Master Class in Blind Tasting Technique

4 class series • 2 hr per class
$695

This is an advanced level tasting class designed for any one wishing to develop and improve their tastings skills. It is recommended for experienced tasters, both consumer and professional, and it is intended for collectors, wine buyers, sommeliers, retailers, importers, distributors, and anyone preparing for the CWE, WSET Diploma, Master Sommelier, or Master of Wine exam.

A strong knowledge of wine grapes, global wine regions, grape growing, and winemaking is recommended. All wines will be tasted blind, followed by a debriefing session to discuss and assess the wines. We will taste 12 wines each session.

Part I:
Appearance and the importance of color
Aroma: wine faults, esters & aldehydes
Gauging alcohol, acid, tannin, and residual sugar
Quality vs style
Recognizing different styles of sparkling wine
Markers for Champagne
Signs of tank, transfer, and traditional methods
Styles of still rose
Recognizing wine making techniques in rose

Part II:
White wine grapes
Color: grape, climate, winemaking, and age
The effect of skin contact on color, phenolics, and taste
The relationship between acidity, PH, and residual sugar
Understanding the impact of fermentation temperature & cultured yeast strains
The impact of climate, soil, and winemaking on aromatics and taste
The impact of oak, maturation, and bottle age on color, aroma, and taste
Markers for varietal character

Part III:
Red wine grapes
Color: grape, climate, winemaking, and age
The effect of ripeness upon aroma and taste
The impact of fermentation temperature
Understanding phenolics and tannins
The impact of climate, soil, and winemaking on aromatics and taste
The impact of oak, maturation, and bottle age on color, aroma, and taste
Markers for varietal character

Part IV:
Determining the stage of fortification with Sherry, Port, Vdn, and Madiera
Assessing alcohol levels
Identifying winemaking techniques used to create sweetness
Judging residual sugar levels
Secrets to judging age, maturity, and longevity
Describing wine
Rating and scoring wine
Quality versus typicity
Quality and value
Final judgements

For additional information or questions, please contact us at info@capitalwineschool.com

Offered: Quarterly
Dates: Nov. 11, 18, Dec 2, 9, 2012 SOLD OUT
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: The Capital Wine School, 5207 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC