Part 1: Fundamentals of Wine Appreciation
The Wine Tasting
Understanding the components of wine not only makes drinking it more enjoyable but better allows you to assess its quality and value. In our first session we'll take you through the wine tasting process, covering how wine is made, why they differ in style and the elements that affect their flavor. You’ll learn key terms used from production to bottle and, through tasting, the stylistic differences of ‘Old World’ versus ‘New World’ producers. Mike will also cover useful tips on purchasing, storing and serving your wines to protect their value in the long run. Last but certainly not least, you’ll discover a method of tasting wine that will allow you to compare it to others and categorize and record your thoughts. The ultimate goal is to be able to determine what you like in a way that will help guide you in the future.
Part 2: Wines of France
Exploring the wines of Burgundy and the Rhone Valley
Our coverage of the world's great wines begins at the epicenter of the wine world - France. Specifically, we'll focus on Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. Both of these regions produce world-class wines but each has its own unique personality. Burgundy wines may be a maybe a little more well-known than those of the Loire Valley but both exceptional red and white wines. You'll sample signature varietals from both and compare and contrast styles. Once you taste the wonderful complexity and flavors of these wines you'll understand why French wines are so highly sought.
Part 3: Wines of the United States
Exploring the wines of Napa, Sonoma and More
As one of the world's largest producers of wine, the United States remains one of its most dynamic as well. While wine is produced throughout the land, offerings from California and the Pacific Northwest are the most widely recognizable. This class focuses on the former, where the soil and climate allow for many varietals to flourish. We'll explore the signature varietals from Napa and Sonoma counties and highlight the key producers, varietals and blends that they have to offer.
Part 4: Wines of Northern Italy
Exploring the wines of Piedmont, Venice and More
With 20 regions and 200 sub-regions, Italy boasts both the largest and most confusing wine production in the world. But the range and quality of the wines now available makes it worth figuring out. We focus our attention in this session to the North, specifically Piedmont and the Venetto. The wines of this area are varied and plentiful here in the states and are perfect food wines. What a great opportunity to dig deeper into this popular wine region.
Part 5: Wines of France
Exploring the wines of Champagne, Alsace and the Loire Valley
From Alsace, a region steeped in German tradition, to the Loire Valley, home to some great rose wines, these less well known regions produce a range of well-crafted wines. Throw in one of France's most iconic regions, Champagne, and you have a great mix of wines to sample. We'll pull the signature varietals from each of the regions and focus our attention on the styles and producers of each region.
Part 6: Wines of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
Exploring the wines of the Southern Hemisphere
Employing state of the art equipment and employing highly trained wine makers, Australia and New Zealand have quickly made a name from themselves in the world of wine. And even though the history of growing grapes and making wine is much shorter in both these regions, the quality is exceptional. We'll taste Australian Shiraz rich with deep berry flavors and well-crafted Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand as well as lesser know varietals that still offer incredible value and quality.
Part 7: Wines of Southern Italy and the Islands
Exploring the wines of Campania, Sicily and Sardinia
The wines of the south may not be household names like their counterparts in other regions but they are still bold, full bodied and satisfying. Plus, like most of the wines of Italy, they are great food wines. We'll study the main regions of the area - Campania, Sicily and Sardinia - and focus on signature varietals from each. It's a great way to explore beyond the Barberas and Barbarescos we all know so well.
Part 8: Wines of France
Exploring the wines of Bordeaux, Provence and More
As we continue our tour of the significant wine regions of the world we turn our attention toward two regions in France. Both are an important source for a range of wines - from simple table varieties to complex, age-worthy offerings. In Bordeaux, there are thousands of growers producing millions of bottles of wine but we'll focus on the most important grapes in the region. Next we look at Provence, a region considered by many to one of France's most underrated. In addition to its signature rose, they also produce high quality red and white wines as well.
Part 9: Wines of South America
Exploring the wines of Argentina, Brazil and Chile
Even though it doesn't always get the attention, South America is home to some of the hottest wines on the market today. Until recently, the region consumed most of the wine it produced. Now, quality wines are being produced with an eye on the export market. The result is some incredibly good wines that can be had less expensively than wines of equal quality produced in Europe and elsewhere. We'll guide you on the countries, producers and varietals that you should look for on the shelves of your local wine store.
Part 10: Wines of the Pacific Northwest
Exploring the wines of Oregon, Washington State and More
The wines of the Pacific Northwest are fairly well known to aficionados but all wine drinkers should get to know these offerings. Oregon shares the same parallel as Burgundy so it’s no surprise that the wineries there focus on varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Washington State is the second largest producer of wine in the nation. Much of the wine is produced in the Columbia Valley, a high desert area whose conditions allow growers to produces wines with great acidity. Taken together, this area is one of the country's great viticultural areas.
Part 11: Wines of Italy
Exploring the wines of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Umbria
In this session we go back to Italy to highlight offerings from the North, specifically Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna.and Umbria. Over the years, the diversity of Italian wine found here in the states is a little more reflective of that of Italy. The pride Italians have in their regional wines and local food specialties shows in what they drink and eat. We'll show wines that demonstrate this pride by featuring the key styles served in the region.
Part 12: Wines of Spain and Portugal
Exploring the wines of Rioja, Duoro Valley and More
With the world’s most extensive vineyards and one of the oldest winemaking traditions, Spain has plenty to offer wine lovers. We’ll focus our attention on the full bodied, oaky reds of the Spanish regions Rioja (old world) and Penedes (new world). We’ll then explore the interesting and affordable wines (lighter reds and vino verdes) of Portugal. |
