Class 1: Introduction to wine appreciation
The introductory class will provide all the basic background
needed to better appreciate the more focused classes which
follow. Specifically, the class will learn to appreciate the
four senses – looking, smelling, tasting and finally feeling the
wine in the mouth. While tasting our samples we’ll discuss the
importance of using all the senses in evaluating wine and
discuss the challenge of putting those evaluations into words.
The class will examine the vocabulary of wine as well as how to
buy it, store it, serve it and of course – how to enjoy it.
During this first class students will taste two whites and two
reds.
Class 2: Varietals
Students will study how vines are grown as well as how wine is
made and finally bottled – they will examine the different types
of grape and the different types of terrain that favor the
creation of wine - the major red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz) and the major white varieties
(Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewerztraminer, Muscadet)
as well as more localized varieties like Zinfandel and Malbec.
Students will also discuss champagne and fortified wines like
port and sherry.
Class 3: Terroir & France
Starting with the history of wine in the ancient world, its
refinement in medieval Europe, and its modern global expansion
this class will focus not on the wine’s grape variety but on the
terrain on which it is grown and will examine the Roman heritage
of the appellation d'origine
contrôlée regions of France:
Class 4: The Judgment of Paris. (France vs. USA)
A casual wine-tasting held in Paris in 1976 forever changed the
world of wine production. The accidental significance of the
event has been the subject of at least one book and also a
recent movie. It will also provide the subject for today’s
class. Unfortunately we will not be able to provide the
legendary wines which were tasted on that day – but at least we
will be able to re-enact that battle of the reds – between
France and the USA – with a blind tasting.
Class 5: Wines of Europe
It is true that, partly due to the very strict discipline of
their Appellation Controlee system, French wines have a well
deserved reputation as being the best in the world. But great
wines have also been produced from all over Europe for hundreds
of years. In this session we will examine the history,
conventions, labels, major growing regions and wines of Germany,
Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Class 6: Wines of the New World
The Coral Gables Museum Wine Appreciation Program admits to a
Eurocentric bias. There is no way to rationally justify cramming
‘the rest of the world’ into this final class other than
explaining that the program instructor is
European. Nonetheless, the wines of the New World are filled
with surprises and perhaps we are just saving the best till
last.
|