<a href="https://majorfood.getbento.com/new-york-city-and-boston/">Dirty French</a>&nbsp;is a bistro-style restaurant in Lower Manhattan and Miami &nbsp;that serves classic, traditional French dishes and brings them into contemporary New York by utilizing modern techniques and adding bold twists inspired by our current love of global cuisine.

But when it comes to the wine list, French wines dominate and they are curated from every region, including the lesser-known Savoie region. So let&rsquo;s head over to the mountainous region of the Alps and explore the wines of Savoie.

Where else in the world can you ski in your shorts and sip champagne, and breathe in the pristine alpine air while goat bells ring in the distance? This is Savoie. The eastern border of France and just a short drive through Mont Blanc and you&#39;re in Switzerland and Northern Italy, but we&rsquo;re here for the wine. So let&rsquo;s pop the cork on what the experts have to say about wines from this region.

Savoie&rsquo;s 2,000 hectares of vineyards stretch across four areas: Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isere, and Ain. This mountainous region provides plenty of sloping hillsides while the large lakes help moderate the climate. The cooler temperatures and shorter summer work well for white wine grapes such as &nbsp;In fact, 70 percent of the wine produced in Savoie is white. Of all 23 grape varieties planted here, five are white and only two are red grape.

The most popular white wines from Savoie are produced from the following varietals.

Jacquere produces an early drinking, lively dry wine with flavors that range from floral and fruity (pear, white peach, grapefruit) to mineral and flinty. This varietal is the most commonly grown and used.

Altesse or Roussette &nbsp;is a white variety that ages well, achieving a noted complexity after just a few years in the bottle. Roussanne is known in Savoie as Bergeron, an aromatic wine with firm acidity.

Chasselas produces light-bodied, easy-drinking dry wines that are best drunk young. Gringet is a native varietal in this region, but despite its heritage here, it has only 54 acres of varietals, perhaps because it produces low-alcohol, easy drinking white wines, however, this grape has also produced some elegant and refreshing sparkling wines.

&nbsp;

Moving on to red wine from Savoie; the main red grape varieties are mondeuse and persan. Mondeuse is a native grape first cultivated by the Gauls, a Roman writer noted the grape as being &ldquo;the grape variety that ripens amidst the snow&rdquo; This grape brings a deep purple color to the wine with a well-structured acidity and well-integrated tannins that allow the wine to age well.

Persan is also a native variety but it is difficult to grow and prone to downy mildew. It produces dense tannins and acidity, and while wine from this grape can be harsh when young, it ages well and can kept for over ten years. &nbsp;

Of course, although these are the grapes that provide wine with interesting notes and are designed to thrive in this environment, today&rsquo;s winemakers in this region often turn to the more well-known varietals that can also thrive here and are more resilient to changing weather patterns.

To find a few of the best bottles on the wine list at this restaurant, head on over to<a href="https://uat.corkrules.com/dirty-french/episodes/19">&nbsp;the CorkRules&rsquo; podcast on Dirty French</a>&nbsp;where certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise and offers a few professional suggestions on wines to choose and, most importantly, enjoy.

Cheers!

&nbsp;

About the CorkRules Podcast:&nbsp;Each week we pour a glass and share top restaurant wine list picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the wine list thanks to sommelier recommendations, suggested food pairings and expert insights

About CorkRules:&nbsp;CorkRules, the first digital wine app experience aimed at making it easier for you to navigate the restaurant wine list, provides you with personalized wine recommendations from your favorite restaurants. Through CorkRules you can find the perfect wine for every occasion based on your preferences, connect with friends and wine experts to discover new wines to try and learn about wine. CorkRules makes it easier to discover and drink what you love. &nbsp;

Dirty French is a bistro-style restaurant in Lower Manhattan and Miami  that serves classic, traditional French dishes and brings them into contemporary New York by utilizing modern techniques and adding bold twists inspired by our current love of global cuisine.

Dirty French Wines from Savoie

Bordeaux is a name synonymous with some of the world's most prestigious red wines, but its white wines, particularly Bordeaux Blanc, often fly under the radar. While the reds of this region have garnered international fame, Bordeaux Blanc wines, crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes, are some of the wine world's best-kept secrets. These wines offer an elegant balance of freshness, complexity, and aging potential that can rival the finest whites from anywhere in the world.

