Cork Rules

Robert Tas and Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, review the wine list at BRAT, a one Michelin star restaurant in the gastronomic quarters of Shoreditch in London. The food is traditional British, but all cooked with open fire, and the wine list offers a delightful selection from France and Spain, but also other European countries like Italy, Greece and Portugal, and the list includes an adventurous selection under the title “Off the Beaten Path, for all those who want to try something new and expand their palate. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Guimaro Cepas Viejas, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

• 2020 Domaine Roulot Meursault Premier Cru Clos des Boucheres, Burgundy

• 2020 Comando G La Breña Premier, Spain

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Robert Tas and with Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, review the wine list at Bocca di Lupo in London. This authentic Italian restaurant has received many accolades for its simple but genuine food. All 20 regions of Italy are represented on the menu, and it is ever-changing to follow the seasons. So, no matter what time of year you come here, the experience will be fresh, adventurous, and new. 

 Wines reviewed include:

• 2015 Perlé Nero Riserva Brut, Trentino, Italy

• 2016 Casanova di Neri Brunello, “Cerretalto”,  Tuscany

• 2018 Freisa Kyè , Vajra, Italy

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Robert Tas and Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, review the wine list at Lafayette. This grand café and bakery feature modern interpretations of classic French bistro favorites and an amazing wine list. Michaela spots a delicious crémant and shares a little background information on why crémant is a delicious choice, a crisp dry white that pairs wonderfully with seafood, and a robust red that pairs well with duck and smoke dishes.

Wines reviewed include:

• Toques et Clochers Crémant de Limoux NV
• Domaine Gauthier “Jour de Soif” Cabernet Franc
• Daniel Crochet Sancerre

In today’s episode of CorkRules, Alexis Rogers, certified sommelier, offers her expert advice on the extensive wine list of Ai Fiori, a Michelin Star, Italian restaurant, NYC. Ai Fiori has earned a stellar reputation for its wine list and is the 2020 winner of the Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Alexis talks about a few exceptional Chardonnays from lesser-known regions, wines not to be missed on the over 1000-bottle list, and she identifies one of the best producers on the list.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 Arbois Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes, Vin Sans Nom
• 2011 Karthauserhof GG Riesling
• 2015 Domaine Faiveley Chambolle-Musigny

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Momofuku Ko, a traditional Japanese restuarant offering two spaces, the barako offering an a la carte menu and the main dining room offering a full tasting menu, and to help you choose wine to pair with the menu, Michaela peruses the 84-page list to point out a few spectacular fine wines, including skin contact wine, wines to pair with tempura, and more.

Wines reviewed include:

• Vadin-Plateau "Renaissance," Blanc de Noirs, Champagne, France 
• 2018 Amorotti Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Italy
• 2015 Cortese from Stefano Bellotti Cascina Degli Ulivi, "IVAG"

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at the French Bistro, Le CouCouc, where the French vibe is full on joie de vivre. This restaurant promises a good night out and a great culinary experience. But let's not forget why we're here. The wine. Grace finds the divine wines that will delight, 

Wines reviewed inlcude:

• Didier Dagueneau Pouilly Fume, Loire Valley, France
• Domaine de la Grange Roussane/Marsanne, Languedoc
• Domaine Auguste Clape, Northern Rhone

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas review the all French and American wine list at Benoit. Grace checks out the French varietals and identifies the American counterpart on the list. She talks about the aging process and compares French Pinot to American Pinot.

 Wines reviewed Include:

• Brocard Chablis, Burgundy
• RoseRock Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Kosta Browne Russian River Pinot, Sonoma

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier and wine educator and Robert Tas review the wine list at Via Carota, a quaint Italian restaurant inspired by Chef Saudis 17th century family country house in the hills of Florence. The passion for all things italian is clear here. Relax in the rustic ambience and enjoy authentic pasta dishes and savor an adventurous selection of wines from all regions on the all-Italian wine list. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Brunello di Montelcino Fanti
• 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Felcina
• 2022 Vermintino di Gallura Serenata Silvio Carta

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

 Sommelier Michaela Quinlan joins Robert to demystify the very French wine list of Dirty French in lower Manhattan and travel around the lesser-known wine regions, including wines of the Savoie, Provence. Dirty French is located on 180 Ludlow Street and is renowned for its timeless classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist.  Michaela talks about the special regions on the list, the must-try wines, and she spots a few hidden value wines that offer a big bang for the buck.

Wines reviewed include

• 2017 Bandol, Domaine Tempier
• 2018 Valentin Morel, Côtes du Jura Les Trouillots
• 2020 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, La Pepiere Clos des Briords

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorrel, an Italian contemporary restaurant located in Pac Heights that has earned a Michelin star thanks to Chef Alexander Hong. Grant spots some sensational sparklers, wines that are perfect for pairing with all things pasta, and some devilshly robust reds to take your dining experience to a whole new level of sumptuous. 

 Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Ryme “hers” Vermentino from Carneros
• 2019 Idlewild Arneis, Lost Hills Ranch
• 2012 Malvasia by Kante in Venezia-Giulia

Wine educator and certified sommelier Maria Valletta joins Robert Tas for authentic French fare and a French wine list that is, indeed, in French at the Balthazar restaurant in Soho. Maria translates the menu, discovers the extraordinary little–known gems, and shares her knowledge of the industry to help you understand more about varietals and regions. Maria points out a few delicious sparkling wines and Champagne, a hidden gem of a rosé, and a less pricey wine that will still knock your socks off and impress your guests.

 Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Bandol Rouge“La Migoua” Domaine Tempier
• 2020 Domaine de Beaurenard 
• 2022 Château Haut-La-Péreyre 

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Wine director Alexis Rogers joins Robert Tas to explore and explain the wine list of the Italian restaurant Felice. With nine locations in NYC, this restaurant is proving to be a popular culinary destination and the wine list meets expectations. Alexis recommends stellar wines from Northern Italy, including an exceptional wine to pair with that classic Italian dish, bolognese. 

 Wines reviewed include:

•  2015 le toga Brunello di Montalcino
• 2016 Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja
• 2020 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel "Klaus“ 

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Certified sommelier and wine educator Grace Hood, and host Robert Tas review the wine list at the iconic 1803 where Grace identifies the wines that pair well with the blended histories of French and Cajun and Caribbean and Spanish cuisine.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2007 Louis Roederer Brut Rose Champagne
• 1986 Château Lynch-Bages, France
• Domaine Frédéric Brouca Côte de Glou 

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

In this episode, certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and oenophile Robert Tas visit the wine list of Root & Bone in NYC where they explore wines from Oregon, the Finger Lakes, and California. If you are looking for the perfect wines to pair with fried chicken and pulled pork, Michaela will help you find them as she shares her expert opinion on the value-packed wine list of Root & Bone. Michaela shares information on pinot gris vs. pinot grigio, how to shop for a Riesling, and the best champagne-quality sparkling wine to pair with fried chicken.

 Wines reviewed include:

•  The Boundary Breaks, Ovid Line North Riesling, Finger Lakes
• Fleur Pinot Noir, Carneros, California
• Ghostrider Ungrafted Syrah, Lodi, California

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of Cork Rules where they review the wine list of Casa Lever on Park Avenue, New York City.  Casa Lever is an icon in NYC, and, as they say themselves, this restaurant is where Manhattan sophistication meets Italian classics. If you visit Casa Lever be prepared for an elegant dining experience and a carefully curated wine. Grant points out wines to celebrate with, wines with verve, and special wines on the list.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2017 Pinot Bianco Goldberg, Italy
• 2000 Barolo by Roberto Veritux, Italy
• 2017 Lytton Springs Zinfandel, California 

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Robert Tas talks to writer, director Todd Norwood about his new film and the world of wine. Todd shares stories about the making of his film Gap Weekend, and, of course, wine. Todd shares why he chose to film in wine country, his favorite wine, how he paid the crew overtime, and where you can access the film.

For more information on today’s episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

In this episode, sommelier Grace Hood joins Robert Tas to demystify the wine list of the Buddakan, an Asian-fusion restaurant, and explore the wines that complement Asian food. Choosing a wine to work with Asian food always presents a dilemma for the discerning diner, but Grace explains which wines work, what they work with, and why they do.

Wines reviewed include:

•  2020 Riesling Kabinett, Egon Müller Mosel, Germany
• 2016 Jonata Syrah 2016, Central Coast, California
• 2020 Spätlese Reisling from Selbach-Oster Mosel, Germany

 For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

In this episode, Robert and certified sommelier Maria Valetta review the wine list of the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a historic restaurant which originally opened in 1913 in NYC's Grand Central Station.  They identify the perfect oyster wine, whites from the Loire Valley, and wines from the list that will take your dining experience to the next level.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine
• 2014  Hanzell Sebella Pinot Noir
• 2013  Louis Baisinbert La Piece Sous Le Bois -Meursault Premier Cru

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of Cork Rules where they review the wine list of Casa Lever on Park Avenue, New York City.  Casa Lever is an icon in NYC, and, as they say themselves, this restaurant is where Manhattan sophistication meets Italian classics. If you visit Casa Lever be prepared for an elegant dining experience and a carefully curated wine.

 Wines reviewed include:

•  Krug’s brut “Grande Reserve” multi-vintage Champagne, France
• 2000 Barolo by Roberto Voerzio, Brunate, northwestern Italy
• 2017 Lytton Springs, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Carignane field blend, Ridge, Sonoma’s Dry Creek AVA

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

In this episode, certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and oenophile Robert Tas visit the wine list of Root & Bone in NYC where they explore wines from Oregon, the Finger Lakes, and California. If you are looking for the perfect wines to pair with fried chicken and pulled pork, Michaela will help you find them as she shares her expert opinion on the value-packed wine list of Root & Bone.

 Wines reviewed include:

• Rainstorm Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon. 
• Boundary Breaks, Ovid Line North Riesling, Finger Lakes, NY
• Ghostrider Ungrafted Syrah from Lodi, California

For more information on today’s episode and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.