CorkRules - Episodes

Available on

About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Barbrix a wine shop and restaurant hotspot in Los Angeles with a spectacular selection of women wine makers, orange wine, pet nat wines, and natural wines. Grace identifies must-try wines from the unique selection on offer.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Prosa Sparkling Rose, Austria
2021 “Ode to Lulu” Rose, Bedrock, California
2020 Barbera d’Alba, Sottimano, Pairolero

Transcript: Barbrix

https://www.barbrix.com/wine

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 Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

GH: Happy to be here as always 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. Grace what great spot are we reviewing today?

GH: We are chatting about LA wine spot Bar Brix. This place definitely has a modern twist to it. Along with some great classic selections, they highlight some of niches of our industry that is getting a lot of buzz - woman wine makers, orange wine, pet nat wines, natural wine etc.

RT: Oh wow they are very on trend with everything happening in the wine world. I’m excited to get into it. Shall we start with bubbles?

GH: Why wouldn’t we! Hehe! They’ve got 1 option for champagne coming from Deutz which is a very small producer. And if you’re in more of a Frizzante mood, I would do this 2020 Prosa sparkling Rose from Austria.

RT: Oh wow I’ve never heard of those. I always love discovering new producers. Thanks for that Grace. Now - what are you feeling in the white wine section?

GH: They’ve got some really unique selections! I am loving the look of this 2020 Xarelo from Pares Balta out of Spain. Or you could also go with a classic – Jermann Pinot Grigio. And for Chardonnay they only have 1 choice! The 2018 Domaine Eden.

RT: 1 chardonnay on a California wine list? That can’t be true.

GH: That’s why I love little unique independent wine spots like this. They have a vision and they stick to it. You can get Cali chard anywhere. Bar Brix is looking to highlight other Styles and grapes and I am here for it.

RT: Amen to that sister. They probably have some delicious roses then.

GH: They sure do Robert. I’m loving the look of this 2021 “Ode to Lulu” Rose from Bedrock, which our fellow CorkRules sommelier Grant works at! Hey Grant! You’re doing great sweetie hahah

RT: Hey would you look at that! Keep up the good work at Bedrock Grant. Alright Grace – want to hit us with some unique reds?

GH: I sure do Robert – If you’re feeling something light but structured, you could do this 2020 Barbera d’Alba from Sottimano Pairolero, this 2020 la Croix Rouge from Domaine de la Coche, or this 2021 Nero d’Avlo from Due Terre Nivuru

RT: Very cool. Love to see these smaller producers making waves. What about some picks for those medium bodied wine drinkers?

GH: They’ve got a 2018 Rioja from Bodegas Ugalde. Oh, and a Grace Hood favorite – a 2015 St. Joseph from Domaine Boissonet out of the northern Rhone. And they have a really fun blend from the Willamette Valley – the 2021 Vin de Days from Day wines

RT: Love the sound of those. And how about rounding it out with some big boys?

GH: They’ve got a 2016 Tannat Cabernet blend from Chateau Peyros Madiran, as well as a 2010 Veja Sicilia Único

RT: Great choices. Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Barbrix. 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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End