CorkRules - Episodes | Coquette Coquette

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the French brasserie, Coquette. If you love the food of Southwest France and Spain’s Basque Country, this is the place for you. The combination of Gallic influences and Boston’s fresh seafood are beautifully represented in the menu, and the wines served open the door to the brasserie’s playful and flirtatious energy.

Wines reviewed include:

2016 Benedicte et Stephan Tissot Traminer, France
2019 Barbara Ohlzelt Zobinger Gruner Veltiner, Austria
2015 Olga Raffault Picasses Cabernet Franc, France

Transcript: Coquette

Coquette:

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 Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi 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.

RT: Today we are talking about Coquette. Located in Boston’s Seaport, Coquette combines the style of a classic French Bistro with inspiration from Northern Spain and local seafood, all with a modern twist.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: As much as I enjoy wine lists that offer bottles of all sizes, I also enjoy menus that feature menu items of all sizes. Coquette has it all from appetizers, to small plates, to main entrees, with an extensive wine list to match.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first, of many, wines that caught my eye was the 2018 Vietti Derthona, Timorasso from the Piedmont of Italy. The Timorasso grape is a native varietal of the Piedmont. This light, crisp white wine offers bright acidity, with notes of tangerine, ripe pear, and citrus, along with aromas of white flowers and honeysuckle, making this an excellent companion to seafood, shellfish, and hard cheeses.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: If we are enjoying French Bistro classics, then we must consider the 2019 Domaine David Moreau Santenay 1er Cru “Beauregard” from Burgundy. This impressive Pinot Noir from the southern commune of Santenay features cranberries, and red cherries, with notes of earth, mushroom, and spice. While medium bodied, this dry Pinot Noir pairs well with all herbed proteins.

RT: So, Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: A must-try grape from a must-try region! Consider the 2016 Benedicta et Stephan Tissot Traminer from the Jura region of France. Jura is located in Eastern France and produces this beautiful, small, berried grape, Traminer, also known as Savagnin. It is floral, and has excellent age ability. This is a must-try, especially for fans of Albarino and Gewurztraminer. The ripe green apple, citrus, and minerality, along with savory notes on the finish make this wine an excellent pairing for herbed dishes, olives, and cheeses.

RT: These are some great calls. So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: With the endless bistro and seafood dining items, a red wine to consider would be the 2017 Chateau du Moulin-a-Vent from Moulin-a-Vent in Burgundy. Moulin-a-Vent is located in the Beaujolais region of Burgundy, therefore featuring the Gamay grape. This grape has bright acidity and features aromas and flavors of ripe red cherries, blackberries, earth, mushroom, spice, and smoke.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: I can’t stop thinking of the charcuterie and seafood dishes on Coquette’s menu. An excellent, unique, quality and value wine to consider is the 2019 Barbara Ohlzelt Zobinger Gruner Veltiner from Austria. The tangerine, citrus, ripe, green apple, bright acidity, and mineral finish will lead this wine to your “favorites” list.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Of course, when it comes to red, I always spend a bit more time on the Cabernet Franc selections. The 2015 Olga Raffault Picasses Cabernet Franc from Chinon in France. Chinon is located in the Loire Valley, and this Cabernet Franc stands out with aromas and flavors of blackberries, cassis, earth, smoke, herbs, black pepper, and violets. A classic grape varietal for classic French fare, all at an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: With French dining on the mind, I had to note the 1982 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Grand Cru Clesse from the Pauillac village of Bordeaux. This superior, 97-point rated, stand-out vintage is certainly a consideration for any special occasion. Pauillac is one of the most famous villages of Bordeaux, and specifically the Left Bank. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend showcases ripe blackberries, cassis, minerality, smoke, and tobacco, with a rich, full body and firm, round tannins. A true classic.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Coquette’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.

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.

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

Thank you.

End