Paul's Picks
When the supermarket started carrying wine, it was very tempting to buy it there, right along with the Kleenex and crackers. But for the same price, you can get an excellent bottle from an expert. So, why not do that? Hence how I found Paul Patel, owner of Corkdorks.
The store’s goal is to interact with customers and help them navigate the morass of alcohol they carry. When I told Paul that I like a Sauvignon Blanc, and he turned me on to Albarinos and Picpouls, a dry Spanish wine and almost strangely refreshing varietal from Southern France respectively. Now, tracking Paul down is another matter. He bounces around from the register to the office to customers. But once you do, it’s worth it.
Paul does our wine recommendations for our Farm Dinners and (as a special treat) the recipes in our 2022 September/October issue. You’ll find “Paul’s Pick” under each one – a perfectly paired selection for that dish. Here are the full tasting notes on each of those wines. And don’t forget: you can get them all at Corkdorks!
Brussels Sprouts with White Wine Balsamic Vinaigrette - Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, $24.99
A very fresh lime and grapefruit nose with gentle herbal and green passion-fruit notes. Zesty, intense, and very drinkable.
Pinto Beans - Domaine des Aubuisières 'Cuvée de Silex' Vouvray, $24.99
The perfect capturing of the mineral tones unique to Vouvray’s soil and a marvelous balance of explosive fruit and the titillating sensation of the Chenin Blanc grape.
Collard Greens - Kuranui Sauvignon Blanc, $13.99
The herbaceous notes within Sauvignon Blanc complement dishes with vegetables and herbs.
Rich Country Ham and Thyme Gravy - Marco Bonfante La Stella Barbera D'asti Superiore 2018, $19.99
Vibrant, fresh red and black cherry fruit and lip-smacking acidity that pairs particularly well with pork and poultry.
Tomato Gravy - Fattoria Campoperi Riserva Chianti Classico, $21.98
Chianti wines are deliciously strong and rich in flavor while also being diverse in the dishes it may pair well with. This younger chianti pairs beautifully with dishes that feature tomato as a key ingredient.
Bacon Yakisoba - Gobelsburg Kamptal Gruner Veltliner 2021, $19.99
This mouthwatering white from Austria offers a pleasant aroma and fruit character. A perfect food companion and easy drinkability.
Oyako-don - Maximin Grunhaus Monopol Riesling 2018, $24.99
Guaranteed to rock your taste buds, this wine is silky, pure, and salty.
Braised Lamb Caramelized Onion Ravioli with Curry Cream Sauce - Hartford Family Winery Russian River Old Vine Zinfandel, $35.99
Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry, highlighted with hints of white pepper and allspice. Blueberry, red raspberry, nutmeg and mocha flavors lead into a long, bright finish with supple tannins.
The Dutch’s Grilled Pork Chop - Julien Sunier Wild Soul Beaujolais, $26.99
An "anytime red,” this wine is fresh and aromatically vibrant, with a lythe presence on the palate and endless pleasure.
Meraki Table’s Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon, Gruyere, and Brown Butter Fried Sage - Victor Fagon Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2018, $25.99
This French red is super seductive with floral and cherry aromas and a rich palate of black cherries and raspberries mingling with savory notes of wild herbs and spices.
Chef’s Market Irish Cream Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache - Schramsberg Demi Sec, $41.99
A bright and refreshing bubbly with a soft and creamy palate and long, lingering finish.
Pumpkin Ginger Scones with Maple Drizzle - Domaine Emile Beyer Gewurztraminer Tradition 2019, $19.99
Floral and spicy aromas, notes of lychee nuts and rose petals; a generous and ample palate and refreshing finish.
Corkdorks
Midtown + Green Hills
corkdorkswine.com
@corkdorkswine