Author Archives: Jeremy Kucholtz

This month’s Guest Chef Wine Selections are brought to you by the one and only Frances Vavloukis. Health and Wellness Coach Frances Vavloukis is first generation Greek and has shared her recipes for delicious Greek food at more COOK classes than we can count. We’re delighted to share some of Frances’ favorite wines available at CORK. Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for easy pick up.

If you’re looking for something to pair with this these wines, we have just the thing! When asked, what is your favorite food, Frances always says, “My pita pies.” You can now enjoy Frances’ signature dish by ordering from, yes, My Pita Pies. The secret ingredient for Frances’ spanakopita is her father’s old broomstick and the flick of the wrist. Still to this day, Frances uses her father’s original broomstick when making her phyllo dough. Although her personal favorite pita is still the traditional spinach pie, she’s also known for making the best cheese pita pies, meat pita pies and most recently vegetarian pita pies!

And now, in her own words, Frances’ Wine Selections:

Au Bon Climat Pinot Blanc-Pinot Gris (Santa Barbara, California)
“I loved the combination! The Pinot Blanc provides minerality and density with apple and melon notes while the Pinot Gris gives texture and lavender and marzipan aromatics. It’s a great light wine!“

Argatia “Haroula” Red Blend (Macedonia, Greece)
“What I remember of this wine is that it had bold flavors and a hint of black cherry. And it’s Greek!“

Tikves Vranec Special Selection (Macedonia, Greece)
This wine was medium to full body and it had a variety of raspberry, earthy and peppery fruit character.“

Gen Del Alma Jijiji Malbec-Pinot Noir (Uco Valley, Argentina)
“Another great combination – 50/50 of Malbec and Pinot Noir!  A huge vibrant nose of red fruit, and violets. Good acid lifts the mid-palate with notes of rhubarb, red cherry, orange peel, ash, crushed stone, mushroom, gunpowder, and flint.“

Just in time for the weekend, we’re stocked with brand new wine selections. From Oregon Pinot Gris to Macedonian Vranec, there’s something for everyone. Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for easy pick up!

Gota Prunus Branco 2018 (Portugal)
From the Dão region of Portugal, this white blend of organically grown grapes is well-rounded with concentrated fruit flavors of peaches yellow plums, apricots and floral notes. On the palate there is some minerality with long mouthwatering finish. Serve with seafood, fresh fish and creamy pasta.

Maloof “Thistle” Pinot Gris 2019 (Dundee Hills, Oregon)
Organically grown, this Pinot Gris from Ross & Bee Maloof offers notes of honeysuckle, ripe peach, green apple, chamomile and kumquat, plus invigorating acidity. Enjoy it with grilled fish, white pastas, white pizza, octopus and any warm weather seafood.

Somos Wines “Naranjito” 2020 (McLaren Vale, South Australia)
Made from 100% Verdelho with minimal intervention, this is a perfect introduction to orange wine. There’s heaps of ginger spice, tangerine, orange peel and baked pears with hints of toffee apple on the nose. On the palate, bright orange pith, mandarin crunch, soft brioche and caramel.

Conti Di San Bonifacio Rosé 2019 (Tuscany, Italy)
Pale coral pink in the glass, CDB’s rosé is a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Enticing aromas of juicy summer fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, melon and white peach. Upon the palate, it’s delicate and soft with fresh acidity. Pairs perfectly with grilled fish and shellfish, grilled poultry, salads, berries, stone fruits and charcuterie.

Ameztoi Txakolina 2019 (Basque Country, Spain)
Light, crisp, refreshing and low alcohol, Ameztoi Txakolina is bottled with a touch of residual carbon dioxide gas to give it its natural, signature, spritzy style. Made exclusively from indigenous Hondarrabi Zuri grapes, this is a fun wine with salty and briny notes, crisp acidity, and refreshing effervescence that complements seafood dishes.

Carussin “Lia Vi” Barbera d’Asti 2017 (Piedmont, Italy)
Organic and natural, this is a perfect springtime Barbera that is ready to drink now, but you could cellar it for 2-3 years. On the nose, it’s intense and complex with hints of fruit compote, currant, cherry and plum. Energetic, bright, fresh and a tad funky. Pairs wonderfully with hard cheeses, pasta (even pastas with a little spice) and grilled meats.

Tikves Vranec Special Selection 2017 (Macedonia)
There’s growing interest in wines from Eastern Europe, an often overlooked region despite its ancient grape growing tradition and indigenous varieties. Tikves Winery’s Vranec is intense, dark ruby red in color with a rich full body and supple tannins. Raspberry, earthy, black currant with peppery spice and chocolate notes. Enjoy Vranec with duck breast and lamb.

