CorkRules - Episodes | Harbour 60 Toronto Harbour 60

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas head north to explore the wine list at Harbour 60 where they serve the best steak in town and have curated an exceptional wine list. This exceptional restaurant offers a wonderful selection of old-world and new-world wines, and it also features a few standout Canadian wines that are new to the market but well worth trying. Michaela finds a few delicious whites to pair with shellfish on the menu, a shiraz to pair with lamb, and a beautiful Rioja from the oldest vineyard in the region that dates back to 1852.

Wines reviewed include:

2021 Lungarotti, Torre di Giano, from Umbria, Italy
2018 Wakefield “Crooked Horse” Shiraz, Australia
2017 Marques de Murrieta Reserva from Rioja, Spain

Transcript: Harbour 60

Harbor 60:

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 Harbour 60 Toronto. This premiere steakhouse features a gorgeous dining room, two private dining areas, and stellar menu.

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

MQ: As you can imagine, Harbour 60’s wine list consists of standout local wines, along with all of the Old World and New World classics you hope for when dining at such an exquisite steakhouse.

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

MQ: Much like their shellfish and raw bar menu, the first wine to catch my eye was the 2021 Lungarotti, Torre di Giano, from Umbria, Italy. This white blend of Grechetto, Vermentio, and Trebbiano features aromas of ripe pear, mandarin orange, ripe peach, with a dry, mineral finish. The medium body of this white wine also makes it an excellent companion to charcuterie, and herbed dishes.

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

MQ: If you have moved on to classic steakhouse entrees, consider the bold and full bodied 2018 Wakefield ‘Crooked Horse’ Shiraz from the Clare Valley of Australia. This South Australian standout is well balanced featuring ripe blueberries, fig, and prune, with notes of vanilla and cocoa on the finish. The smooth tannins of this red make it an excellent pairing with richly sauced steak and lamb.

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

MQ: I personally feel it is always rose season, especially if you are looking to pair with several items from Harbor 60’s menu, such as shellfish, salads, and seafood. Consider the classic 2021 Chateau Camparnaud ‘Prestige’ Rose form Provence, France. This light, dry, and crisp rose is 100% Grenache and features bright acidity with notes of strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, minerality, and lavender. A year-round must try.

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: We have another classic. A full-bodied red wine from the oldest family winery in Rioja, creating the first vintage in 1852. Consider the 2017 Marques de Murrieta Reserva from Rioja, Spain. The Reserva designation notes that this wine ages for a minimum of three years, with at least one year in oak. This consistently highly rated blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha showcases ripe blackberries, plumb, dried flowers, lavender, with smoke, spice, and leather on the finish. The round tannins and acidity of this classic makes it a perfect companion to richly sauced proteins.

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: Another classic producer of excellent quality and value from Italy is Serego Alighieri. Consider their 2020 ‘Possessioni’ white blend from the Veneto. This blend of Garganega and Sauvignon Blanc features green apple, grapefruit, and notes of ripe peach with bright acidity and a mineral finish. Pair this lovely, crisp white blend with lighter fare, salads, and charcuterie.

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

MQ: For those of you looking for a lighter-bodied red, consider the 2017 Opawa Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand. While this red is lighter in body, it still packs a punch. The ripe cranberries and cherries with notes of smoke, mushroom, earth, and thyme make this red an excellent companion to herbed dishes and lightly sauced proteins, all for 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: As you may imagine, Harbor 60’s wine list consists of pages of top-notch, stand-out wines. One to consider for any special occasion would be the 2006 Chateau Teyssier ‘Le Dome’ Grand Cru Clesse from Bordeaux, France. This highly rated, Cabernet Franc dominant blend is one for collectors and Francophiles. The ripe blackberries, plumb, cassis, and lavender, with rich, round tannins, smoke, and leather on the finish make this stellar vintage a winner for any and all occasions.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Harbour 60 Toronto’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.

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