Dive into Pinot Noir, the 'heartbreak grape.' This course explores its delicate characteristics, challenging viticulture, and gentle winemaking techniques. Compare classic French Burgundy with Australia's diverse expressions from cool-climate regions. Develop professional tasting skills, learn food pairing strategies, understand storage, and gain confidence in selecting this nuanced wine.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• What to Drink with What You Eat, Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page
• A taste of the World of Wine, Patrick Iland, Peter Gago, Andrew Caillard and Peter Dry

COURSE OUTLINE

• Introduction to Pinot Noir: The "heartbreak grape": why it's challenging to grow but rewarding to drink; Brief history of Pinot Noir, with a focus on its origins in Burgundy, France; Global significance and spread of Pinot Noir cultivation.
• Characteristics of Pinot Noir and Viticulture; Exploring the inherent characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape; Typical flavour and aroma profiles
• Winemaking Techniques and Styles: Gentle winemaking - emphasis on minimal intervention to preserve delicate flavours.
• Australian Pinot Noir vs. French Pinot Noir (Burgundy): In-depth comparison of the benchmarks
• Food Pairing with Pinot Noir: Principles of food and wine pairing specifically for Pinot Noir (its versatility due to lower tannins and high acidity).
• Storage Requirements and General Pricing

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify and describe the unique characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape, both aromatically and on the palate.
2. Understand the challenges involved in growing Pinot Noir and the importance of specific climatic conditions.
3. Explain the key winemaking techniques employed in Pinot Noir production and how they influence the final wine style.
4. Differentiate between the classic styles of Pinot Noir from Burgundy (France) and various regions in Australia, articulating their unique regional expressions.
5. Confidently apply professional wine tasting techniques to analyse and appreciate Pinot Noir wines.
6. Recommend appropriate food pairings for different styles of Pinot Noir.
7. Understand the optimal storage conditions for Pinot Noir and its aging potential.
8. Have a general understanding of the pricing landscape for Pinot Noir in Australia and globally.
9. Feel empowered to select, purchase, and discuss Pinot Noir wines with greater confidence.