Gen Del Alma Jijiji 2020 (Uco Valley, Argentina)
A 50-50 blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir, this natural wine has a huge vibrant nose of red fruits, violets and caramel apple. Rood acid lifts the palate with notes of rhubarb, red cherry, orange peel, mushroom and flint. It’s juicy, dark, vibrant and a little funky. Though offering bigger tannins than the average light-bodied wine, Jijiji is defined by freshness and bright acid.

Looking to explore the sweet world of dessert wine? CORK offers a variety of options to pair with your dessert or to enjoy on their own AS dessert! Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for pick up.

Oremus Tokaji Late Harvest (Hungary)
An interesting blend of grape varieties – Furmint, Harslevelu, Zeta, Sargamuskotaly – this well-balanced and silky wine offers floral tones, mixed with mellow citrus and sweet fruitiness. Enjoy with soft cheeses, crème brûlée, panna cotta.

Lamoreaux Landing (Finger Lakes, NY)
Ice wine is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The sugars and other dissolved solids do not freeze, but the water does, allowing for a more concentrated grape juice to develop. Lamoreaux Landing’s Vidal Ice offers crisp spring blossoms on the nose, and on the palate silky notes of honey, balanced with bursts of juicy pineapple and apricot. It’s a perfectly balanced and satisfying sweet and tart finish. Enjoy by itself, or try with your favorite creamy desserts, like panna cotta, or a platter of fruits and cheeses.

Château La Tour Blanche “Emotions” Sauternes (Bordeaux, France)
Due to the climate of the Sauternes region, this wine is produced from grapes affected by botrytis cinerea, a “noble rot” that develops on the berries. This phenomenon creates a high concentration of natural sugar and complex aromas of spice and dried fruits. Sauternes are not only dessert wines, but they can also be classically paired with foie gras, light fish in creamy sauces, or with strong cheeses such as Roquefort. Desserts that feature caramel, nuts or dried or tropical fruit are natural partners with Sauternes.

Jean-Marc Grussaute “Costat Darrèr” Jurançon Moelleux (Southwest France)
A blend of Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, harvested in October and November when they have started to wither on the vine. With an intense golden hue, this Jurançon offers enticing aromas of citrus peel, honey and a touch of truffle. Rich and full bodied with a lingering fruity finish, this selection pairs beautifully with strong cheeses (again, think Roquefort), citrus cheesecake, and as with Sauternes, even foie gras.

Ricossa Brachetto D’Acqui (Piedmont, Italy)
This wine has a bright and vibrant cherry color with a rose and orange blossom scent. Like drinking bubbly raspberries and strawberries, this is a chocolate dessert’s best friend! Sweet, fizzy and deliciously refreshing.

Bodegas Toro Albala Don PX Gran Reserva (Spain)
A reserve Pedro Ximenez (PX) with classic character – opaque, black mahogany color. Complex, rich walnuts, spiced rye, dried fruit, coffee, licorice and treacle. Best enjoyed with dark chocolate or, yes, over ice cream!

Cesar Florido Moscatel Dorado (Spain)
A sweet dessert sherry with floral aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and bergamot, as well as lime peel , juicy apricot and honey. On the palate, juicy apricots, honey and tons of moscatel grape flavor with a white pepper finish. Though this is very sweet, it’s not cloying, thanks to enough acid. Pairs wonderfully with candied fruit, creamy cheeses with intense aromas and citrus desserts.

Blandy’s 10-Year Malmsey Madeira (Portugal)
Noted for its intensely concentrated nutty, caramel and honeyed flavors, this is a rich, fortified wine, but it finishes bright due to Madeira’s higher acidity. Serve it with nutty desserts like almond cake or pecan pie and anything made with rich chocolate. In warmer months, try it chilled for a refreshing dessert in a glass!

Churchill’s 10-Year Tawny Port (Portugal)
Churchill’s is a world-renowned Port producer, and their Tawny is a true gem, characterized by a complex fragrance of roasted nuts and sweet fruit. The texture is rich and velvety while the finish is clean and dry. Enjoy it with soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert, as well as fruit cake.

Now is THE time of year to treat yourself to some good scents. At CORK, we’ve expanded our selection of luxurious scented candles so that your home takes on a wintry glow and inviting aroma. Plus, select candle scents are available in coordinating bar soaps. Below is a list of our new lines of soaps and candles that you can pick up in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM. For quick pick up, reserve online!

