Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they&rsquo;re grown in, even though they&rsquo;re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

This white grape variety is called Pinot Gris in its home country, France. Gris means gray in French and it refers to the unusual color of the grape skins. The color can differ from grey, slightly purple or even orange or pink. For white grape varieties these colors are quite uncommon. Due to this it is sometimes used for blush wine, light ros&eacute; styled wine that is. The name is similar to the black grape Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris is actually naturally mutated from this variety hundreds of years ago.

The same grape is also grown in Italy under the name Pinot Grigio. They grape may have originated in France, but it&rsquo;s here in Italy where the most acres are planted to the grape. Even though it&rsquo;s the same variety, the styles made are worlds apart. The French style, made in the wine region Alsace, can be full-bodied with intense aromas of peach and honey even though the wines are not sweet. The colored grape skin can also give these wines a deeper golden color. The Italian style finds its home in the Alps in the northern part of the country. The cool climate here provides fresh and light styles of wine, with aromas of green apple and lime often meant for early consumption.

Today the grape can be found in other countries like the USA and New Zealand where the chosen name of the grape stated on the label tends to link back to the style made either in France or Italy. Both styles can be great and it depends on the occasion which one that should be opened. The richer style made in Alsace is perfect to flavorful food where the elegant Pinot Grigio is best as is or to raw fish or seafood. Which is your favorite?

Many grape varieties around the world of wine have names local to the region or country they’re grown in, even though they’re exactly the same. The most famous example would be Syrah in France where the same grape is named Shiraz in Australia. Another variety with two names is Pinot Grigio, or Pinot Gris.

Decoding the wine label: Pinot Grigio

In the rarefied world of fine wine, where bottles can command prices equivalent to luxury cars, authenticity is everything. Laurent Ponsot's gripping memoir "FBI: Fake Bottle Investigation" reads more like a high-stakes thriller than a traditional wine book, chronicling his relentless pursuit of one of the wine world's most infamous counterfeiters, Rudy Kurniawan.

From Burgundy's Vineyards to the FBI's Most Wanted: A Winemaker's Quest for Justice

Chablis – one of the more popular styles of wine today and a region known by many. Most are familiar with the word Chablis and the light, fresh white wine with a touch of minerality it brings. Even though it’s a renowned wine, few knows what it really is.

Decoding the wine label: Chablis

Have you ever seen the term sur lie on a wine label? It’s not a grape and not a wine region, but a winemaking method used to give certain styles of white wine a rounder texture and a more complex flavor profile.

Decoding the wine label: Sur lie

Syrah and Shiraz. Two different names for the same grape variety, but also the name of two different styles of wine. Originally from France but spread around the world today, it has found its own identity in regions far away from the original origin.

The black grape Syrah comes from the French Rhône valley and it’s still very much planted there. Here, it’s the only variety used in Hermitage and Cornas, and also used in blends with other local grapes in areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône to mention a few. The grape name won’t appear on the label though since in France, and in Europe in general, the origin is of more importance than the grape variety.

Decoding the wine label: Syrah or Shiraz?

Champagne, the obvious choice for celebrations or holidays in any form for many wine drinkers. Since it’s a fantastic, artisan beverage, why change the tradition? With the holidays coming up, choose to pour something extra special this year – the millésime style champagne.

Decoding the wine label: Millésime

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

Maison

Michaela Quinlan

Maison Premier

Music Intro:

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where&nbsp;(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 list&rsquo;s 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 Maison Premiere. Here we have tradition with a modern flair. Think classic, big city hotel restaurants that feature oysters, seafood, and an endless wine list.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: I am ready to spend some time in their garden and sample some of these amazing wine selections. Many of the wines featured are organic, meaning no herbicides or pesticides were used in the vineyards, along with biodynamic principles. (self-sustaining system&hellip;natural composts, etc)

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Of course. I would begin with the Ludovic Chanson Chenin Blanc 2019 from the Loire Valley. I find the light to medium body of the Chenin Blanc, along with the citrus, and minerality, a great place to begin, especially if you are starting your dining experience with some oysters.

RT: That is for sure unique.

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: A must try for our bod, red wine fans would be Goyo Garcia TempraNULLlo 2019 from Ribera del Duero, Spain. This TempraNULLlo blends aromas and flavors of ripe red cherry and plums, along with hints of vaNULLla and spice from aging in French Oak. Even with these bold flavors, the TempraNULLlo is food friendly and pairs well with anything smoked or spicy.

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: Absolutely. With all of the oyster and seafood selections, I would start the table with a bottle of the Famille Thillardon &ldquo;La Haute Blanc&rdquo; 2017 from Beaujolais, France. Since we are in Beaujolais, a sub region of Burgundy, the Beaujolais Blanc will consist of the Chardonnay grape. This unoaked Chardonnay brings with it apricot and peach flavors, along with white floral aromas. I can&rsquo;t say it enough, but this is a crowd-pleaser for the table and perfect seafood pairing, all at an excellent price.

RT: Ooh, Terrific.

Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: You know I love to find wines of quality and value. This menu is certainly full of them! I would consider the Jean Christophe Jezequel Vielles Vignes, 2017 from the Touraine, France. Quality and value can be found in specified locations as well. For this wine, it is from the Touraine, which is part of the Loire Valley, and a neighbor to Sancerre. Therefore, by enjoying this Vielle Viegnes, which means &ldquo;old vines&rdquo; often leading to higher prices, you are experiencing all the quality of high-end Sauvignon Blanc&hellip;the minerality, grapefruit, and lime, all at an excellent value.

RT: For me personally&hellip;

MQ: Absolutely!

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: There are so many wonderful options. I would consider the Domaine Hauvette &ldquo;Cornaline&rdquo; 2011 from Provence, France. You may be familiar with Roses from Provence. Their red wines are superb as well. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Syrah, exudes Provence, they have all of the smooth tannins and ripe strawberries, but also with a hint of licorice on the finish. This will certainly pair well with herbal dishes and any celebration.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Maison Premiere&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

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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

Tuscan Soul is a wine producer located in Toscana, Italy. They were founded in 1999 with the goal of producing high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of Toscana. Their winemaking philosophy is centered around respecting the land and using traditional winemaking techniques to create wines that are true to the region. The winery is of medium size and their ownership is unknown.

Chef Tom Colicchio's refined, farm-fresh American fare served in an elegantly understated space.

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

The View

Il Capriccio

Clarity

Bellissimo Restaurant

Bellissimo

Sandbar

Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern

Mirabelle at Three Village Inn

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Craft

R. Lopez de Heredia

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Movia

Rebula - Ribolla 2019

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Flowers

Pinot Noir 2021

Pinot Noir

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G.D. Vajra

Albe Barolo 2019

Nebbiolo

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Chateau La Nerthe

Chateauneuf-du-Pape NV

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Silver Thread, STV Estate Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Finger Lakes 2018

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Viña Zorzal

Garnacha Blanca 2020

Garnacha Blanca

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Domaine Dupasquier

Jacquere Savoie 2014

Jacquere

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Yohan Lardy

Cru Chenas Les Deschamps 2016

Gamay

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Casa Setaro

Terramatta Aglianico 2021

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Bond

Melbury 2018

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Ravines

White Springs Vineyard Dry Riesling 2017

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Silver Thread, Semi-Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes 2017

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Envinate

Albahra Garnacha Tintorera 2020

Spain