wine list also features crowd pleasing New World favorites. We have selected a number of must try options that we hope you enjoy.

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

MQ: The first white wine that caught my eye was the 2020 Surrau Limizzani Vermentino from Sardinia. This southern Italian white wine is grown along the coast in granite soil which results in exceptional minerality and note of salinity. This Vermentino also features notes of ripe pear, lemon zest, grapefruit, and white flowers. Pair this bright, dry, white wine with shellfish and cheese.

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

MQ: A beautiful Tuscan red caught my eye. Consider the 2019 Tenuta di Ghizzano, Il Ghizzano. This Super Tuscan, or Tuscan blend consisting of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, is rich and full bodied with notes of ripe black cherries, black berries, mushroom, earth, smoke, and a touch of lavender on the soft, lingering finish. A perfect complement 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: Any occasion can call for something sparkling. One to consider is the Ca’ del Bosco ‘Cuvee Prestige’ Franciacorta located in Lombardy, Italy. Franciacorta is a subregion of Lombardy that produces this must try, dry sparkler. Classic aromas and flavors of ripe green apple, pear, with toasty/brioche and almond notes make this sparkler an excellent way to kick off your dining experience or to pair with shellfish, cheese, or fried appetizers.

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: I know this next wine will catch your eye Robert. Consider the 2016 Tenuta Sant’Antonio Amarone della Valpoicella from the Veneto. This Northern Italian classic predominately consists of the Corvina grape. This wine is rich, and dry with notes of dried cherries, ripe black berries, raisin, smoke, oak, and cocoa on the finish. A standout to pair with Bolognese and richly sauced proteins.

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 dry and crisp white wine of excellent quality and value to consider is the 2019 Bastianich ‘Adriatico’ Friulano from Friuli. This Northern Italian white wine is medium bodied with notes of melon, ripe pear, tangerine, bright acidity, minerality, and that classic almond/nutty finish. Pair this Friulano with seafood and lightly sauced pasta.

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

MQ: Consider the 2016 Nino Negri ‘Quadrio’ Valtellina Superiore in Northern Italy. This Nebbiolo and Merlot blend features red cherries, cranberries, strawberries, with bright acidity, round tannins with a finish of smoke, leather, and nutmeg. Well balanced and dry, this quality/value red makes an excellent companion to steak and pork.

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

MQ: There are many options within Tresca’s wine list to take your dining experience to the next level. One to consider is the 2016 Beppe Marino Quattrofilari, Barbera Riserva from the Piedmont. Beppe Marino has been producing reds, whites, and sweet wines since 1972 and continues to be family owned and operated. Barbera is another Northern Italian classic grape varietal. This wine is hearty and rich with notes of plumb, fig, ripe red cherries, along with spice, lavender, and rosemary. The round, soft tannins make this an excellent pairing for all classic items on Tresca’s menu and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Tresca’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 for and download the CorkRules app for iOS. Its makes personalized wine `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.

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