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About this Episode

Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas to enjoy the speakeasy vibe at Yvonne’s. This playful supper club offers an intimate and exclusive dining room where guests can revel in the eclectic decor, enjoy a seasonal menu, and an adventurous wine list. Sam reviews the list to find the best bubbles and budget wines and offers pairing suggestions to ensure your dining experience is one to remember. 

Wines reviewed include:

  • 2016 Tocai Friulano from Larkmead Vineyards, Napa

  • 2019 Lindquist Family Marsanne, California

  • 2015 Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Brut Champagne

Transcript: Yvonne's

Yvonnes

Hello and welcome to CorkRules! 

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Samantha Hohl, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Sam, it’s great to have you!

SH: Hey Robert, great to be back.

RT: Before we jump in, let’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… 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.

You can now download our CorkRules app available on the apple app store. Where you can access all your favourite restaurant wine lists, get personalized recommendations and connect, share and learn with your friends.

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

Yvonne’s

Overview

Yvonne’s is tucked away in the Downtown Crossing neighborhood of Boston, MA. They offer a New-American-inspired menu along with craft beverages and bottles to pair. Yvonne’s ambiance is dark and intimate, giving off speakeasy vibes.

Where to start

Yvonne’s is such an experience, and I would honestly be happy just sipping a glass of wine or cocktail while taking in all their stunning decor has to offer, like their library shelves, fireplace and chandeliers. But it’s also great that their menu has plenty of delicious small plates and their 3 pages wine list packs in some fantastic options.

I’m excited to point out some wonderful finds and will start with a white that stood out to me, which was the 2016 Tocai Friulano from Larkmead Vineyards. There’s some really awesome history here since Larkmead Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley and was started in 1895. Tocai Friulano is a varietal usually found in Italy so another unique part of this winery is the small amount of Tocai Friulano they produce from vines that were planted before prohibition! This bottle is beautifully balanced with body and acidity, and has really pretty floral, herbal and tropical notes as well. This wine is  fun to pair and goes with a variety of dishes. You could try it with dishes like the Seared Brussel Sprouts or the Wild Gulf Shrimp.

The 2017 I Nove Fratelli from Masseria del Pino is a really great find for a red. This bottle is made from mostly Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on 120 year old vines on the slope of Mount Etna. The grapes are foot-stomped and then fermented in tanks made from volcanic basalt which are volcanic stones from Mt Etna. It's rich and complex, filled with volcanic notes of tar, smoke and minerality and bright cherry and raspberry flavors. It’s a fantastic example of an Etna Rosso wine. It would be great with the Seared Trumpet Mushrooms or the Ribeye Steak but it’s food friendly and flexible so it will be fun to accompany a variety of dishes.

Value

This list has really wonderful variety for pricing and there’s some unique and delicious bottles on here that won’t break the budget. A white that caught my eye is the 2019 Lindquist Family Marsanne. Bob Lindquist is the winemaker located in California in the Etna Valley and has over 40 years of experience. He’s known for his beautiful expressions of Rhone varietals and this bottle of 100% Marsanne is no exception. It’s medium-bodied with refreshing notes of citrus, along with flavors of honey and stone. Marsanne is a great choice as well since it’s food friendly and goes well with spiced and flavorful dishes. You could try it with the Lobster Dumplings or the Coconut Rock Shrimp.

A really lovely option for a value red would be the 2019 Terre de l'Elu Maupiti. This is a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc and Gamay with a little bit of Grolleau that are grown organically and harvested by hand. It’s from winemakers Charlotte and Thomas Carsin from the village of Anjou in the Loire Valley who focus on making tasty wines to be enjoyed around the table. It’s got lots of red fruit, and some earthy and herbal tones. It’s rich, elegant and the tannins are well integrated. Pair it with something like the Bavette Steak or the Beef Sausage Fired Pita.

Celebratory options

Along with having a great range of value bottles this list also has a variety of special or celebratory bottles for every budget. A bottle that would be just beautiful quality and elevate the evening would be the 2018 Domaine Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine Marcoux has been run by sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier since 1989 but they can trace their family history in the area back to the 1300s. Made from Roussanne and Bourboulenc grapes this wine is crisp with a fuller body. It’s going to have some pretty floral tones, along with pineapple and pear flavors. It’s a really well-crafted bottle that would just be a delight to sip on for the evening.

They’ve got an incredible section for bubbles and you can definitely find some stunning bottles in the 400-600 dollar category, but If you are in the mood for something bubbly and memorable that isn’t quite in that range you could try the 2015 Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Brut Champagne is a great choice. Pierre Gimonnet This bottle is made with precision and care by blending Chardonnay from the oldest vines on the estate. It’s complex and electric, with notes of citrus, pear and mineral qualities with a lengthy and elegant finish. It would pair nicely with the Crispy Tuna Fregola or the Lobster Fritters.

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Yvonne’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself. 

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.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please download our CorkRules app and check out our website for all 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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