CorkRules - Episodes | Waypoint Waypoint

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review an interesting selection of wines at Waypoint, a restaurant with a unique and creative menu and a wine list that offers a few surprises in addition to those well-known and well-loved bottles. Michaela identifies pairing notes in a range of wines from Slovenia, stand-out Greek wines, and organic and biodynamic wines from Washington State.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Enderle & Moll, Muller Thurgau, Germany
2020 Thymiopoulus “Young Vines” Xinomavro, Greece
2020 Krasno Malvasia Blend from the western edge of Slovenia

Transcript: Waypoint

Waypoint:

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 Waypoint. Located in Cambridge, MA, Waypoint focuses on coastal-inspired fare. This menu certainly has something for everyone, from seafood and a raw bar to pizza, pasta, and steak, you simply can’t go wrong.

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

MQ: Much like their dinner menu, Waypoint’s wine list consists of classics and unique selections from both the Old World and New World.

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

MQ: the first wine that caught my eye was the 2020 Enderle & Moll, Muller Thurgau from Germany. Muller Thurgau is light to medium-bodied with aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, grapefruit, pineapple, and orange blossom. This Muller Thurgau will certainly win over fans of Albarino and would make an excellent pairing seafood and spicy dishes.

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

MQ: Another unique wine that caught my eye was the 2020 Thymiopoulus “Young Vines” Xinomavro from Greece. This classic, Greek, red wine may become the new favorite of Pinot Noir fans. This medium bodied red wine features aromas and flavors of cranberries, cherries, blueberries, with a bit of spice and earth on the finish. This red wine can certainly stand up to pasta and herbed dishes.

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 have been reading about and noticing Orange wines, or skins contact wines, then you must try the 2020 Krasno Malvasia Blend from the western edge of Slovenia. This organic orange wine consists of white grapes Malvasia and Ribolla that allow the juice to remain in contact with the skins of the grapes from one to eight months. The result is a beautiful orange color with aromas and flavors of ripe apricot, with savory notes such as thyme and rosemary, all making this an excellent pairing for fried seafood and lighter dishes.

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 have already selected your fish or seafood menu items and are looking for a classic, crisp, dry white wine, then you must try the 2020 LA Vecchia Posta ‘Saliceto’ Cortese from the Piedmont region of Italy. Cortese is the name of the white grape found in wines from Gavi. This cortese, grown in the Piedmont, is organic and features aromas and flavors grapefruit, lemon zest, apricot, with a touch of salinity on the finish. A wonderful consideration for any seafood or shellfish selections.

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: Of course, I can’t make it through an episode without mentioning something sparkling. An excellent value sparkler to consider is the Lucien Albrect ‘Cremant D’Alsace’ from Alsace, France. The term ‘Cremant’ means a French, sparkling wine produced outside of the Champagne region, which brings excellent, Old-World quality, for a fraction of the price. This sparkler is light, dry, and floral. Notes of ripe peach, white flowers, and a touch of brioche on this finish make this a wonderful aperitif, or to pair with lightly sauced fish, or anything fried.

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

MQ: Let’s return to Greece for another standout, quality/value red wine. The 2019 Halkia, Agiorgitiko, from Corinthia. Agiorgitiko is the most planted red, Greek grape. Anna Halkia began making wine organically in 2000. This red is rich, full-bodied with ripe blackberries, plumbs, earth, spice, and smooth, round tannins. Keep this wine in mind to pair with anything grilled.

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 stunning Old World meets New World wine is the 2018 Hedges Family Estate, la Haute Cuvee, Cabernet Sauvignon on Red Mountain in the Yakima Valley of Washington State. The Hedges family purchased 50 acres in 1989 and filled 40 of those acres with Bordeaux grape varietals. Gold medals quickly followed with their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. The la Haute Cuvee is organic and biodynamic and showcases Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Petit Verdot with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, cases, black cherries, herbal notes, with leather and earth on the finish. The wine ages in both American and French oak and is modern day classic. A special wine to pair with richly sauced proteins and any special occasion.

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