Welcome to the “Scholar of Modern Wine” Program at the National Wine School, held in partnership with the prestigious Wine School of Philadelphia. This comprehensive program is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of the evolution of modern wine production, highlighting its historical origins and global impact. Join us on a journey through the world of wine, every Monday evening from January 8th to March 4th, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm (excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day).
Course Outline
Embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of modern winemaking, exploring its historical roots and global impact. Engage in expert tastings and discussions to understand the nuances and forces shaping the world of wine today.
Class 1: Introduction to Modern Wine
- Overview of the course
- The evolution of winemaking techniques
- Introduction to key wine regions and their historical significance
Class 2: Bordeaux – Unveiling the Modern Blend
Dive into the 18th-century Bordeaux winemaking techniques that laid the groundwork for the modern Bordeaux style. Discover how blending and terroir became central to this French wine region’s success.
- History of 18th-century Bordeaux winemaking
- Exploration of blending techniques and terroir
- Tasting: Identifying characteristics of modern Bordeaux blends
Class 3: Germany – Pioneers of Modern White Wine
Explore Germany’s role in pioneering modern white wine. Learn about the innovative vineyard practices and precise fermentation controls that shaped the development of flavorful and aromatic white wines.
- Germany’s impact on white wine production
- Innovations in vineyard practices and fermentation controls
- Tasting: Discovering the flavors of modern German whites
Class 4: Australia – Colonial Origins to Global Influence
Trace Australia’s transformation from a colonial outpost to a global wine powerhouse. Uncover the fascinating journey of how British influence and modern winemaking techniques turned Australia into a wine country of distinction.
- Australia’s journey from colonial outpost to wine powerhouse
- British influence and modern winemaking techniques
- Tasting: Sampling the diversity of Australian wines
Class 5: South Africa – Emerging Forces of the 21st Century
Delve into South Africa’s wine legacy, fueled by the Dutch East India Company’s trade routes. Explore the rise of modern wineries in Paarl and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that are shaping the wine landscape in the 21st century.
- The Dutch East India Company and South Africa’s wine heritage
- The rise of modern wineries in Paarl and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Tasting: Experiencing the innovation of 21st-century South African wines
Class 6: Latin America – Trading Routes and Unique Voices
Navigate the intricate web of Latin American trading companies and their influence on wine cultures. Investigate how Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico have each carved their unique identities in the global wine arena.
- The historical and cultural influence of Latin American trading routes
- Investigating Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico’s wine identities
- Tasting: Exploring the unique flavors of Latin American wines
Class 7: The Parker Effect – Tasting the Modern Revolution
Examine the pivotal role of wine critics in the modern era, with a spotlight on Robert Parker and his 100-Point Scale. Sample and discuss how this phenomenon has shaped contemporary wine styles.
- The role of wine critics in shaping modern wine
- Understanding Robert Parker and the 100-Point Scale
- Tasting: Comparing wines pre and post the Parker era
Class 8: Napa Valley Retrospective – Decades of Evolution
Embark on a retrospective journey through Napa Valley’s evolving wine styles. Focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and other major varietals, tracing their progression from the 80s to the present day.
- Napa Valley’s changing wine styles over the decades
- Focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and other major varietals
- Tasting: Tracing the evolution of Napa Valley wines
