&nbsp;

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy&#39;s most distinctive wines.

The Paola Bea estate, located near the town of Montefalco, has been in the family for generations. However, it was under Paola&#39;s stewardship that it gained international recognition. The vineyards are farmed organically without any chemical intervention and minimal mechanization.

Paola Bea wines are known for their intense character and depth of flavor. They reflect not only the unique terroir but also Paola&#39;s dedication to traditional winemaking methods such as long maceration periods and aging in large oak barrels.

His approach results in wines that are expressive, complex, and have a strong sense of place &ndash; characteristics highly valued by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you&#39;re tasting the acclaimed Sagrantino or lesser-known blends like San Valentino Palo Bea, you can expect an authentic representation of Umbrian viticulture at its finest from this esteemed producer.

Review of San Valentino Palo Bea

San Valentino is a highly esteemed winery located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Known for its dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices, this producer has carved out a niche for itself as an innovative and sustainable wine creator. The vineyard was established by Umberto Cesari in 1965, who passionately believed in the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Romagna.

Color:

The San Valentino Palo Bea presents a rich, deep ruby red color that is almost opaque. This intense hue hints at the concentration and complexity within each bottle.

Nose:

On the nose, this wine offers an enticing blend of ripe black fruits like cherries and plums mingled with earthy undertones of leather and tobacco. There are also delightful notes of spices such as clove and cinnamon which add depth to its aromatic profile.

Tannins:

The tannins in San Valentino Palo Bea are well-structured yet supple, providing a robust backbone without overwhelming the palate. They contribute to its full-bodied nature while ensuring longevity for cellaring.

Taste:

Upon tasting, one can expect an explosion of flavors echoing those on the nose - ripe dark fruits layered with spice and earthy nuances. The finish is long-lasting with hints of sweet vanilla oak from barrel aging.

Critic Score &amp; Reviews:

San Valentino Palo Bea consistently receives high scores from critics around the world due to its exceptional quality. It frequently garners ratings above 90 points from renowned publications like Wine Spectator and Decanter Magazine. Reviewers often praise it for its balance between fruit intensity, tannic structure, acidity levels, making it both approachable now but capable of aging gracefully over time.

Food Pairing:

Given its robust character and complex flavor profile, San Valentino Palo Bea pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, game, and rich pasta dishes. It also complements aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

San Valentino Palo Bea is a testament to the winemaking prowess of its producer. Its full-bodied nature coupled with complex flavors and aromas make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality Italian wine that showcases the potential of Sangiovese grapes from Emilia-Romagna.

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy's most distinctive wines.

San Valentino Paolo Bea an Italian treasure

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world's most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world's best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our palates yearn for refreshing beverages that embody the essence of summer. For those new to the world of wine, choosing between cider, orange wine, and rosé can be a delightful journey. Each offers unique flavors and experiences perfect for warm weather sipping. In this article, we’ll explore three standout choices: Wolffer Dry Cider No. 139, Cune Viña Rosado 2023, and Spiritus Terrae Malvasia Orange 2021.

Savoring Summer: The Best Rosé Drink Choices from Cider-Orange-Rosé for Beginners

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

The Switch? – #restaurantfail #winelistfail

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

Masraff’s

Michaela Quinlan

Catch Steak

Catch Steak

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT:

Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list&rsquo;s because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; 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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Catch Steak. Globally inspired seafood and steakhouse with locations in NY, Aspen, LA, and Vegas. This is the place to see and be seen, all while enjoying an exquisite menu with a wine list to match.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Catch continues to update their incredible wine list. What doesn&rsquo;t change, however, is the availability of large format and half bottles. They are always something to consider depending upon the size of your party, and varying palates. We have some unique and exciting old-world and new-world wines to feature today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: &nbsp;We will begin with a visit to both the old world and new world. Let&rsquo;s first consider the Maison Belles Cotes &quot;Les Caillottes&quot; Sancerre, Loire Valley, France, 2019. Sancerre is the region in the Loire and this sauvignon blanc is exquisite. It combines all of the attributes of a dry, crisp white wine with bright acidity, citrus, grapefruit, gooseberry, with a hint of grass and herbs. A wonderful companion to light fish dishes, shellfish, and salads.

