CorkRules - Episodes | Wine 30 Wine 30

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier and wine educator Michaela Quinlan joins Robert Tas to reveal the best bottles on the list of Wine 30, a friendly, informal wine bar and restaurant. This restaurant provides a Wine Spectator Award-winning list of over 300 wines from around the world. Michaela reviews a few classics on the list, identifies the value wines, and shares suggestions for pairing wines with items on the menu.

Wines reviewed include:

Trimbach Riesling 2016 from Alsace, France
Rosso di Altesino Super Tuscan, 2019
Guggenheim Valle Escondido Torrontes, 2016, from Mendoza, Argentina

Transcript: Wine 30

Wine 30:

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 list’s 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 Wine 30. This wine bar and restaurant features over 300 wines from around the world. They offer lunch and dinner in their cozy dining room, an all seasons garden, not to mention a wine cellar for private events.

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

MQ: I could spend the day in their garden creating my own wine flight to pair with their dips and appetizers. I have noted some wonderful wines spanning the globe that I think you will enjoy.

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

MQ: Let’s begin with a classic. The Trimbach Riesling 2016 from Alsace, France. When I say classic, the Timbach family have been making wine for 13 generations. Alsatian Rieslings have a tendency to be dry in style. Here we have white peach, lemon zest, cantaloupe, with white floral aromas. There is a slight hint of candied fruit on the finish, making this wine a perfect pairing for roasted chicken, shellfish, or anything spicy.

RT: That’s a great start. Did any red wine jump out at you?

MQ: Absolutely! I would consider the Lan TempraNULLlo 2017 Crianza Rioja. What I love about Spanish reds is that they do the aging for you. This Crianza is required to age for a minimum of two years with six months in oak barrels before it is released. This results in aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, black currant, clove, and a hint of smoke on the finish. A perfect companion for poultry or lamb.

RT: That is for sure unique.

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 would be the Rosso di Altesino Super Tuscan 2019. This sangiovese and cabernet Sauvignon blend is beautifully balanced with fresh red cherries, raspberries, smooth tannins with leather and tobacco on the finish. This would pair well with your charcuterie board, or any beef dish.

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: Another unique standout on this list is the Root 1 Carmenere 2017 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. The Carmenere grape was originally grown in Bordeaux. Thankfully it took a trip to Chile where it continues to grow almost exclusively. Carmenere was wiped out completely in Bordeaux in the 1800s when Phylloxera (aphids ate away at the leaves and rots of grape vines) destroyed many vineyards. So we can still enjoy this ruby-colored wine with its aromas of plumb, green bell pepper, blackberries, with a smooth finish. This is perfect to pair with any pastas, peppered sauces, or herbed 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: Guggenheim Valle Escondido Torrontes 2016, from Mendoza, Argentina. The torrontes is a bright white wine consisting of aromas and flavors of green apple, ripe pear, and grapefruit. The mineral finish with a hint of honey make this wine perfect to pair with spicy dishes, as well as with any cheeses and grilled vegetables.

RT: For me personally…

MQ: Absolutely!

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

MQ: Anther classic that may be familiar to some would be the Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron cabernet sauvignon 2014 Napa. This stand-out, single vineyard, Cab features aromas and flavors of candied fruit, black cherries, cassis, vaNULLla, and a bit of chocolate on the smooth finish. Always highly rated, this wine pair beautifully with rich dishes and sauces, and certainly add to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Wine 30’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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