Course Two: Understanding Grape Varietals

Once you have retrained the senses and understand how wine is created in the "Preparing the Palate" course, it is time to explore grape varietal identity. We will review eight popular grapes and examine the physiological characteristics that make each grape unique. We will discus where these grapes are grown throughout the world and briefly review how regional wine laws determine what is put on a wine label. The lecture will discuss the difference between a quality wine and a wine of character; define a great wine; and explore how personal bias and social interaction affects the enjoyment of wine. The class will end with a varietal evaluation of eight different grapes.