#237
Cecconi's
Latest Episode
- 2/3/23 | 5:4
About this Episode
Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Ceconni’s in West Hollywood. This is a modern-day classic Italian restaurant that serves hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Italy using the finest ingredients. Their wine list offers a wide selection of Italian wines that range from wonderful finds in the value section to some nice special occasion bottles.
Wines reviewed include:
● 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
● 2019 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
● 2012 Veuve Clicquot Grande Dame Champagne
Ceconnis
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: Hey hey Robert! Just another day to talk about wine!
RT : hahah totally 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. Today Grace and I will be reviewing the LA hot spot, Cecconni’s. Grace you mentioned you have recently dined here?
GH: Yes I did! I’ve been in LA for a week eating and drinking all over the city. Went to Cecconnis for a beautiful bouggie lunch and it did not disappoint.
RT: The life you lead Grace. Hashtag blessed. So what are your thoughts on their wine list?
GH: It’s super approachable. Definitely an emphasis on Italian. Some great values as well as some nice special occasion bottles.
RT: Love it! So where do we start? Bubbles as always?
GH: Twist my arm Robert haha I would go with either Ruinarts – they have a rose and a blanc de blanc which would be a great start to the meal
RT: Love the sound of that. How are they looking for whites?
GH: If you’re wanting to go Italian, I would either go with the vermentino or the gavi if you're looking for something crisp and aromatic, or either of the chardonnays from Umbria if you want something more rich and lush.
RT: All sound delish. What about a non Italian white?
GH: Ooooo I would probably go with a sancerre or a meursault. You know me and my French wines!
RT: Haha I sure do. Do they have some roses as well?
GH: Oh they absolutely do. And they’re all from the south of France so take your pick! This would be the one time I would say go ahead and choose the name you like the best and the price point you’re comfortable with. All the Provence roses are fabulous so you can’t go wrong!
RT: Rose all day ok ok I love it. Now they must have some tasty reds on the menu. Where would you steer us in the Italian red section?
GH: If you want something super light, you could go with the classic Sicilian red grape, nero d’avlo. If you want something médium bodied that’ll please everyone at the table I would so this 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. But my personal pick would be this 2013 barolo. Yes please and thank you very much
RT: Don’t tempt me with a good time now Grace. Those are sound delish. Now how are they looking for non Italian reds. Got any recommendations there?
GH: Absolutely – for a lighter red I would do this 2019 Gary Farell Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley. And then they have some heavy hitters from Napa – Caymus, Stags Leap, Opus One. Heitz, Quintessa. They’re all 2019 and 2020 vintages so take your pick!
RT : California cabs to the rescue haha I love it. Now, what are you thinking for some value on Cecconni’s list?
GH: For value white, I would do with this bottle of falanghina from the Italian white list, and then for value red, they have a 2018 Valpolicella from Italy as well which would be tasty.
RT : Sound like great options. What if we were celebrating a birthday or anniversary or a business deal etc? Any killer picks for a special occasion?
GH: We’re in LA baby so of course, they have a some baller bottles. I would go with this 2012 Veuve Cliquot Grande Dame Champagne. And then for a baller red, gonna have to be this 2011 Dominus.
RT: I love it – Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Cecconis. 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
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