As a sommelier, I&rsquo;m often asked how to find delicious, budget friendly wines. This can often be a challenge because most people seek out commercially popular regions like Napa or Bordeaux. They&rsquo;ve heard of it, are comfortable with it and, when faced with numerous choices, gravitate towards it. I&rsquo;m here to tell you: this is your first mistake!

A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality. While, in my opinion, there is a huge difference between $10 and $25 wines, once you get to the higher price points, a lot of $50 wines taste just as great as some $300 wines. Why is this? A lot of different factors go into the cost of a wine. Land in commercial regions like Napa and Bordeaux comes with very high price tag. Vineyards in Napa range anywhere from $350,000 to $1 million per acre; naturally, producers need to charge more for their offerings to reap a profit. These regions are also infamous for using new oak barrels to give their wines that vanilla, baking spice quality popular with consumers. There&rsquo;s nothing wrong with that style of wine, but when new oak barrels can only be used once and cost up to $2,000, be ready for a higher price tag. It&rsquo;s not surprising that it&rsquo;s difficult to find a Napa cabernet sauvignon for anything less than $50- $75! So, how do you shop for great wine at a budget friendly cost?

&nbsp;

SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN REGIONS:

&nbsp;

Ever heard of Chinon? Or Basilicata? Exactly. Regions such as these are where the bargains live. This is because producers can purchase land for a fraction of the price and often obtain second hand, used oak barrels, resulting in lower over-head cost while maintaining quality wine. Chinon, a region in the Loire Valley of France, is often overshadowed by Burgundy and Bordeaux. The wine is made from Cabernet franc and has all the raspberry, cedar, earthy qualities of a good French wine&hellip; at a fraction of the cost. Whole Foods, one of my favorite grocery stores for affordable, quality wines, carries Chinon for about $18. Likewise, regions like Bandol and Languedoc in southern France are labels to look for when you want a cost effective Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre instead of the more well-known region of Chateauneuf Du Pape.

Italy, in general, is a top pick of mine for delicious, affordable wines. Over 900 grape varieties are grown there, resulting in a lack of supply and demand that benefits the consumer. Many people have heard of Barolo, a premium wine region in northern Italy&rsquo;s Piedmont, or Brunello di Montalcino, a celebrated wine region in central Italy&rsquo;s Tuscany, but those often come with higher price tags. The previously mentioned Basilicata is a region in southern Italy, and home to quality bargain wines made from Aglianico, a deep, black fruited grape with powerful earth and structure. If you want something similar to Barolo, try seeking out the Langhe Hills region instead. It uses the same Nebbiolo grape variety from the Piedmont region but, without that commercial reputation, runs at a bargain. Barbera, a grape variety sometimes thought of as Nebbiolo&rsquo;s little sister, is another option. I&rsquo;ve found great Barbera by Cantine Povero for as little as $15. Which leads to my second tip:

&nbsp;

SEEK OUT LESSER-KNOWN VARIETIES:

&nbsp;

Still hankering for something from California? Try Sonoma&rsquo;s Pax Vineyard. They grow lesser-known grapes like Valdiguie, which is a light, bright, fruity grape similar to Burgundy&rsquo;s Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape. Or Napa Valley&rsquo;s Heitz Cellar&rsquo;s Grignolino, a berry, earthy gem originally from Piedmont in Italy. Both wines fall comfortably in the $25 dollar price range.

If you want a white Burgundy, try reaching for an Aligote, Burgundy&rsquo;s lesser known white grape, instead of Chardonnay. Faiveley makes a delightful sipper for around $22. My point is, there are a lot of delicious wines out there that don&rsquo;t get the credit they deserve. Like a lot of products, you are often paying for the name built by marketing. Just because you haven&rsquo;t heard of a grape, doesn&rsquo;t mean it isn&rsquo;t great.

&nbsp;

LOOK FOR SECOND LABELS

If you MUST have that well known region with that well known grape variety, this last tip is for you. The best way to find value is if a winery makes a second label, like most wineries in Bordeaux. For example, Chateau Palmer, a prestigious third growth estate, runs at about $400 a bottle. It&rsquo;s second label, Alter Ego, can be found for about $65. Chateau Palmer owns great land and employs top farmers, so even though Alter Ego contains the grapes that didn&rsquo;t make it into their top cuvee, it&rsquo;s still an above average wine. Most chateaux do this. Mouton Rothschild makes Le Petit Rothschild. Lafite Rothschild makes Carruades de Lafite and so on.

