Miami has gained a new “wine girl” with the arrival of beverage director and sommelier Victoria James, and her impressive wine list at the newly opened Cote Miami (3900 NE 2nd Ave.) The New York City Korean steakhouse concept by restaurateur Simon Kim earned a Michelin star under his direction, along with James’ extraordinary attention to vino-detail.
Courtesy of Cote
The Cote Korean steakhouse concept was created by restaurateur Simon Kim.
From Cote’s inception in New York, it was important to both Kim and James that the wine selections reflect a true steakhouse wine list, with a mix of cult favorites and tried-and-true bottles, along with a variety of approachable “new kids” and trendsetting producers and styles. From recent vintages of new-world cabernet to old-world Madeira from 1870, James has created a collection that truly encompasses the range of diversity in the wine world, and she and Kim have brought it all here to Cote Miami in the Design District.
It would take more than a glance to review the approximately 1,200 offerings on the list, which spans a global range of tastes and budgets from $40 to $10,000+ a bottle. All of the wines are hand-picked by James, with some obtained exclusively for Cote during her trips to wine regions, where she personally meets with producers and makes selections straight from the barrel. With a strong desire to include wines that are made in a responsible manner and express a sense of place, James also focuses on female winemakers and producers of color when choosing for her list.
In a unique twist to tableside service, Cote pours all by-the-glass wines from magnums (1.5-liter bottles), which allows the wines to stay fresher longer, ensuring that guests get the ultimate experience even if just with one glass. James’ hope is to bring “Magnum Monday” to Miami, a night when a special, rare-vintage magnum bottle is chosen to be opened and sold by the glass at-cost to the first guests who order one. It’s a magical night that James said is a wine-lover favorite at the New York City location.
Courtesy of Cote
Cote Miami is locatedin the Design District at3900 NE 2nd Ave.
Cote’s mantra is simple: meat plus fire plus drinks equals smiles, and that seems to be something guests in Miami can get behind. Kim and James expressed excitement at opening an in-demand second Cote in Miami, a city with a great culinary scene that they see as fun and vibrant, with an exciting flow of energy that’s reflected in the sophisticated and entertaining ambiance of the restaurant.
Courtesy of Cote
Victoria is adding more South American selections to pair with the Cote Miami's meat board.
There will be some variations to the menu and wine selection based on the personality of the Magic City, such as more seafood and a focus on local produce. As far as wines, James spent time studying lists around the city to see which wines diners in Miami desire, and she has decided to include more South American selections in addition to some of the European and California favorites found in Cote NYC. As a newcomer to the area, she will be actively listening to what Miami guests are asking for when they visit the restaurant, in order to provide the best beverage experience possible.
Courtesy of Cote
All of the wines on Cote’s list arehand-picked by Victoria James, withsome selections made straight fromthe barrel.
Victoria James’ food and wine picks at Cote Miami
For a quick bite and sip: Korean bacon with Dönnhoff Cote Collection Riesling. The chef’s thick-cut pork belly is rich and smokey, and pairs beautifully with a dry but fruit-driven riesling.
For the classic steakhouse experience: USDA prime ribeye with 2010 Château Haut-Lariveau Fronsac Bordeaux.
For going all out: Grand cru galbi (marinated short ribs) with 1870 Lomelino Solera Bual Madeira. Everyone assumes red wine with red meat, but with this marinated cut I always love to recommend Madeira.