Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country,&nbsp;a career in wine is not&nbsp;a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-lopes-b67743a8/">Jane Lopes</a>, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of&nbsp; <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Vignette-Stories-Life-Wine-Bottles/dp/1743795327">Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles. </a>

Jane graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A. in English Language and Literature/Letters. Post-graduation, she worked in the hospitality industry, as so many students do before they find their path in life. It was as a server/bartender that Jane&rsquo;s formal education in the wine industry began. &nbsp;She worked at renowned restaurants including Eleven Madison Park in New York, The Violet Hour in Chicago, and The Catbird Seat in Nashville; her education at these establishments was intensive and hands-on, and by immersing herself in the world of wine, she fast-tracked her way towards accreditation as one of the world&rsquo;s few Master Sommeliers.

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In 2018, Jane was a candidate for the Master Sommelier, the most prestigious of accreditations in wine. To give you an idea of how difficult it is to achieve this standard, there are only 262 Master Sommeliers in the world, and candidates must pass four exams offered through the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMSA).

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Although Jane passed the exam, one of only 34 women to pass it; unfortunately, for all candidates sitting the 2018 exam, their results were nullified due to a previous candidate sharing information about the wines selected for the tasting exam. It seems rather unfair; however, it didn&rsquo;t stop Jane from pursuing her career in wine and proving her vast knowledge on the subject by publishing her book.

Vignette is a book for people who love wine without the pretension that often surrounds the wine industry. It is thoughtfully arranged and offers clarity on varietals, tasting notes, and a list of 100 bottles that represent wine regions from around the globe, and most importantly for the majority of wine lovers, Jane has added an appendix of affordable wines for the wine lover who wants a delicious bottle that meets the budget.

Jane&rsquo;s book is both informative and highly entertaining read as it documents her life&rsquo;s journey in wine, beginning with the earliest introduction to wine: a cheap, Californian chardonnay her parent&rsquo;s drank.

&nbsp;

Jane has recently completed a second book, How to Drink Australian, which will be published in September 2023. This book is inspired by the company she runs with her husband, <a href="https://legendaustralia.com/jane-jon/">Legend Australian Wine Imports</a>, a socially-focused wine importer. Jane and her husband founded this company with the goal of bringing the best of Australian wines to the U.S.

&nbsp;

Listen to Jane&rsquo;s story on <a href="https://corkrules.com/vignette:-stories-of-life-and-wine-in-100-bottles/episodes/384">Episode 268 of CorkRules</a> where she offers suggestions on wine and shares a little of her life&rsquo;s journey in the industry.

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

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

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

Bavette‚Äôs Steakhouse & Bar ‚Äì Las Vegas

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit the classic steakhouse Bavettes, MGM in Las Vegas.

Wine List Review of Bavettes, Las Vegas

Maria Valetta

Bavettes

Bavettes Park MGM 

Robert Tas (RT): Hello and 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, certified sommelier, also known as Maria The Wine Blonde. Welcome back Maria

MV: Hello Robert!! We have a sophisticated steakhouse to discover today in our podcast

RT: we sure do, but before we get started, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules. CorkRules was created to help you navigate the wine list with confidence so you will always love the wine you drink. With CorkRules in hand, you can easily select wines from your favorite restaurant 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? Our podcast wine list reviews are here to help you find those hidden gems, value wines, and those special celebration-worthy bottles on the list. So be sure to listen and check out what our Top Sommeliers recommend at your favorite restaurant.

MV: Today we are talking about Bavettes Las Vegas located in the Park MGM Hotel and Casino. You could almost forget you are on the Las Vegas strip when you step into this dimly lit- sultry and sexy intimate outpost of the Chicago Classic Steakhouse. Nouveau-style mirrors, colorful Tiffany glass shaded lamps, cozy red leather banquettes and gallery-style vintage art give this den-like restaurant made-up of multiple rooms a classy feel. The menu is as stylish as the immaculately appointed and knowledgeable servers. Expect standouts such as tiered seafood platters, sizzling seafood plates, and 42 day dry-aged ribeyes on this classic steakhouse menu that has become a favorite among the fashionable steakhouse-loving clientele.

RT: Maria after that description I am definitely putting this restaurant on my list when I come to visit. How does their Wine list look?

MV: Overall, It is a tad smaller than I expected but that makes it a little easier to navigate, I&rsquo;d love to see them expand on this by adding some options from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile and more from Argentina to round things out. But they do have a great selection of California Cabs and French Bordeaux which is a must for a steakhouse like this.

