Cork Rules

Robert Tas and Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, review the wine list at BRAT, a one Michelin star restaurant in the gastronomic quarters of Shoreditch in London. The food is traditional British, but all cooked with open fire, and the wine list offers a delightful selection from France and Spain, but also other European countries like Italy, Greece and Portug...

Robert Tas and with Tina Johansson, WSET Diploma Graduate and Michelin restaurant sommelier, review the wine list at Bocca di Lupo in London. This authentic Italian restaurant has received many accolades for its simple but genuine food. All 20 regions of Italy are represented on the menu, and it is ever-changing to follow the seasons. So, no matter what time of year you come here, the experience w...

Robert Tas and Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, review the wine list at Lafayette. This grand café and bakery feature modern interpretations of classic French bistro favorites and an amazing wine list. Michaela spots a delicious crémant and shares a little background information on why crémant is a delicious choice, a crisp dry white that pairs wonderfully with seafood, and a robust red that...

In today's episode of CorkRules, Alexis Rogers, certified sommelier, offers her expert advice on the extensive wine list of Ai Fiori, a Michelin Star, Italian restaurant, NYC. Ai Fiori has earned a stellar reputation for its wine list and is the 2020 winner of the Grand Award from Wine Spectator. Alexis talks about a few exceptional Chardonnays from lesser-known regions, wines not to be missed on...

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Momofuku Ko, a traditional Japanese restuarant offering two spaces, the barako offering an a la carte menu and the main dining room offering a full tasting menu, and to help you choose wine to pair with the menu, Michaela peruses the 84-page list to point out a few spectacular fine wines, including skin contact wine, win...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at the French Bistro, Le CouCouc, where the French vibe is full on joie de vivre. This restaurant promises a good night out and a great culinary experience. But let's not forget why we're here. The wine. Grace finds the divine wines that will delight,  Wines reviewed inlcude: Didier Dagueneau Pouilly Fume, Loire...

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas review the all French and American wine list at Benoit. Grace checks out the French varietals and identifies the American counterpart on the list. She talks about the aging process and compares French Pinot to American Pinot.  Wines reviewed Include: Brocard Chablis, Burgundy RoseRock Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon Kosta Brown...

Maria Valetta, certified sommelier and wine educator and Robert Tas review the wine list at Via Carota, a quaint Italian restaurant inspired by Chef Saudis 17th century family country house in the hills of Florence. The passion for all things italian is clear here. Relax in the rustic ambience and enjoy authentic pasta dishes and savor an adventurous selection of wines from all regions on the all-...

  Sommelier Michaela Quinlan joins Robert to demystify the very French wine list of Dirty French in lower Manhattan and travel around the lesser-known wine regions, including wines of the Savoie, Provence. Dirty French is located on 180 Ludlow Street and is renowned for its timeless classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist.   Michaela talks about the special regions on the list, the must-t...

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorrel, an Italian contemporary restaurant located in Pac Heights that has earned a Michelin star thanks to Chef Alexander Hong. Grant spots some sensational sparklers, wines that are perfect for pairing with all things pasta, and some devilshly robust reds to take your dining experience to a whole new level o...

Wine educator and certified sommelier Maria Valletta joins Robert Tas for authentic French fare and a French wine list that is, indeed, in French at the  Balthazar restaurant in Soho. Maria translates the menu, discovers the extraordinary little–known gems, and shares her knowledge of the industry to help you understand more about varietals and regions. Maria points out a few delicious sparkling w...

Wine director Alexis Rogers joins Robert Tas to explore and explain the wine list of the Italian restaurant Felice . With nine locations in NYC, this restaurant is proving to be a popular culinary destination and the wine list meets expectations. Alexis recommends stellar wines from Northern Italy, including an exceptional wine to pair with that classic Italian dish, bolognese.    Wines reviewed i...

Certified sommelier and wine educator Grace Hood, and host Robert Tas review the wine list at the iconic 1803 where Grace identifies the wines that pair well with the blended histories of French and Cajun and Caribbean and Spanish cuisine. Wines reviewed include: 2007 Louis Roederer Brut Rose Champagne 1986 Château Lynch-Bages, France Domaine Frédéric Brouca Côte de Glou   For more information on...