Hudson Candle
Signature – Camphor, Frankincense, Musk, Myrrh
Unbothered – Leather, Musk, Cedar, Tonka
Boudoir – Moroccan Jasmine, Gardenia, Indian Tuberose, Caramel Amber Praline
Sea Coast – Aquatic Fruits, Sea Greens, Salty Nuances, French Narcisse
Terrain – Sicilian Fir, Citron, Fresh Mountain Savory, Aromatic Cedar

ALIBI NYC
Yuzu Soy Wooden Wick Candle
Rosewater + Hibiscus Soy Wooden Wick Candle
Rosewater + Hibiscus Organic Coco Mango Butter Soap
Sweet Grapefruit Soy Wooden Wick Candle
Grapefruit + Mint Leaf Mango Butter Soap
Lavender Travel Tin Soy Candle
Earl Grey Travel Tin Soy Candle
Cannabis + Hemp Travel Tin Soy Candle

Wax Buffalo Candle Co.
Sweet Tobacco Candle
Whiskey Candle
Lemon Tonic Candle
Mimosa Candle
Pink Prosecco Candle

wxy.
Aura – White Woods + Amber Candle
Lucent – Sunshine + Cedar Candle
Nights – Bourbon Sugar + Tobacco Leaf Candle

Makana
Rosewater Petite Candle
Pikake Jasmine Petite Candle
Neroli Blossom Petite Candle
Ginger Citron Petite Candle

CORK Cru is an exclusive month-to-month wine club. Each month, you’ll pick-up a box of 4 wines thoughtfully selected by a local wine professional, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Enjoy the wines one at a time, create your own at-home tasting meal, or enjoy a guided virtual tasting happy hour.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cru is the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life!

For the month of March only, Cru includes a space in a virtual wine tasting on Wednesday, March 10th at 6pm, modeled after our popular COOK classes. You’ll get the chance to taste March’s wines alongside Mitch Skwer of Vintage Imports, ask questions, and pick his brain about all things vino!

Our inaugural Cru offers a Trip to Spain. Journey through four Spanish selections – two whites and two reds: Maruxa Godello 2019 (Galicia, Spain); Granzaban Albariño 2019 (Galicia, Spain); Viña Real Crianza 2016 (Rioja, Spain); and Mas Martinet Bru Priorat 2018 (Catalonia, Spain). March’s Cru fee is $120 and includes the virtual tasting. Wines will be available to pick-up from Monday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 3 from 11am to 8pm.

Space for the class is limited and registration will close on Monday, March 1st, so be sure to sign up soon! We’ll send you a Zoom link the morning of the 10th and ask that you enter the call 10 minutes before the event begins.

To register for March’s edition of CORK Cru, call 215.735.2665 or reserve online. If submitting online, please note that we will contact you to secure a non-refundable $25 deposit to secure your registration for March’s Cru. Payment for the wines that accompany March’s Cru experience will be processed in-person at CORK after we scan your government- issued ID upon collecting your wine. Cru is limited to those 21+ years of age.

Looking for something special for that special someone? We’ve got you. Our very Valentine gift boxes are loaded with artisanal confections, scented soaps and candles, and, yes, some of our favorite bottles of bubbly, rosé and red.

Boxes may be reserved in person at CORK, reserved online or by phone (215.735.2665). When ordering you may request a specific pick up date that is convenient for you. Please note, stock is limited, so reserve today!

Feel free to mix and match! To create your own custom box, visit us in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or give us a call.

Here are a handful of our favorite boxes, but for the complete list, head to our order form.

The Duckman
Duckman Sparkling Rose PetNat (Portugal)
Vinoos Rosé Gummies
Anis de Flavigny Rose Pastilles
Compagnie de Provence Rose Hand Cream
Makana Rosewater Candle

The Duckman Deluxe
Duckman Sparkling Rose PetNat (Portugal)
Vinoos Rosé Gummies
Anis de Flavigny Rose Pastilles
Compagnie de Provence Rose Hand Cream
Compagnie de Provence Rose Hand Soap
Boudoir Hudson Candle

The Frentana
Cantina Frentana Montepulciano (Italy)
Big Picture Farm Sea Salt & Vanilla Caramels
Anis de Flavigny Violet Pastilles
Lou Whistle Chocolate Pecan Chew
Hard Nectar Lollipop – Organic Edible Rose Petals and 24K Edible Gold Details
Hard Nectar Elderflower Candy Agate – Handcrafted with 24 Karat Edible Gold

The Frentana Deluxe
Cantina Frentana Montepulciano (Italy)
Big Picture Farm Sea Salt & Vanilla Caramels
Anis de Flavigny Violet Pastilles
Lou Whistle Chocolate Pecan Chew
Neuhaus Champagne Truffles
Signature Hudson Candle
Savor Patisserie Macarons

The Diver
Days Of Youth “The Diver” (California)
Signature Hudson Candle
CACAO Salame di Cioccolato
Greeting card not included. Available for $6.

