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.

Kate was hosting an important client for dinner at a popular high-end dining establishment when she was asked to order wine for the group right away. No pressure. As she perused through the extensive 500-bottle list in search of a reasonably priced option that would suit everyone&#39;s tastes, she turned to her trusty CorkRules app for assistance. With limited choices under $200, Kate finally settled on what seemed like a great deal - a Burgundy recommended by the app. Yes burgundy under $200.

However, things took an unexpected turn when the sommelier arrived with news that their chosen bottle was unavailable. Instead of offering similar options within their budget range, he presented them with two significantly more expensive alternatives &ndash; 5X higher than her original choice. This put Kate in an uncomfortable position not only because it exceeded her price point but also because these wines may not have been suitable accompaniments to their meal. While Kate managed to negotiate with the sommelier and get him to honor her initial selection&#39;s price point eventually, this experience left her questioning his credibility and that of the restaurant itself.

It is all too common for customers to encounter misleading or outdated wine lists and sommeliers who prioritize pushing high-priced bottles over providing genuine guidance.

To avoid falling prey to such tactics while dining out:

- Do your research beforehand by checking online menus or using apps like CorkRules. - Don&#39;t hesitate to ask questions about prices or recommendations from your server.

- Be confident in your choices and don&#39;t feel pressured into buying something outside your budget.

At its core, dining out should be an enjoyable experience without any added stress or tension. By being informed and assertive, you can avoid the wine list hustle and have a more pleasant time at your next restaurant visit. Let&#39;s continue to trust but verify and hope for more transparency in the industry. After all, ordering wine should enhance our dining experience, not leave us feeling taken advantage of. #orderwithconfience

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

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

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

Bernard’s

Michaela Quinlan

Bernards

Bernards

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 Bernard&rsquo;s in Ridgefield, CT. Bernard&rsquo;s offers something for everyone, from fine dining at Bernard&rsquo;s, to a more casual atmosphere upstairs at Sarah&rsquo;s Wine Bar, both featuring seasonal ingredients with local, organic, meats and cheeses.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: This is a wonderfully diverse list featuring old-world, and new-world favorites, along with specials of the month. I can&rsquo;t wait to get started.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let&rsquo;s begin with the 2020 Clement Sauvignon Blanc from Menetou Salon. Menetou Salon is a village in the eastern end of the Loire Valley in France. Classic Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity, with grapefruit, pear, citrus notes, and a mineral finish. A wonderful pairing for shellfish, cheeses, and spicy dishes.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: I always enjoy reviewing Spanish selections in shops and on menus. I find they are some of the great quality meets value wines. One that caught my eye was the 2016 El Encinal Tempranillo, from Ribera del Duero. This red wine features ripe blackberries, black cherries, with notes of smoke and earth on the finish. A wonderful consideration to pair with any proteins on the menu.

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 2020 Andre Brunell &ldquo;LesCailloux&rdquo; Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc. Yes, the same Chateauneuf du Pape of the Southern Rhone that produces beautiful Grenache and Syrah blends, also offers a stellar white blend from the Roussanne and Grenache Blanc grape varietals. This unoaked white wine offers plenty of body with bright acidity, citrus, melon and pear. Another wonderful pairing for salmon, tuna, and duck.

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: Another unique, must-try that would pair beautifully with Bernard&rsquo;s menu would be the 2011 Chateau Montus Tannat, from Madiran in Southwest France. Tannat is a red grape varietal that features blackberries, cassis, nutmeg, and earth. This is a wonderful consideration if you are eyeing anything with a rich sauce, or grilled vegetables.

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: 2016 Domaine des Beaumard Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France. Chenin Blanc is a wonderful, white grape that features pear, melon, peach, and green apple. This is a beautiful, light bodied white wine with bright acidity and a mineral finish, and makes a perfect pairing for salmon, tuna, and soft cheeses.

RT: That sounds great. Any other great values out there?

MQ: Absolutely! Another consideration would be the 2006 Chateau Haut Bergey Rouge, from Graves. Graves is located within Bordeaux and produces beautifully mineral Sauvignon Blanc. However, this red blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon features black currants, leather, smoke, and herbs with smooth tannins to pair with all proteins on the menu. Another hidden gem at 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?

&nbsp;MQ: I am one to turn to full-bodied red wines when we are discussing taking things up a notch. While there are many, worthy contenders, I happened upon a dessert wine on Bernard&rsquo;s menu that is worth mentioning.

If you are looking to continue your evening with great company and conversation, a classic dessert wine to consider would be the 2010 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos from Hungary, a blend of grapes of noble rot that spend a minimum of 18 month in oak. This aromatic dessert wine features aromas and flavors of dried apricot, honey, and orange.

There are levels of sweetness, or Puttonyos from 3 to 6, that note the residual sugar added to the wine. While quite sweet, this wine also features balanced acidity. Pair this wine with some blue cheese and you could linger for hours.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Bernard&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.

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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.

Classic dishes such as roast pig & ropa vieja are boosted by live son music & hand-rolled cigars.

Steak Frites

Alexis Percival is a New York City based CMS certified sommelier, consultant and event planner who puts the art in party.

Certified sommelier Alexis Percival

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

Cuba

Hardys

Nottage Hill Chardonnay NV

Chardonnay

South Eastern Australia, Australia

Rose

Krug NV

Champagne, France

Gosset

Grande Reserve Brut Champagne NV

Blend

Champagne, France

Campo Viejo

Reserva NV

Tempranillo

Rioja, Spain

El Muro

Tempranillo - Garnacha NV

Blend

Aragon, Spain

Rimarts

Cava Reserva 18 Brut NV

Blend

Cava, Spain

Kono

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

Saved

California NV

California, USA

Josh Cellars

Prosecco NV

Glera

Prosecco, Italy

Borsao Bodegas

Tres Picos Garnacha NV

Grenache

Campo de Borja, Spain

Tiamo

Pinot Grigio NV

Pinot Gris

Venezia, Italy

Séduction

Cabernet - Syrah NV

Cuvee

Pays d'Oc, France

Finca el Origen

Estate Malbec NV

Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Vilarnau

Cava Barcelona Brut Reserva NV

Blend

Cava, Spain

Pichon-Darlagne

Champagne Extra Dry Cuvee De Reserve NV

Assemblage

Champagne, France