A beginner to intermediate level course taking place over nine Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The course will build wine knowledge and wine tasting skills and give students more confidence in choosing or recommending wines, whether for enjoyment or as part of a role in the wine and hospitality industries.
The course is grape variety based and you will gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown, and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting 42 wines and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.
Course syllabus
Week 1: Session 1 : Course induction/Tasting technique/Pairing wine and food
Week 2: Session 2: Factors influencing the production of red wines: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel/Primitivo
Week 3: Session 3: Factors influencing the production of white, sweet and rosé wines, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sémillon/Semillon, Furmint
Week 4: Session 4: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albariño
Week 5: Session 5: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz
Week 6: Session 6: Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage
Week 7: Session 7: Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, Fiano, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina, Sangiovese, Montepulciano
Week 8: Session 8: Sparkling Wines, Fortified Wines
Week 9: Examination - 50 question multiple choice paper) (60 mins)