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

Wine 30

Michaela Quinlan

Wine 30:

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 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 Wine 30. This wine bar and restaurant features over 300 wines from around the world. They offer lunch and dinner in their cozy dining room, an all seasons garden, not to mention a wine cellar for private events.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: I could spend the day in their garden creating my own wine flight to pair with their dips and appetizers. I have noted some wonderful wines spanning the globe that I think you will enjoy.

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 a classic. The Trimbach Riesling 2016 from Alsace, France. When I say classic, the Timbach family have been making wine for 13 generations. Alsatian Rieslings have a tendency to be dry in style. Here we have white peach, lemon zest, cantaloupe, with white floral aromas. There is a slight hint of candied fruit on the finish, making this wine a perfect pairing for roasted chicken, shellfish, or anything spicy.

RT: That&rsquo;s a great start. Did any red wine jump out at you?

MQ: Absolutely! I would consider the Lan TempraNULLlo 2017 Crianza Rioja. What I love about Spanish reds is that they do the aging for you. This Crianza is required to age for a minimum of two years with six months in oak barrels before it is released. This results in aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, black currant, clove, and a hint of smoke on the finish. A perfect companion for poultry or lamb.

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: &nbsp;A must-try would be the Rosso di Altesino Super Tuscan 2019. This sangiovese and cabernet Sauvignon blend is beautifully balanced with fresh red cherries, raspberries, smooth tannins with leather and tobacco on the finish. This would pair well with your charcuterie board, or any beef dish.

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: &nbsp;Another unique standout on this list is the Root 1 Carmenere 2017 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. The Carmenere grape was originally grown in Bordeaux. Thankfully it took a trip to Chile where it continues to grow almost exclusively. Carmenere was wiped out completely in Bordeaux in the 1800s when Phylloxera (aphids ate away at the leaves and rots of grape vines) destroyed many vineyards. So we can still enjoy this ruby-colored wine with its aromas of plumb, green bell pepper, blackberries, with a smooth finish. This is perfect to pair with any pastas, peppered sauces, or herbed dishes.

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: Guggenheim Valle Escondido Torrontes 2016, from Mendoza, Argentina. The torrontes is a bright white wine consisting of aromas and flavors of green apple, ripe pear, and grapefruit. The mineral finish with a hint of honey make this wine perfect to pair with spicy dishes, as well as with any cheeses and grilled vegetables.

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?

MQ: Anther classic that may be familiar to some would be the Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron cabernet sauvignon 2014 Napa. This stand-out, single vineyard, Cab features aromas and flavors of candied fruit, black cherries, cassis, vaNULLla, and a bit of chocolate on the smooth finish. Always highly rated, this wine pair beautifully with rich dishes and sauces, and certainly add to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Wine 30&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

Folie à Deux is a California-based winery that specializes in producing premium wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery is owned by the Trinchero Family Estates, which is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Vibrant, contemporary restaurant serving creative Persian cuisine alongside cocktails & wine.

Cafe Champagne

The Metropolitan Grill

Ray’s Boathouse

Ray's Boathouse

Purple Café and Wine Bar

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar

Seastar

The Butcher's Table

Sofreh

Have & Meyer

Don Angie

Ruffian

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

Rumi's Kitchen

Alfredo Bertolani Rose' Lambrusco Rosato Frizzante Secco Reggiano NV

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Hermann J. Wiemer

Dry Riesling 2020

Riesling

New York, USA

Gaintza

Getariako Txakolina 2021

Hondarrabi Zuri

Pais Vasco, Spain

Domaine Sigalas

Assyrtiko Santorini 2021

Assyrtiko

Aegean Islands, Greece

Dafnios Liatiko, Greece, Crete 2021

Liatiko

Crete, Greece

Douloufakis

Vidiano Dafnios, Greece, Crete 2021

Vidiano

Crete, Greece

Terlan (Terlano)

Tradition Pinot Bianco 2021

Pinot Blanc

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Naveran

Cava Vintage Brut NV

Parellada

Cava, Spain

Boccadigabbia Colli Maceratesi le grane Ribona, Italy, Marche NV

White Blend

Marche, Italy

Boccadigabbia Colli Maceratesi le grane Ribona, Italy, Marche 2020

White Blend

Marche, Italy

Massaya

Le Colombier 2020

Cinsault

Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Domaine Huet

Vouvray Petillant Cuvee Reserve Brut NV

Chenin Blanc

Loire, France

Caruso & Minini

Naturalmente Catarratto Bio 2021

Catarratto Bianco

Sicily, Italy

Tiberio

Fonte Canale Trebbiano d'abruzzo 2020

Trebbiano

Abruzzo, Italy

Cerasulo Abruzzo, Italy, Abruzzi, Abruzzo NV

Montepulciano

Abruzzi, Italy