Introduction to Wine Course, Wednesdays, January to February

Join us in the Pickering Cellar for our Introduction to Wine Course. You will learn about wine over six Wednesday evenings.

The series begins by looking at the factors that influence the balance of wine, learning about alcohol, tannins, acidity, aroma and flavour, and how to describe wine, as well as spotting levels of oak influence and ageing. The following five sessions are dedicated to studying three or four different grape varieties and contrasting key examples from Europe and the New World.

The idea is to enjoy harnessing your natural tasting ability while applying your observations to facts about the provenance of the wines. During the course we tackle all sorts of questions and aim to challenge common myths about wine – and, most importantly, increase your confidence in tasting. Cheese, nibbles and our Head Chef’s canapés are served at each session, along with plenty of water. The course will follow the below outline, with the emphasis firmly on learning through taste. Hosted by Rebecca Lamont, Head of Wine School, and Olivia Bodle, Fine Wine Specialist

Session one: Wednesday 8th January
What is in a glass of wine and how to sense it
 
Session two: Wednesday 15th January
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon

Session three: Wednesday 22nd January
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot
 
Session four: Wednesday 29th January
Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc
 
Session five: Wednesday 5th February
Pinot Noir, Gamay, Syrah/Shiraz and Zinfandel
 
Session six: Wednesday 12th February
Grenache, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and a review of all grape varieties covered
 
Dress code: smart casual
 
NB Wines for this event have been chosen from Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic stock and may not be available to order following the event.