The big hitters in Napa have a similar system. Harlan estate&rsquo;s proprietary cabernet can run upwards of $900, but their second label, The Maiden, is closer to $350. They even have a third label, The Mascot, that can be purchased for a cool $150.

&nbsp;

HAVE FUN TAKING RISKS!

But if it were me, I&rsquo;d still prefer to grab a Chilean cab for a fraction of the price. You can get Max Errazuriz&rsquo;s top wine, Don Maximiano Founder&rsquo;s reserve for $85, much less than Harlan Estate&rsquo;s cheapest offering. This is because I find it fun and exciting to try wines and grapes from new regions. Sure, there might be some flops, but there are also hidden gems! You&rsquo;ll also get to brag to all your friend about the new find you discovered.

I understand that it can be intimidating buying something new, but I would encourage you to, nonetheless. The best way to learn is through experience and trial-and-error. And don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask for help! No one expects you to memorize every grape from every region. That&rsquo;s the sole reason people like me have a job. When that store clerk asks if you need anything, let him or her guide you.

But most of all have fun! Wine isn&rsquo;t as serious as it likes to seem. I hope by using these tips you&rsquo;ll widen your usual repertoire and save some money doing it. Happy hunting!

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A lot of things go into the price tag of a wine and not all of them relate to quality.

Shopping for Value and How to Find It

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

Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

Memorial Day BBQ Bash: 3 Wines to Geek Out Over (While Grilling)

What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Lago restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

Wine List Review of Lago in Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Lago

Lago 

RT:&nbsp; Hi Everyone,&nbsp; welcome back to CorkRules! The wine podcast that&rsquo;s here to help YOU navigate all your favorite restaurant wine lists so you can learn to order wine with confidence.

I&rsquo;m Robert Tas, along with Maria Valetta, wine educator, and certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert! I&rsquo;m excited to talk about this special Italian hot spot with Fountain views today

RT: That&rsquo;s right Maria, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can confidently and easily select wines from wine lists based on your preferences of flavor, style, region, and even price! Plus, you can check out which wines your friends ordered and try them yourself. Want to get started? Then check out our podcast wine list reviews, our Top Sommeliers are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles.

Now Maria, let&rsquo;s talk about this Bellagio restaurant favorite.

MV: Let&#39;s get into it. Today we are talking about Lago Restaurant in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino by the James Beard award-winning chef, Julian Serrano. Get ready for your tastebuds to take a culinary tour of the many different regions of Italy. The menu features creative interpretations of innovative Italian small plates and handmade pastas that are perfect for sharing, while taking in the romantic view of the iconic Bellagio fountains.

RT: I bet this is a hot spot in Vegas. How does the wine list look Maria?

MV: It sure is, we have come here for a few celebrations, and the wine list has so many wonderful choices from all over the world. Plus the view really is one of the best!

RT: That&rsquo;s great to hear,&nbsp; so why don&rsquo;t you select a few options by the glass to kick off our meal.

MV: Yes, I would recommend if you wanted to start with something light, and as refreshing as those fountains, the Nino Franco,&#39;Rustico&#39;, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, from the Veneto region of Italy. I&rsquo;m particular with my prosecco, some of them can honestly be boring, but the Nino Franco is one that I really like and it&rsquo;s the most reasonably priced bubbly on the by the glass list. It&rsquo;s going to be great with the oysters, or the fish Crudo options.

RT: Any still wines that would also pair with those dishes?

MV: yes, the Cordero de Montezemolo, Arneis 2020. &nbsp;Now Arneis is an indigenous Italian white grape from the piedmont region of Italy. This wine is pure expression of the fruit, this is not an oaked wine, I love this grape.

Now If you are a butter chardonnay drinker and would prefer a wine with oak influence then I would suggest the Patz &amp; Hall, &#39;Dutton Ranch&#39;, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley&nbsp;2018&nbsp;

RT: 2 great options, and how about some nice reds by the glass?

MV: I would order the Vajra, (*Viara)Barbera d&#39;Alba, Piedmont, Italy [3825855]&nbsp;2018&nbsp;

$20 Great producer that also makes killer Barolos but, loves their Barbera too because of the

Dark rich fruits like blackberries and black currants here, and this would be stellar with the mushroom risotto!

Another great option is the Edge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2019&nbsp;a luscious and smooth, wine that is lovable without breaking the bank.

RT: Fantastic! What about the list of bottles.. so much to choose from, what caught your eye that our listeners should try?

