| Description: | Despite its ancient origins of wine production, it is only recently that Italy has experienced a tremendous improvement in the quality of its wines. This course introduces students to wine appreciation by studying the most representative wines of the regions of Italy. The distinct historical, traditional, economic, geographical and climatic aspects of each region will be studied in order to assess their importance for the local wines. The major grape varieties and wine-making techniques will be presented and each wine will be tasted with a complete organoleptic analysis: visual, olfactory and gustative. Students will also learn how to pair wines with food. Specific information on the marketing of the wine (classification, sale, market) will also be provided. Students will also learn and understand how to read an Italian wine label and the different steps in Italian wine classification. During classes students will visit some of the most famous enoteche in Florence. |