Bordeaux Blanc: An Underappreciated Gem of the Wine World

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our palates yearn for refreshing beverages that embody the essence of summer. For those new to the world of wine, choosing between cider, orange wine, and rosé can be a delightful journey. Each offers unique flavors and experiences perfect for warm weather sipping. In this article, we’ll explore three standout choices: Wolffer Dry Cider No. 139, Cune Viña Rosado 2023, and Spiritus Terrae Malvasia Orange 2021.

Savoring Summer: The Best Rosé Drink Choices from Cider-Orange-Rosé for Beginners

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

The Switch? – #restaurantfail #winelistfail

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at the Greek restaurant Krasi in Boston

Wine List Review of Krasi, Boston

Michaela Quinlan

Krasi

Krasi:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;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&hellip; 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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Krasi. Located in Boston&rsquo;s Back Bay, Krasi features classic, sharable Greek recipes and natural wines.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what you think of their wine list?

MQ: Krasi is the Greek word for wine, and to say their list is unique and extensive is an understatement. Prepare yourself for an incredible line up of standout Greek varietals that are sure to please and surprise.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: What better way to begin than with something sparkling. The first that caught my eye was the 2019 Vassaltis, &ldquo;Pet Nat&rdquo; Savatiano, from Santorini. This naturally sparkling wine is made from the Savatiano grape, which is one of the most widely planted grapes in Greece. This slightly sweet sparkler features aromas and flavors of lemon zest, melon, pear, and honey, making it a perfect pairing for cheese, herbed, and spicy dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Every item on this list has caught my eye! However, a standout red wine to consider is the 2017 Zafeirakis &ldquo;Limniona&rdquo; from Tyrnavos. Trynavos is located in central Greece. With its deep ruby color, herbal notes, and bright acidity, the Limniona grape is your go-to for richly sauced dishes.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo; ?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s head to Crete to sample a natural, skin contact or orange wine. Consider the 2017 Douloufakis, &ldquo;Amphora&rdquo; Vidiano. The Vidiano grape is a white grape indigenous to Crete and features aromas and flavors of ripe peach, melon, tangerine, and thyme. The production of this wine allows for prolonged contact of the juice and skin, followed by aging in an Amphora. A unique wine to pair with herbed and savory dishes.

RT: These are some great calls. So you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Remaining in Crete, a bottle to consider for the table would be the 2019 Stillanou, Mandilari, &ldquo;Great Mother&rdquo;. This organic red wine is made from 100% Mandilari grapes, producing a light to medium bodied wine featuring aromas and flavors of earth, mushrooms, fig, nuttiness, with a slight saline note on the finish. Pair this wine with cheese and olives.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind..&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Revisiting Tyrnavos in Central Greece, an excellent quality/value white wine is the 2019 Zafeirakis, Malagousia &ldquo;Microcosmos&rdquo;. Malagousia is a light, dry, white wine that was almost extinct. It features ripe peach, melon, green apple, honeysuckle, and bright acidity with a mineral finish. Pair this wine with herbed dishes, lightly sauced proteins, and seafood.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Returning to Crete, a value red to consider would be the 2017 Douloufakis, Liatiko &ldquo;Amphora&rdquo;. Liatiko is a dry, full bodied red wine that features aromas and flavors of earth, mushrooms, pine, ripe red cherries, clove, and nutmeg on the finish. Pair this red with herbed and spicy dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: An exceptional wine to consider for a special occasion would be the 2013 Nerantzi, Koniaros, located in Serres, Greece. Located within Macedonia, this small, family run winery began producing wine in 1988 in honor of their grandparents. The red grape in this wine is Koniaros, which is rich, full, bodied, and organic. Aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, currant, earth, and leather come together to make this wine an excellent pairing for richly sauced proteins, herbed dishes, and any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Krasi&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

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: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@CorkRules.com</a> 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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

End

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Beringer Main & Vine is a renowned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Established in 1876 by Jacob Beringer, the winery has a rich history of crafting premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Today, Beringer Main & Vine is owned by Beringer Blass Wine Estates and continues to be one of the leading producers of high-quality wines in California.

A striking art nouveau conservatory with butterfly house stands in this statue-filled palace garden.

Frequently Asked Questions