CorkRules - Episodes | Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar Hy's Steakhouse

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Hy’s Steakhouse in Toronto. Their wine list has won the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and the list includes classic producers, limited releases, and local selections from small producers in Canada. Michaela spots some stand-out wines on the list including a syrah with notes of ripe, red cherries, ripe raspberries, white pepper, and thyme, perfect for pairing with pasta or rich, saucy dishes.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Wild Goose Riesling from the Okanagan Valley
2019 Domaine Chante-Perdrix Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
2018 Tenuta Sette Ponti “Oreno” from Tuscany

Transcript: Hy's Steakhouse

Hy’s:

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 Hy’s Steakhouse. With locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg, this fine dining establishment has been providing exceptional steakhouse fare and hospitality for over 65 years.

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

MQ: A Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner, this list consists of standout classic producers, limited releases, and local selections.

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

MQ: Let’s begin with a local selection. The 2020 Wild Goose Riesling from the Okanagan Valley of Canada. This Riesling is on the dry end of the sweetness spectrum, with bright acidity, and features honeysuckle, ripe, green apple, dried apricots, with a mineral finish. Enjoy this Riesling with cheese and charcuterie, and any spicy dish.

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

MQ: Staying local, consider the 2017 Vanessa Vineyard Syrah from the Similkameen Valley of Canada. This standout Syrah has all of the ripe, red cherries, ripe raspberries, white pepper, and thyme you would hope for in a rich, full-bodied Syrah. Pair this wine with richly sauced proteins and pasta.

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 is the 2019 Domaine Chante-Perdrix Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc. This Southern Rhone Grenache Blanc blend is medium-bodied with bright acidity, ripe peach, cantaloupe, and lime zest. This Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is a perfect companion to dense fish and lightly sauced proteins.

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: Since we are dining at Hy’s Steakhouse, consider the 97-point rated 2018 Tenuta Sette Ponti “Oreno” from Tuscany. This Super Tuscan is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, all grown in Tuscany. The winery’s flagship wine showcases aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries, cassis, plumb, fig, and black cherries, with notes of licorice and cocoa on the finish. A wonderful companion to all rich dishes on Hy’s Steakhouse’s menu.

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: A wine of excellent quality and value that caught my eye was the 2018 Jolie Farm Muscat from the Okanagan Valley in Canada. This Muscat Blanc has a touch of sweetness, making it an excellent pairing for spicy and fried dishes. Aromas of tropical fruit such as mango, and pineapple, along with bright acidity and citrus, make this wine a wonderful, local consideration.

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

MQ: Let’s head to Spain for our full-bodied, quality and value red wine. Consider the Domino de Tares “Cepas Viejas” Mencia from Bierzo. This Mencia showcases ripe blackberries, cassis, and leather, with notes of cocoa and nutmeg on the finish. Another excellent pairing for all rich and richly 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: A classic wine pairing for a classic steakhouse. Consider the 2019 Obsidian Ridge “Half Mile” Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lake County of California. The grapes are grown on steep, volcanic hillsides, a half mile in elevation, allowing the grapes at this higher elevation to enjoy more warmth from the sun. The splash of Petit Verdot and Petit Syrah add to the rich aromas and flavors of prune, ripe blackberries, cassis, herbs, lavender, leather, and cocoa. The richness of this wine welcomes all rich dishes for any special occasion.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Hy’s Steakhouse’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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