Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Cork and Co. - Miss Jane's bubbly class.


308 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2675
http://www.corkandco.com/


Keeping in theme with last week’s wine bar shenanigans, Mariah and I decided to try out a bubbly tasting at Cork and Co. Cork and Co. is a super-cute wine bar located at 3rd and Congress. It has a cozy but sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by hot tattooed waiters. We were seated in the back at a table with 6 other lushes where conversation flowed easily, and continued to flow as social lubrication in the form of sparkling wine was introduced.

The class was hosted by Miss Jane, wine expert of the Austin Culinary Academy. Miss Jane was not only extremely knowledgeable on the topic of wine, she was also brimming with extroverted personality. The three time divorcee remembered everyone’s name upon the first time she heard it and joked and teased with her audience throughout the night.

Her selection encompassed choices around the world and was arranged in a thoughtful and excellent order:

#1 - Luneta Prosecco – a fun and lively first choice, my favorite. Great with Parmigian.

#2 - Domaine St. Michelle "Premium Cuvee" Brut Sparkling Wine (Washington State). Dry but fruity.

Two Roses:
#3 - Piper Sonoma "Select Cuvee" Brut Sparkling Wine
And
#4 - Cordorniu Pinot Noir Brut Cava – my number 2 favorite, which pairs well with most foods.

A higher end choice, which apparently goes well with everything.
#5 - Nicolas Feuillate Rose Champagne – extremely dry

We ended it all on an intensely sweet choice, paired well with chocolate and described as the equivalent of drinking melted Blue Bell. (Yes, folks, we are in Texas.)
#6 - Nivole Moscato d'Asti

We were introduced to terms such as “tart attack” and “point of bubble nucleation” and having an all out good time.

After all of this bubbly, we were left feeling a bit inebriated. Mariah had seen this inebriation coming on around glass #2 and ordered a cheese/salami plate to combat it, but I was left feeling the need for a little risotto.

But more on that later.

Friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable instructor, good wine, excellent price.

Laura - 9