RT: It sure is Maria, So where will we begin?&nbsp;

MV: I am always inclined to start with oysters or a shellfish tower at a steakhouse before things get all meaty, so I would start with a glass of the Ros&eacute; Cremant, Lucien Albrecht Brut Ros&eacute;, from Alsace, in France, I mean sure you could start with the Champagne, by Nicolas Feuillatte, Reserve Exclusive, but not everyone is up for spending upwards of $35 on a glass of wine, clocking in at around $16 the Lucien Albrecht is still going to give you lots of bubbly goodness at a better price so you can spend more on the steak wine! A Cremant is produced in the method of champagne but produced in regions outside of Champagne and sometimes using different grapes... But This particular one is using 100% Pinot Noir.

RT: Cool great tip, what about a red by the glass.

MV: Okay- check this one out, the

Malbec, Susana Balbo, Mendoza, Argentina&nbsp;2019&nbsp; [bin - 7312] This is the only wine I could find on the list from Argentina. At this reasonable price point of$16 a glass, you can&rsquo;t go wrong and Susana is the most recognized female winemaker in Argentina, she literally started a movement there and when we visited it we had the most memorable lunch and wine pairing at the estate in Mendoza.

RT: Awesome Maria, now what about finding us some bottles of white and red that aren&rsquo;t going to blow a hole in the wallet?

MV: Sure, quite a few incredible options!

The DeLille Cellars &quot;Chaleaur Blanc&quot;, WA&nbsp;2018&nbsp; [bin - 8641]

$84A gorgeous Bordeaux style white blend from Columbia Valley Washington, Sauvignon blanc and Semillon are the grapes and this wine is going to be rich but fresh, cirtusy but tropical, perfect with that crab stuffed avocado I&rsquo;m eyeing on the menu..

RT: That sounds like a perfect pairing..

MV: I agree, And for my Pinot lovers, the Alexana, Revana Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon&nbsp;2013&nbsp;vintage&nbsp; [bin - 8392] a medium plus bodied red with csome cellaring on it, this is my go-to wine here because often we will do more of a surf and turf sharing and so this wine works with just about everything. The Founder Dr. Revana, a cardiologist has wineries in Willamette Valley Oregon, Napa Valley California, and Mendoza Argentina, and they all produce highly accoladed wines from site specific quality vineyards.&nbsp; A great deal as it is under <s>$140 ($132)</s>

RT: those are 2 great Options Maria, and can you recommend for us 2 steakhouse reds for those of us wanting a special occasion option?

MV: I would love to, now a special occasion wine might be in the $500+&nbsp; range for some and more like the $200 range for others, it&rsquo;s all relative, so here are 2 wines from the same producer in those pricepoints. The Ch&acirc;teau Lynch Bages, 2012 And the estates so called &ldquo;second wine&rdquo;, the Ch&acirc;teau Lynch Bages Echo de Lynch Bages, 2012

NOW Both are excellent Bordeaux Blends from the commune of Pauillac, where some of the most famous and expensive wines in the world come from. Both are going to be Cabernet Sauvignon Dominant, typical of the red wines from the left Bank of the Gironde river in Bordeaux.

But here&rsquo;s where they differ: the flagship wine is from much older vines, has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and along with merlot and Cab franc, adds a little bit of P. verdot. (72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet franc, 3% Petit) it&rsquo;s also aged in Wood barrels for 18 mo 75% of which are brand new barriques (this is where a lot of the expense comes in for making the wine)&nbsp;

Now the Echo is produced from the younger vines on the property, sees a higher proportion of Cab Franc and merlot and is aged in previously used French oak barrels for just 14 months. (a lot less cost in oak).

You will still find both wines to be textbook Pauillac, Rich Sturdy Black Currant flavors dusted with graphite pencil shavings and cigar box aromas. But the Flagship wine will have longer ageabilty, more aggressive tannins and more complexity due to the older vines, but the Echo will certainly hold its own to any of the steaks on the menu (which by the way I have had my most flavorful steak ever at Bavettes!) CLASSIC RIBEYE - CHICAGO CUT

RT: Wow- Maria this is great for our listeners to learn about as I often look for these second wines from my favorite Bordeaux estates. I find them much more attainable and thoroughly enjoyable.

MV: This menu is great they have quite a few of them from many of the most well-regarded estates. It&rsquo;s a great question for the restaurant Sommelier, where you can still look sophisticated in front of your guests, just ask the Somm to help you choose a second wine from one of the great Bordeaux Estates.

RT: Great TIP! Thank you Maria, it&rsquo;s been a pleasure to discover Bavette&rsquo;s wine list with you. You can find Maria on Instagram @Mariathewineblonde. Thank you everyone for joining us here on CorkRules. 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 Must be 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

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Palm Cellars is a family-owned and operated boutique winery located in the heart of Paso Robles wine country. Founded in 2001 by Bill and Liz Armstrong, Palm Cellars is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique terroir of Paso Robles.

Contento

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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

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About Johnna

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MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Johnna Green

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Contento

About Johnna

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

Johnna
Green