The Diver Deluxe
Days Of Youth “The Diver” (California)
Aydry & Co. Champagne Brunch Candle
CACAO Salame di Cioccolato
CACAO Hot Cocoa Mix
Wes Candy Co. Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans
Savor Patisserie Macarons
Greeting card not included. Available for $6.

The Ricca Terra
Ricca Terra Bullets Before Cannonballs (Australia)
Alibi NYC Cannabis & Hemp Tin Candle
Griottines Morello Cocktail Cherries
Gardiners Assorted Scottish Toffees

The Ricca Terra Deluxe
Ricca Terra Bullets Before Cannonballs (Australia)
Alibi NYC Rose Water & Hibiscus Candle
Griottines Morello Cocktail Cherries
Gardiners Assorted Scottish Toffees
Maxim’s de Paris Pâtes de Fruits
Compagnie de Provence Fig Hand Cream

The Chocolate Box
Dick Taylor Chocolate Coated Almonds
Wes Candy Co. Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans
B. Toffee
Wax Buffalo Sweet Tobacco Candle
Wax Buffalo Matches
Nikki Darling Chocolate Marshmallows

The Ramona
Ramona Sparkling Rosé (2)
Copper Stemless Glasses (2)
Vinoos Rosé Gummies
Neuhaus Champagne Truffles
Neuhaus Chocolate Bonbons

The Lilbert
Lilbert-Fils Brut Champagne (France)
Wondermade Gold & Champagne Marshmallows
Wes Candy Co. Champagne Drops
Wax Buffalo Pink Prosecco Candle
Wax Buffalo Matches

The Scribe
Scribe “Whirlwind’s Heart” Pinot Noir (California)
Wes Candy Co. Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans
Neuhaus Dark Chocolate Truffles
Savor Patisserie Macarons
Greeting card not included. Available for $6.

The Blues
Konpira Maru Pét-Nat (Australia)
Compagnie de Provence Mediterranean Hand Cream
Compagnie de Provence Mediterranean Hand Soap
Neuhaus Assorted Chocolate Truffles
Sea Coast Hudson Candle

At CORK, we offer a wine for every occasion. Some days, however, call for a stiff drink. We’re excited to announce something we’ve been working on – cocktails to go! Available for pick up starting today, CORK now offers a line of four classic cocktails, including a Dirty Vodka Martini, Gin Martini, Manhattan and Negroni. Each 8 ounce bottle contains 2 to 3 cocktails and uses select items available at CORK – Montanaro Vermouth di Torino, Antica Torino Vermouth, Bitter Housewife Cocktail Bitters and Ancient Olive Trees Dirty Martini Olive Juice. 

As with our selection of wines, cocktails may be purchased in-store or reserved online for convenient pick up. Bottles feature easy to follow instructions so that you can shake, stir and pour with confidence. Don’t forget your garnishes! Cocktail cherries, olives and lemon/orange wheels are available at CORK.

Plus, if you’re missing tools to complete the at-home cocktail experience, shop our extensive collection of barware. Cocktail making essentials such as jiggers, shakers, strainers and bar spoons are available in silver, gold and copper, as well as mixing glasses, coupes, rocks and collins glasses. 

Have yourself an at-home happy hour. TGIF and cheers!

Looking to upgrade your home bar glassware? From decanters to mixing glasses, champagne flutes to coupes, we have that special something you’re looking for! Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for easy pick up.

