Episode 442. Ai Fiori, New York City

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