RT: That is making me thirsty! How about something from the new world?

MQ: Sure! I had the pleasure of visiting Elk Cove Vineyards a few years ago, and their pinot noir remains one of my favorites. This is the 2019 vintage, pinot noir grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This pinot noir has excellent body and structure. You will certainly notice the classic raspberry and cranberry aromas and flavors, but you will also enjoy the added spice, and long, smooth finish. This would complement roasted chicken, salmon, and tuna.

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 &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with the Terlato Pinot Grigio, Friuli, 2019. This round, medium-bodied white wine showcases aromas of white flowers, stone fruit, such as fresh peaches and apricots with a light, mineral finish. Seafood, grilled vegetables, cheese selections, would all be perfect pairings with this wine.

RT: These are some great calls.

So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: You bet! I would consider the Renato Ratti &quot;Ochetti&quot; Nebbiolo, Langhe, Italy, 2019. A food-friendly, and crowd-pleasing red, this nebbiolo is another stand out with aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries, ripe red cherries, plum, tobacco, with a hint of violets on the smooth finish. Any poultry, beef, or richly sauced dishes will make perfect pairings.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

&nbsp;

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind,&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Here we have another personal favorite, a familiar producer to many of you, but a wonderful quality and value wine. The E. Guigal Gigondas, 2015 from the Northern Rhone of France. We have mentioned the importance of location many times, and this is another example. Gigondas is the neighbor to Chateauneuf du Pape. While you get to experience all of the same climate, soil composition for your grenache and syrah blend, you do not need to pay the Chateauneuf du Pape price. This blend is medium to full-bodied with aromas and flavors of cranberries, ripe red cherries, clove, with a note of licorice on the finish. Perfect for herbed dishes, meats, and rich sauces, all for an excellent price.

RT: For me personally&hellip;

&nbsp;

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: I couldn&rsquo;t decide between two classics. The first, Orin Swift Mercury Head St Helena 2018 from Napa Valley. This flagship wine consisting of cabernet sauvignon from premier vineyards, along with a touch of cabernet franc and merlot, exudes plumb, ripe red cherries, blackberries, cassis and cinnamon, with some toffee and coffee on the finish. The elegant bottle is viewed by the winery as art and conversation piece, which I&rsquo;m sure you agree when it arrives at the table. A special selection from the best of vineyard locations. A wonderful addition to any celebration.

RT: That does sound like a wonderful addition. I&rsquo;m curious to see what else caught your eye.

MQ: I have to mention the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2016 also from Napa. The finest grapes from each vintage of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, malbec, and cabernet franc are sourced from premier sites in Stags Leap and Oak Knoll districts. Bold tannins, blackberries, dark cherries, cassis, minerality, and coffee all add to the beauty and elegance of this wine. From the first sip, I&rsquo;m sure you will agree with the 99-point rating from the&nbsp; Wine Advocate. Another exceptional addition to any celebration.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Catch Steak&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.com">Info@corkrules.com</a> 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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Elena Walch is a leading wine producer in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy. The winery is known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Elena Walch is committed to sustainable winemaking and has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly practices in the vineyard and winery.

Upscale hillside property offering Vesuvius views & a pool, plus free Wi-Fi & a breakfast buffet.

Steak Frites

Alexis Percival is a New York City based CMS certified sommelier, consultant and event planner who puts the art in party.

Certified sommelier Alexis Percival

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Meet CorkRules

Discover, manage, buy and order wine with confidence..

Up Your Wine Knowledge

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Expert Insights

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

Meet CorkRules

Discover, manage, buy and order wine with confidence..

Get exclusive content & new product updates

Up Your Wine Knowledge

Latest Episode

BRAT

Expert Insights

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World