#266
Et Voila
Latest Episode
- 3/7/23 | 4:47
About this Episode
Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas enjoy a little joie de vivre at the French bistro Et Voila, voted the best French restaurant in San Diego in 2022. The menu is fresh, wholly French, and absolutely delightful, and of course, the wine list is spectacular.
Wines reviewed include:
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2013 Echezeaux Grand Cru Marchand, Cote de Nuit
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2015 Chateau Mouton, Graves, France
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2018 Chimney Rock Stags Leap, Napa
Et Voila
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: Bonjour 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. Alright Grace what are we chatting about today?
GH: Today we are deep diving into the wine list for a fabulous French Bistro here in San Diego – Et Voila!
RT: Et Voila! Love the name. You must have been excited to talk about this list, because I know you’re a big French wine girl
GH: Hey it’s in my blood Robert! I can’t help but love French everything haha
RT: I know I kid I Kid. So what is their wine list concept?
GH: It’s strictly French and American actually! But it’s a nice médium sized list so lots of great options
RT:Shall we start with sparkling then?
GH: Absolutmont! Hahah for my fans of bubbles, they have some classic producers. I would go with either Chauvet Grand Cru Rose, or the Bosser Première Cru Blanc de Blanc
RT: Love trying those smaller boutique producers from champagne. Nice to see they have that representation on their list. Now what are you thinking for whites Grace?
GH: If you’re looking for something light and aromatic, I would grab either the 2018 Schlumberger Pinot Gris from Alsace, or the 2019 Domaine Girault Sancerre from the Loire Valley.
RT: Oh those both sound right up your alley Grace hahah and I assume they have some killer chardonnays, being in California and all
GH: They absolutely do Robert - If you’re wanting some French Chardonnay out of Burgundy I would go with the 2018 Olivier Le Flavie from the Cote de Beaune. And for my California Chardonnay drinkers the 2018 Antica from Napa valley
RT: Love the sound of either of those. So how are they looking for red wines?
GH: Killer selection of reds! Starting with the light aromatic Styles aka pinot noir haha – you could do a 2012 Tawse Premier Cru Nuit St George, or if you wanted a california pinot, the 2016 Patz and Hall from Russian River Valley
RT: Pinot fo sho hahaa what about something more medium bodied?
GH: This is where they really shine. Their selection of right Bordeauxs as well as cote du rhones are Mwah chef’s kiss. You could do the 2012 Chateau Certan de May from Pomerol, or the 2013 J Vidal Fluerie Cote Rotie
RT : Oh I know those styles are two of your favorites. Maybe we can get Et Voila to ship us two for our next content shoot hahah now if this is any indication of their quality, I can’t wait to hear what they have for bigger bolder reds
GH: They did not disappoint in that área robert. They’ve got a 2011 Chateau Guaraud Larose from St. Julien. And for my california cabernet drinkers – a 2018 Chimney Rock Stags Leap from Napa.
RT: Yup that'll do Grace that'll do hahah what are you picks for our friends who are looking to get some great wine but not break the bank?
GH: Great thing is that a lot of the et voila wines are very affordable. But my choice for White would be the 2020 Picpoul from Bertrand Terroir, and my wallet friendly red would be the 2015 Chateau Mouton from Graves
RT: Love those two. And how about our friends who are celebrating an anniversary or want to impress some business associates?
GH: Oh man my go big or go home choices would have to be 2004 Pommery Cuvee Louise Champagne. And for a red, the 2013 Echeaxeaux Grand Cru Marchand from Cote de Nuit
RT: Merci beaucoup haha - Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Et Voila. 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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