CorkRules - Episodes | Tavern on the Green Tavern on the Green

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About this Episode

Certified sommelier Cecilia Bonet joins Robert Tas for this episode of CorkRules as they navigate the wine list of Tavern on the Green. First built in 1934, this elegant restaurant has been restored to its former glory and is an iconic landmark in Central Park where guests enjoy American fare in the courtyard and garden setting. Cecilia reviews Orange wines, Super Tuscans, Amarones, and suggests a few stellar value wines to pair with oysters and fish dishes.

Wines reviewed include:

Pinot noir Bethel Heights, 'Aeolian' 115 Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2017
Chablis Domaine Drouhin-Vaudon, 1er Cru Burgundy, France, 2017
Cabernet sauvignon blend Quintessa - Rutherford, California, 2016

Transcript: Tavern on the Green

TAVERN ON THE GREEN – NEW YORK

Wines reviewed include:

PINOT NOIR Bethel Heights, 'Aeolian' 115 Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon 2017,

CHABLIS Domaine Drouhin-Vaudon, 1er Cru Burgundy, France 2017,

CABERNET SAUVIGNON BLEND Quintessa - Rutherford, California 2016

RT: Hello and Welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where we review a Wine List from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Cecilia Bonet certified sommelier. It’s great to be back together again for another episode.

CB: Hey Robert! Happy to be here :)

RT Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list’s because we know from experience, that those lists can sometimes be intimidating and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list with confidence, find those hidden gems, value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

Today we are talking about a landmark in nestled in Central Park, since 1934 Tavern on the Green delivers an experience unlike any other. Some say magical. This elegant and upscale restaurants’ excellent American cuisine.

Cecilia, I’m excited to hear you take on their wine list?

Top Level View

The wine menu is varied. Within its wine selection, we find orange wines, those whites that have been fermented with their skins; a wide range of grape varieties, and rare ones such as a Bolivian Tannat,

RT: Can you tell us a little about orange wines and what type of foods they might pair well with?

RT: Let’s pivot back to the list, they looked like they had some delicious red, what do you see?

The red wine section it is mainly oriented to full-bodied and structured red wines. Wines from the warm California, great syrahs from the Rhône Valley, but not forgetting their blends of up to 13 different varieties, and Italy with its Super Tuscans and Amarones.

As well big-size bottles in case you are celebrating as a group.

I would like to highlight the great selection of craft and foreign beers if wine is not your thing.

RT: Thanks for pointing that out. As you looked through the list, did anything unique jump out to you?

Unique Stuff

I really enjoy picking wines that are versatile for most dishes on a menu. For this I usually choose light reds that allow me to eat anything from fish to meat, you never know what to eat in a restaurant! So, this time I have selected a Pinot Noir, from Oregon, the 2017 Bethel Heights, 'Aeolian' from Eola-Amity Hills. Light ruby red color in the glass, with really nice aromas of red cherry, cranberry and spice.

RT: Excellent. What wines for value hunters?

Value Wines

Going for a white wine, pairing with the Blue Oysters or fish dishes, I would say… drink the 2017 CHABLIS 1er Cru Domaine Drouhin-Vaudon of Burgundy, France.

The chablis wines are produced with 100% unoaked chardonnay, being its most notorious characteristic, its minerality due to its soils. This chardonnay grows in prehistoric marine fossil soils, resulting in fresh wines with delicate acidity.

RT: Ok, this is a special occasion place. The last time I went in fact was my mother. What would be a special occasion wine for us to consider?

Bigger budget/Special Occasion

My choice for this one it is the 2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNON BLEND Quintessa. This iconic Californian red is a Meritage or Bordeaux Red Blend style wine, from estate vineyards in the heart of the Rutherford Bench district, Napa Valley. The 2016 vintage is unquestionably one of the finest for California Cabernet Sauvignon in the past two decades. It has a medium to full body, with layers of soft tannins and long finish. Simply amazing!

RT: Cecilia, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Tavern on the Green’s wine list.

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: Info@corkrules.com 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.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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