Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Alto means high, referring to altitude when talking about wine, in both Spanish and Italian. Recently higher altitude locations have been planted more and more. A few decades ago, these areas were not seen as suitable for growing quality grapes as the climate back then was too cool. Today, with many producers witnessing a rising temperature, and a lot of new techniques in the vineyard, these areas are finally becoming viable. The higher you plant the cooler the temperature will be, but you will also receive more sun which in turn helps ripen the grapes. The temperature will be quite warm during the day, but very cool at night. This leads to ripe fruit aromas developing during the day, followed by a cool nighttime keeping the fresh acidity in the grapes, the best of both worlds for the grapes.

In Italy this development has been very prominent in northern Piemonte in the last decade. There is now talk about an area called Alto Piemonte, comprised of a few different wine regions. They are all located higher up in the mountains, and like the most famous wines from Piemonte many are based on the Nebbiolo grape. The most well-known wine regions would be Ghemme, Gattinara, and Boca.

But Alto Piemonte is not the only area where the term is used. In quite a few cases, in both Italy, Spain, Argentina and Chile the term can be seen used as part of a producer name or even as the name of a specific wine, sometimes to convey the wine is from a high planted vineyard. It is not uncommon however for winemakers to use the term to show it&rsquo;s their highest quality wine, not a wine from high altitude.

More wine growers have shown interest in high altitude vineyards lately, and the record of the highest planted one is something a few are trying to beat. It&rsquo;s safe to say the positive effects the altitude has on the growing grapes mean these vineyards are here to stay, and terms as alto may be used in more languages soon.

Wines from grapes grown in higher altitude areas with cooler climate has become quite the trend recently. This specific growing environment gives intense flavor but elegance and freshness to the final wines. To highlight and champion these conditions more and more winemakers are starting to use alto as a marketing and labelling term to show their grapes were grown in high altitude vineyards.

Decoding the wine label: Alto

Brut is a word often seen on labels for different kinds of sparkling wine. As you may have discovered when drinking these wines, it indicates that the wine is dry, meaning there is no perceived sweetness in the wine. But how about Extra Brut or Dry, what do they mean and are they the same as Brut?

Decoding the wine label: Brut

Semi-sweet Riesling, a type of wine falling out of style. It’s a shame, since these wines are perfect to pair with flavorful cuisines like Asian or Mexican, or simply drink as they come under the summer sun. The higher level of sugar left in the wine also means that the alcoholic fermentation was stopped before finishing, providing a wine with lower alcohol level and therefor easier grabbing a second glass of.

Decoding the wine label: Spätlese

Have you ever heard the word Xinomavro? Most have not. It is however a word on many sommeliers’ lips today, as it happens to be considered the grape variety with the highest quality in Greece, and one that is trending at the moment. The fact that Greece have been making wine for a long time comes as no surprise, but they have never exported an amount to make sure wine lovers around the globe tried it. With the growing wine tourism many have discovered these wines and are serving them in wine bars and restaurants in many countries today.

Decoding the wine label: Xinomavro

Chianti Classico, Valpolicella Classico, Soave Classico… Why do all these Italian wine regions have the Classico addendum and what does it mean? What is the difference for wines labeled as Classico?

Classico is a wine term in Italy seen on a few wine labels and it indicates that the wine’s from the historic center of the region, the heart. Using Chianti and Chianti Classico and their Sangiovese-based red wines as an example, Chianti is a rather large wine district within the Tuscany region. Chianti Classico is located withing Chianti as the central part and the one that originally existed. Back then this smaller region was actually called Chianti, but as the region grew the quality of the wine plummeted and the well-known characteristics of these red wines were watered down. The reputation took a hit and sales diminished. Eventually this led to the creation of Chianti Classico, which would be drawn from the original Chianti borders to recover the typicity of these wines. Today the quality of both Chianti and Chianti Classico have risen a lot due to modern techniques and knowledge about pruning, planting and temperature control in the winery.

Decoding the wine label: Classico

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

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

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

Harriet's Rooftop

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Harriet’s Rooftop, an elegantly comfortable space where patrons can take in the most expansive views of vibrant Toronto.