Highlights of our extensive glassware collection include the following:

CARAFES, DECANTERS & SHAKERS
Viski Angled Crystal Decanter (above)
Viski Deco Decanter
Petite Wine Carafe
Viski Crystal Mixing Glass
Host Carafe & Mixing Glass
Nicolas Vahé Cocktail Shaker (part of a 4-piece set with jigger, bar spoon and cocktail strainer)

WINE GLASSWARE
Moroccan Recycled Champagne Flute & Stemless Glass (above)
Stem & Stemless Wine Glasses
Champagne Flutes

COCKTAIL GLASSES & TUMBLERS
Eclipse Collins & Rocks Glasses (above)
Cats & Dogs Tumblers
Viski Crystal Coupes
Plain Tumblers

Natural wine is all the rage. Whether you’re already a convert or if you’re curious to explore the untamed territory of natural winemaking, CORK has plenty to offer. There is no official, regulated definition of ‘natural wine,’ so it varies depending on who you ask. However, in broad terms, natural wines are produced via sustainable, organic, or biodynamic vineyards, with no added yeast, preservatives or sulfites.

Explore our selection of natural wines by shopping in-store or reserving online for pick up. Below are highlights, but there are certainly more options available on our shelves.

François Plouzeau – Domaine de La Garrelière Le Chenin de la Colline
From the Loire Valley, this 100% Chenin Blanc is made naturally without any added sugars and additives. This is a dry and crisp organic white wine with a lovely golden color, medium body and refreshing finish.

Scribe Sylvaner “Ode to Emil”
Scribe is a Sonoma-based winery with a devoted following, to say the least. Scribe is known to tinker, producing unique wines in limited batches, making their releases highly sought after. Sylvaner is a grape primarily grown in Alsace and Germany, and Scribe’s Sylvaner pays homage to Emil Dresel, who brought the first vines to America in 1858. Best enjoyed with light fare and vegetables, Scribe’s Sylvaner presents hints of honeydew, cucumber, honeysuckle and lemon.

Lusenti Pinot Grigio “Fiocco di Rose”
Dry, light and crisp, this sparkling rose is from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Pale pink in color with notes of peach and lemon, this elegant bubbly presents a balance of acidity and minerality. Perfect for seafood, but it can also hold up to heartier fare.

Alpha Box & Dice “Golden Mullet Fury”
From Australia’s McLaren Vale, this rich, full-bodied orange wine offers grassy, citrusy aromas and almond and vanilla savory notes with a gentle acidity. Enjoy with fare on the rich, fatty side – pork belly, skin-on salmon fillets and poultry.

Alpha Box & Dice “Kit & Kaboodle”
Another Alpha Box & Dice selection, this is a blend of Tempranillo, Shiraz, Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark beetroot in color, there’s a lot of contrast yet harmony here – light-yet-heavy, earthy-yet-clean, youthful-yet-old, rich-yet-soft. Dark fruits predominate the palate. Enjoy it with everyday, casual fare, such as barbecued meats and burgers.

Konpira Maru Wines Syrah “Gymkata“
Though made in Australia, this isn’t your typical Aussie Shiraz. Resembling an Old World Syrah, Konpira Maru’s “Gymkata” is full of juicy strawberry, rhubarb offset by a touch of green peppercorn and a refreshing acidity.

Castello di Stefanago Provincia di Pavia Rosso
A blend of Uva Rara, Croatina and Barbera, this unfiltered selection is medium bodied with medium acidity and light tannin. A little floral, a little herbaceous with raspberry and cherry notes, it pairs up with cheese, salumi and pasta.

Jordi Miró Ennak +
An unusual blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot, resulting in ripe red fruit flavors, as well as dark chocolate, with a slight hint of minerality. This is a fresh, soft, silky wine that is super easy to drink!

Looking to up the bar? CORK offers a wide variety of cocktail mixers and bitters, including RAFT syrups, Mother Shrubs, Ancient Olive Trees Dirty Martini Juice, bitters from RAFT, Bitter Housewife and Hella Cocktail Co. and more! Shop in-store daily from 11AM to 8PM or reserve online for easy pick up.

MIXERS
Hella Cocktail Co. Bloody Mary Mix
Toma Bloody Mary Mix
Boylan Tonic Water, Club Soda and Ginger Beer
Liber & Co. Tonic Syrup
RAFT Grenadine, Simple Syrup and Lemon Ginger Syrup
Ancient Olive Trees Dirty Martini Juice
Mother Shrub – Black Cherry, Lime, Grapefruit, Salted Honey

BITTERS
Bitter Housewife Bitters – Orange, Grapefruit, Aromatic
RAFT Bitters – Orange, Cardamom
Hella Cocktail Co. – Mexican Chocolate

PLUS…
Yes Cocktail Co. Bitters Infused Old Fashioned Cubes
Teaspressa Luxe Cubes – Peach Bellini Cubes & Arcadia Orange Mimosa Cubes
Griottines Morello Cocktail Cherries