Wine Lesson Plan

This is a sample of how we prepare for our “wine school”. I hope it will help inspire you to learn more about wine.

Objective:  To explore, taste and experience three unfamiliar Spanish white wines.

Wines:  Martin Cόdax Albariῆo 2010 ($12.99 at multiple retailers); Louro Do Bolo Godello 2009 ($16.99 at The Wine Merchant); Hermanos Lurton Verdejo 2010 ($11.99 at Whole Foods)

Preparation:  This is where our group takes turns being the “teacher”.  We rotate who will host the evening. The host is then responsible for the topic of the evening and background research of the wines being served and the region they come from. With this class the grapes were unfamiliar to us, so we spent a lot of time talking about the grapes, and where they grow in Spain along with the climate and even some interesting historical facts about Spain. We have some great resources listed on the blog that can be used as references. Also, make yourself aware of the wine laws in the countries or regions you are learning about. As part of our research, we find some small pairings that should work well with our wines of the evening. We always have some cheese for pairing, and Spanish Manchego cheese was a perfect pairing with Spanish wines. We also tried pairing Goat Gouda cheese, Rembrandt Extra Aged Gouda, and guacamole. Usually, we add some chocolate too when serving red wines.

Set up:  Place three glasses at each place setting; a tasting note sheet (www.wine-tastings-guide.com/wine-tasting-notes-template.html );  small plate; napkin; and pen. It is helpful that at least one item, example tasting sheet or plate, is white to use a background when distinguishing the color/appearance of the wine. Make sure you have the wines at the correct temperature. Whites should not be straight out of refrigerator, let them sit out 15-20 minutes.

Swirl, Smell, Taste:  Time to begin. Over time we have found it helpful to try each wine one by one without adding any pairings. Basically we follow the tasting note sheet listed above. First we look at the appearance of the wine. Is it straw yellow, golden, etc. Next we give the wine a good swirl to get the aromas going. Take a deep whiff of the wine – what do you smell? Remember there is no wrong answer. It takes practice and helps discussing with others what you smell. A great source I found recently is The Wine Aroma Wheel, www.winearomawheel.com. And finally, it is time to taste. Try to leave the wine in your mouth for about 30 seconds if you can and swish it around if that feels comfortable to you. Don’t be surprised if with the second sip the flavor is enhanced. Sometimes it takes the first sip to coat the tongue with the flavors of the wine. Discuss and make notes regarding the taste. Some things to consider, tannins, acidity, mouth feel, type of fruit, etc. Repeat this with the next two wines. Try and hold off on the snacks until you have tried all of the wines. The food will change the palate.

Add Some Nibbles:  Now it is time to start experimenting with the food. Pick a cheese and try with each wine. Is there a wine that works better with a specific cheese? We like to leave room on our tasting sheet to add notes about the wine with the pairings. Make sure you sniff the wines when you try them again. You will be amazed how the nose may change as the wine opens up.

Final Thoughts: Be creative and do what works for you and your group. This is just a sample from one of our classes. We have done blind tastings as well. Sometimes we have added in the game, Winerd, which is a lot of fun. If you are nervous about starting this up on your own, I highly recommend the book, Great Wine Made Simple, by Andrea Immer Robinson. Her book takes you through the great grapes of the world and has tastings for you to try. Our first classes were based on her teachings; after we started feeling more comfortable we started adapting or adding on to her tastings to fit our needs. Before you knew it, we were designing our own classes. Remember, wine and foods are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends.

Cheers,

Beth

Wine Fact:  Every wine contain some sulfites. They result as a natural by-product of the fermentation process.