Wine List Review of Harriet's Rooftop, Toronto, Canada

Michaela Quinlan

Harriet&rsquo;s Rooftop:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, 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 Harriet&rsquo;s Rooftop. Located at the 1 Hotel in Toronto, this luxurious rooftop features light fate with classic cocktails, Sunday brunch, and an exceptional selection of wine.&nbsp;

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: A gorgeous rooftop view always lends itself to a celebration, no matter the reason. Their menu features several small and large dishes, sushi, along with local and organic wines. We have several noteworthy wines for you today.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s kick things off with a local selection. Consider the 2020 13th St Winery Chardonnay from Creek Shores, Canada. This lightly oaked Chardonnay exudes aromas and flavors of ripe green apple, melon, and peach, with notes of vanilla on the creamy finish. This would be a wonderful pairing for sushi and seafood.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Staying local, The 2020 Malivoire Small Lot Gamay from Beamsville Bench, Ontario is one to consider. This sustainable and vegan Gamay rivals the Gamay of Beaujolais. This medium-bodied red wine features notes of earth, ripe raspberries and cranberries, with hints of white pepper and a soft, mineral finish. This is an excellent pairing with lightly sauced proteins and savory 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: A must-try would be the 2019 Juggernaut Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley in California. This organic Pinot Noir showcases ripe cranberries, and cherries, with aromas of spice, and floral notes. A finish of vanilla and cinnamon come through, as this wine ages in French oak. Pair this Pinot Noir with light proteins, rich fish, and pasta.

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: After checking out the sushi and lighter fare on Harriet&rsquo;s Rooftop&rsquo;s menu, I was excited to see which Sauvignon Blanc was available. The 2020 Stattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc from Austria caught my eye. This highly rated, organic Sauvignon Blanc is bright and aromatic with notes of lemon zest, ripe peach and apricot with a mineral finish. Pair this with fresh herbs, soft cheese, and lightly sauced fish.

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: Another standout organic wine to consider of excellent quality and value would be the 2019 Alois Lageder &ldquo;Dolomiti&rdquo; Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige in Italy. Aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, ripe pear, lemon zest and spice make this bright, white wine an excellent aperitif, or to pair with shellfish and sushi.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: If you are considering a full-bodied, rich, red wine of excellent value that is also organic and vegan, look no further than the 2018 Earthworks Shiraz from the Barossa Valley of Australia. Ripe plumb, black cherries, notes of sage, earth, and vanilla make this red a true gem. Pair this New World winner with richly sauced proteins and pasta all for an excellent price.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or a special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

&nbsp;MQ: Rooftop celebrations certainly lend themselves to something sparkling. A favorite, and true classic, is the Piper Heidsieck Cuvee from Champagne. It all began in 1777, when Florens &ndash; Louis Heidsieck wanted to produce &ldquo;a wine that smiles.&rdquo; History as certainly proven his success in this endeavor. This highly rated cuvee consists of a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay and showcases bright citrus and pear, with notes of almonds, hazelnuts, and brioche. A perfect addition to any celebration.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Harriet&rsquo;s Rooftop&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.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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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

Precision is a family-owned winery located in Napa Valley, USA. Founded in 2007 by Stephen G. Krebs, the winery produces small-batch wines using a precision winemaking philosophy. The winery is known for its commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Resort's dining room serves locally inspired American fare in tony surroundings with country views.

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

Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill

Available Wines
Total Wines - 9

Nortico

Alvarinho 2020

Albarino

Minho, Portugal

Vietti

Moscato d'Asti 2020

Moscato Bianco

Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy

Smith & Hook

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

Central Coast, USA

Sipp Mack

Pinot Blanc 2018

Pinot Blanc

Alsace, France

The Prisoner

Unshackled Red Blend 2019

Zinfandel

California, USA

Schloss Vollrads

Riesling 2017

Riesling

Rheingau, Germany

Twenty Rows

Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon

North Coast, California, USA

Belle Glos

Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Pinot Noir

Santa Lucia Highlands, USA

Dutton-Goldfield

Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2018

Chardonnay

Russian River Valley, USA