MV: Well Robert they have some great champagnes and I think that a bottle of champagne is a perfect way to kick off an evening in Vegas.

Delamotte, Blanc de Blanc, Le Mesnil sur Oger 100 % chardonnay grapes a multi vingtage option and for vintage, the Piper-Heidsieck, Rare, Reims 2008&nbsp;

The top cuvee they make also called Tete du Cuvee This bottle is beautiful!! Just stunning!

Also loving that they have some Greg Linn wines. They are always awesome. I love their motto, which is &ldquo;whatever it takes&rdquo; because quality is the most important thing for them.

RT: Any of those fall in the value category?

MV:Yes actually, the Greg Linn 2019&nbsp;Langhe Nebbiolo, he produces great Barbaresco and Barolos, this is the same grape, Nebbiolo, so basically a declassified, lighter structured Barbaresco is what you get and&nbsp; a much more reasonable price point comes with it.$180

RT: That&rsquo;s a great&nbsp;find Maria, what else falls into the value category?

MV: The Planeta, Eruzione 1614, Nerello Mascalese &nbsp;2018&nbsp;from Sicily. 

$102 This is a lighter-bodied red that I often recommend to those that favor a lighter-bodied like Pinot Noir. There&rsquo;s some similarities here and get this 1614 correlates to the eruption of the Etna volcano which in year erupted and lasted for a legendary 10 years, And get this

The vines which produce this wine grow on actual lava Flow

RT: that is just super cool, now I do see a lot of seafood on the menu so a white would also be a&nbsp; nice recommendation here.

MV: For sure, I can give you 2 Italian whites, the Reva, Grey, Langhe 2018&nbsp;

$ This is a white from the piedmont region 50% SB and 50% Sauvignon Gris organic, vegan-friendly, a medium-bodied, mineral-driven fresh white, perfect with seafood pasta grilled vegetables or pesto. And the Poggio al Tesoro, Solosole, Vermentino, Bolgheri a Tuscan white 2020&nbsp; that would be lovely with the mixed seafood Grill.

RT: Now we need 2 final&eacute; wines! Something as spectacular as those fountains!

MV: haha! Love that, they are spectacular! The Dominique Lafon, &#39;Les Champs Gains&#39;, 1er Cru 2017&nbsp;Puligny Montrachet white burgundy from French is the origin of course. vines averaging 50+ years in age. Hard to find, this is chardonnay at a whole other level. INCREDIBLE balance with the oak here.

And a lovely red worthy of a special celebration I would say definitely go Italian, given the menu&hellip; I&rsquo;m eyeing that Veal Osso Bucco with the Saffron Risotto that, and the Valdicava 2017&nbsp;Brunello di Montalcino is going to be amazing!!!

And just a side tip since we are talking about Valdicava, when we were last there we had a bottle of their Rosso di Montalcino which is also a really nice option without being too spendy! SO there you go!

RT: Yes! The rosso&rsquo;s are always a good buy and I would say those from the top producers are quite impressive. But that Valdicava Brunello and Veal Osso Bucco &hellip; that&rsquo;s where you had me!

MV: HAHA! I knew you would love that pairing Robert!

RT: well Thank you Maria for taking us through the Wine list at Lago Restaurant Las Vegas In the Bellagio Hotel.&nbsp; You gave our listeners a lot of great wines to try.

Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. You can find more wine tips from Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Remember the only rule in wine is &ldquo;drink what you LOVE&rdquo;.

MV: Have a favorite wine List? Let us review it here. Send us your requests at <a href="mailto:info@corkrules.com">info@CorkRules.com</a> You can find previous episodes on your favorite podcast platform and on

The CorkRules website. Be sure to follow @CorkRules on Instagram for episode and app updates. Prices and selections subject to change, please drink responsibly.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp; The dynamic modern space of bright uplifting colors and an outdoor patio with views of the iconic Bellagio fountains make it the perfect spot for a date night, a leisurely leisurely lunch or weekend brunch.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

Rodney Strong Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Sonoma County, California. They specialize in producing high-quality wines made from sustainably farmed grapes grown in their estate vineyards. The winery has a long history of winemaking excellence and has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over the years.

Warm, easygoing restaurant offering hearty bistro classics with French, Italian & Asian influences.

Per Se

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

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Alissa
Bica

Related Episodes

#50

Per Se

About Alissa

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Alissa Bica

Related Episodes

#50

Per Se

About Alissa

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

Alissa
Bica