Whether you are a newbie to wine tasting, or a weathered expert, attending a wine master class specific to the area you are travelling in can be a helpful way to better understand the region. Not only will you learn about the particular grapes and wines of the region, but you may also pick up some particular skills around what to smell or taste for, as well as to better develop your palette and understand what it is that you prefer.
Why a wine master class?
It is not easy to disentangle in the Italian ampelography and wine denominations. So, when visiting an important wine region such as Tuscany, it can be a fun and useful way to be prepared before embarking on a winery tour. This makes a master class the perfect first activity when staying in a region.
Take Tuscany for example; here a wine master class will allow you to start to unravel the indigenous grape names such as Ansonica, Canaiolo Nero, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Sangiovese.
Learn the theory
While each region has specific grape, that will also mean they will produce varying wines. In places such as Tuscany you can learn the difference between Brunello, Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, all masterpiece wines produced with the same grape, Sangiovese, but with differences in their regulations. You will also learn the concept of “Supertuscans” – a term used to describe red wines from Tuscany that may include the use of non-indigenous grapes, particularly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Put it to practice
Of course, after the theory it is very important to put your new knowledge and skills to the test. Your wine master class will help you to learn the process of smell and taste.
Soon you’ll be able to find a hint of some white flowers and acacia honey inside a nice Vermentino, wild berries inside a good Colorino, and some cherries preserved under spirit and tobacco inside a beautiful Brunello.
