Listen to the CorkRules Podcast

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

Robert Tas and 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

Robert Tas talks to writer, and director Todd Norwood about his new film, Gap Weekend and the world of wine. Todd shares stories about the making of his film Gap Weekend, and, of course, wine. Todd shares why he chose to film in wine country, his favorite wine, how he paid the crew overtime, and where you can access the film. 

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas visit the renowned steakhouse Alba in Quincy, Massachusetts. Michaela reviews Alba’s wine list with Old and New World favorites in standard, half, and large bottle formats. She offers pairing suggestions and identifies the tasting notes of several bottles on the list, and she points out wines from a winery that has been producing award-winning wines since 1626,  a bold Chilean wine made from the carmenere varietal, in addition to the value wines and wines that should not be missed. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, France

• 2019 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio from Friuli in Italy

• 2016 Tenuta dell Ornellaia,Tuscany, Italy

WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier Tina Johansson and Robert Tas review the wine list 10 Greek Street located in Soho, London. From British Fizz to delicious whites and robust reds, Tina identifies the wines on the menu that pair well with the food served. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2021 Johannesh of Reinisch Rotgipfler, Austria

• 2021 Ministry of Clouds Grenache from McLaren Vale,  Australia

• 2012 1086, Prestige Cuvee, Nyetimber, England

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at L’Auberge Chez Francois, an elegant restaurant serving classic French dishes in a farmhouse setting with a delightful garden patio. Family-owned since 1954, the ethos here is to set the standard for authentic French food that satisfies your appetite and your soul. Michaela reviews the extensive wine list of old-world and new-world wines, and shares her knowledge of pairing wines with the menu and tasting notes to help you make an informed decision. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2020 Domaine Schoenheitz Gewurztraminer,  Alsace

• 2015 Domaine Brana, Bizi Berri, France

• 2019 Anthill Farms, Mixed Blacks, Russian River Valley, California

WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier Tina Johansson and Robert Tas take a trip across the pond to London where they review the wine list at Andrew Edmunds, a restaurant that serves a modern European menu served at candlelit tables in a snug 18th-century townhouse. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2017 Chablis Vent d’Ange, France

• 2022 Vassaltis Santorini Assyrtiko, Greece

• 2014 Testa dei Cherubini, California

Certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and Robert Tas review the wine list at Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar. A restaurant that serves a fresh, unique menu in a rustic designed space. Michaela offers tantalizing descriptions of tasting notes with aromas of white flowers and citrus, along with notes of tangerine, ripe peach, and tropical fruit, or aromas of ripe cranberries, ripe red cherries, and blackberries, with notes of clove, spice, vanilla, and cocoa and she offers pairing suggestions and wine recommendations.

Wines reviewed include:

• 2019 Dalila Reserva, Viognier and Grillo blend, Sicily

• 2020 Pago del Vicario, Tempranillo Blanco, Spain

• 2021 Tsililis, Theopetra Estate Assyrtiko and Malagouzia, Greece

Certified sommelier and wine educator Maria Valetta and Robert Tas review the wine list at Matteo’s in Las Vegas where they offer a deliciously Italian menu in a contemporary setting. Maria spots a few by-the-glass wines that are sure to please In addition to pairing suggestions. She also selects a few Indigenous Italian varietals and a wallet-friendly wine to try in place of the pricier Barolos and Barbaresco. 

Wines reviewed include:

• 2018 Valtiglione, Piemonte, Italy

• 2020 Arneis Roagna, Piemonte, Italy 

• 2015 Piedirosso, Kerres, “I Pentri”, Campania, Italy