ON-LINE WINE TASTING CLASS

I recently completed an on-line wine-tasting class. It was offered by Wine Spectator School and it was called "ABC's of Wine Tasting." I will say that it was an enjoyable experience. The class was inexpensive at $39. For that you get to download lots of information about the basics of wine tasting. It also provides instructions on how to conduct a wine tasting and what to look for (legs, clarity, aroma, taste, etc.). It has instructions for both a set of white and a set of red wines and helps you to identify the differnces among them and to identify various flavors within each.

There is a specified time limit by which the class must be finished. However, this is automatically extended upon request. I had to get several extensions. There are also quizzes after each section and a final exam at the end. Of course, the "homework" is about the most pleasant homework you ever will have! Upon passing the class, you receive a certificate suitable for framing.

In addition to the basic wine tasting class, there are several more advanced classes offered. I will likely take additional classes as my schedule permits.

RIUNITE LAMBRUSCO DAUNIA

A couple of weeks ago, BG (former wine seller) mentioned to me that he remembered an Italian wine called Lambrusco that was good in the summer. He said it was not considered a high-quality wine, but that it tasted good. I remenbered drinking Lambrusco years ago, but had not had any or seen it in many years.

I picked up a bottle of Riunite Lambrusco Daunia IGT. I found it very fruity and refreshing! It is an excellent and fun light summer wine. It is actually a sparkling red wine.

I did a little research for this post and found that Lambrusco is a varietal grape from central Italy (Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy) with a long history. It was originally a wild grape (in fact the name "lambrusco" is derived from the latin meaning "wild vines").

Several of the on-line sources I read were somewhat defensive of Lambrusco. They generally point out that Lambrusco is often derided as a low-quality wine (and some are, incluidng some being artificially sweetened), but that Lambrusco has a good reputation in Italy dating back hundreds of years. Some blame Riunite for the bad reputation. While the Lambrusco I tried was Riunite, my research has inspired me to try one of the more highly-rated Lambruscos.