DC Wineaux visits Cork and Fork

Kristi Green is the author of the blog DC Wineaux. She further indulges her love of wine in her work at a wine bar on U St NW.

Cork and Fork (1522 14th St NW) is a reasonably new addition to the network of wine shops that weaves its way across our fair city. This bright little boutique is run by the Landragin family who own two other shops by the same name; one in Bethesda, MD and one in Gainesville, VA. The founder and official owner/operator is Dominique Landragin.

Dominique Landragin was born in the heart of France’s Champagne region where his grandfather was once a manager at Veuve Cliquot Vineyards, a premier producer of Champagne. Before coming to Washington, Landragin made a lasting impression on the wine world by co-founding Yellowglen, the first Methode Champenoise producer in Australia. This means that the production followed the rules set by the French government for sparkling wine from the Champagne region to the letter–and largely to Landragin’s credit.

The staff, particularly Monsieur Landragin himself, are charming and knowledgeable. If you need a recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask–I’ve not been disappointed yet. The best and worst thing about being such a “wineaux” is that, by having so much knowledge, I have too much to consider when choosing a bottle.

Nearly each time I’ve gone to Cork and Fork I’ve asked for a recommendation. The only time I did not request a recommendation was my first time in the shop, a hot day last summer, and I picked up juicy, bright white Bordeaux and a six pack of some light variety of Eggenberg beer from Austria. On various recommendations I’ve purchased an organic Cotes du Rhone, an organic Pinot Noir from Austria, a bold Spanish Monastrell based blend from Jumilla, a very well priced Chateau-neuf-du-Pape and countless other delicious finds.

Continues after the jump.

The selection is great with something for each palette and price range–definitely better than the Whole Foods on P St. The shelves are stocked with rare, exciting and funky varieties of both old and new world wines–be sure to check out the selection of bubblies and fancy stuff behind the counter! (Also for those not so wine-inclined, Cork and Fork has a pretty fabulous beer selection!)

At the recommendation of the Cork and Fork staff, a Pinot Noir/Syrah blend from France!

THE PRODUCER/THE PLACE/THE GRAPE/THE VINTAGE

La Maison Galhaud/Cotes Catalanes, France/Pinot Noir/Syrah/2006

RIYL

smoky, tannic, reds

PAIR WITH

a huge burgundy glass and a block of stinky cheese. and perhaps “Amelie,” this wine is very French!

THE BASICS

medium to full bodied, high tannin. on the nose: dark berries and deep earth. on the palate: powerful fruit, red spice, dry finish of blackberry and oak.