In this episode, certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and oenophile Robert Tas visit the wine list of Root & Bone in NYC where they explore wines from Oregon, the Finger Lakes, and California. If you are looking for the perfect wines to pair with fried chicken and pulled pork, Michaela will help you find them as she shares her expert opinion on the value-packed wine list of Root & Bone. Michaela s...

Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of Cork Rules where they review the wine list of Casa Lever on Park Avenue, New York City.   Casa Lever is an icon in NYC, and, as they say themselves, this restaurant is where Manhattan sophistication meets Italian classics. If you visit Casa Lever be prepared for an elegant dining experience and a carefully curated wine. Grant point...

Robert Tas talks to writer, director Todd Norwood about his new film and the world of wine. Todd shares stories about the making of his film Gap Weekend, and, of course, wine. Todd shares why he chose to film in wine country, his favorite wine, how he paid the crew overtime, and where you can access the film. For more information on today's episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkru...

In this episode,  sommelier Grace Hood joins Robert Tas to demystify the wine list of the Buddakan , an Asian-fusion restaurant, and explore the wines that complement Asian food. Choosing a wine to work with Asian food always presents a dilemma for the discerning diner, but Grace explains which wines work, what they work with, and why they do. Wines reviewed include:   2020 Riesling Kabinett, Egon...

In this episode, Robert and certified sommelier Maria Valetta review the wine list of the Grand Central Oyster Bar, a historic restaurant which originally opened in 1913 in NYC's Grand Central Station.   They identify the perfect oyster wine, whites from the Loire Valley, and wines from the list that will take your dining experience to the next level. Wines reviewed include: 2018 Muscadet Sevre-et...

Certified sommelier Grant Wood joins Robert Tas in this episode of Cork Rules where they review the wine list of Casa Lever on Park Avenue, New York City.   Casa Lever is an icon in NYC, and, as they say themselves, this restaurant is where Manhattan sophistication meets Italian classics. If you visit Casa Lever be prepared for an elegant dining experience and a carefully curated wine.   Wines rev...

In this episode, certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan and oenophile Robert Tas visit the wine list of Root & Bone in NYC where they explore wines from Oregon, the Finger Lakes, and California. If you are looking for the perfect wines to pair with fried chicken and pulled pork, Michaela will help you find them as she shares her expert opinion on the value-packed wine list of Root & Bone.  Wines rev...

In this episode, Kim Kuznitz wine educator and certified sommelier joins Robert Tas in an exploration of Atlantic Grill's wine list. The Atlantic Grill is known for serving the freshest seafood from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, but they also serve a selection of high-quality meat dishes if you want the ultimate surf and turf experience.   Wines reviewed include: Chimney Rock, Stag's L...

Robert Tas and certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan join forces once again to share their expertise on the wine lists of restaurants in New York City. In this episode, they explore the wine list of il Buco . With two locations in NYC, il Buco has earned a stellar reputation and is a popular destination. Their wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-...

In this episode, host Robert Tas and certified sommelier Michaela Quinlan explore the wine list of the renowned Italian restaurant, Pasquale Jones. Situated on the corner of Mulberry and Kenmare Streets in Manhattan's Little Italy, this establishment offers authentic Italian cuisine and a sophisticated wine list that is sure to please both the palate and the pocket. Michaela shares pairing suggest...

In this episode, host Robert Tas interviews Josh Ardizzoni, certified sommelier and cellar consultant, on the wine list of The Grill. They discuss the exciting side of where champagne is going, those exclusive and beautifully aged bottles and the extraordinary value wines on the list. Josh also points out a few unicorn wines on the list that are guaranteed to delight the most discerning oenophile....

This episode of Cork Rules explores the wine list of Smith and Wollensky on the Upper East Side of New York City. Certified sommelier Maria Valetta and Robert Tas review a great wine list, explain what verticals are, point out a few value wines that offer exceptional value without compromising quality, and they identify a few outliers on the list for the adventurous wine lover.  Wines reviewed inc...