Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Texas Wine School Absolute Beginners: Wines of France in 3 sessions - Houston, Texas

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The Texas Wine School at French Country Wines
2433 Bartlett Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 882-8773

Absolute Beginners: Wines of France in 3 Sessions

Cost: $180.00 incl. wine
Dates: Tuesday January 10th, 17th and 24th.
Time: 7.00pm-9.30pm
Location: French Country Wines, 2433 Bartlett Street, Houston, TX 77098
Instructor: James King

This 3 session (2.5hrs each) course will cover the basics of French Wine.

Generally, we will be looking at:

1. For each wine-producing region, describe the style of wines made, identify the key grape varieties used for wine production and the meaning of common regional labeling terms.

2. Describe the meaning of common labeling terms indicating quality or style.

3. Understand what grape varieties are connected to each AOC so that you can pick a wine in a restaurant or retailer with confidence, for example Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre.

We will cover all the main regions (giving more time to Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne):

1. Alsace: Learn the labeling of wines, the main grape varietiesthe diversity of soil types and wine styles.   We will explain the difference between a Vendanges Tardives and a Sélection de Grains Nobles?

 2. Bordeaux: Learn the different grapes, the connection to soil, the styles and the diversity that is Bordeaux.  Learn how to read the label and decipher its grapes, quality and classification.

 3. Beaujolais:  Learn the labeling of wines, the main grape variety, differences between Beaujolais, Nouveau, Villages and Cru Village. Learn how carbonic maceration and traditional fermentation changes the flavors in the glass.

 4. Burgundy: Learn the labeling of wines and the main grape varieties. Learn how soil, topography and climate create enough variability to craft 100 different AOCs within this region’s borders!

 5. Champagne: Learn the champagne process and the grape varieties and styles that it produces. Learn why Champagne is unique among the world’s sparkling wine producing regions and why it has become the worldclass luxury good that it is.

 6. Loire Valley: Learn about the diversity of grapes, styles and labels that come out of the “Garden of France”.  Discover one grape that can make dry to sweet styles and also bubbles!! Find the home of Sauvignon Blanc and the “parents” of Cabernet Sauvignon.

 7. Southern France: Learn about some of the oldest vineyards in France. Briefly look at some of the sub regions that are making their presence felt in the US Market.

 8. Rhône Valley:  Learn about the two halves of the Rhône River, the North and the South. Learn the different grapes, styles and labeling and the diversity of AOC’s.

Visit Website: The Texas Wine School

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