Back to School
You won't need a paper bag filled with your lunch, and you won't need lunch money. No notebooks required, you don't even need to bring a pen. This school supplies everything you will need, especially wine. It is the 10th annual autumn session of the Aspen Wine Program!
A handful of lucky participants will be spending this week in the beautiful Aspen area, enjoying the mountains, the cuisine, and of course, the wine. 72 wines will be tasted in 6 days. Over $2,000 in liquid assets will be consumed (and then spit). Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy and Spain will all receive virtual visitors as the world of the grape is explored.
Twice a year I offer the chance of a lifetime to a select few. The opportunity to really learn about wine. To gain prowess over the most massive wine list, and to once and for all learn which wine they like best, and why.
We start with a component tasting. A half dozen simple red wines are thrust out of balance by the addition of small amounts of tannin, or grape acid, or even oak chips. Wine should be balanced, and when it is not it is rather nasty, but teaches how to identify these components in a way reading and talking about it never could.
Varietals are next, with a dozen of the most common red and white wine types tasted and discussed.
The week continues on through various regions of the world, punctuated with sparkling lectures from yours truly.
This year we get to enjoy the spectacle of balloons at sunrise against purple mountains majesty. Only to be followed later in the day with a wine festival.
We finish the week as is fitting with Champagne and dessert wines. And while none are moving on to the Advanced Course this year, in sessions past, this would be just the beginning.
If you have ever thought of learning all you could about wine, or want to become a well schooled wine professional, the Aspen Wine Program should be on your radar.
We will be having fun without all this week, but the good news is that there will be another chance next spring. Hope to see you there!
A handful of lucky participants will be spending this week in the beautiful Aspen area, enjoying the mountains, the cuisine, and of course, the wine. 72 wines will be tasted in 6 days. Over $2,000 in liquid assets will be consumed (and then spit). Bordeaux, Burgundy, Italy and Spain will all receive virtual visitors as the world of the grape is explored.
Twice a year I offer the chance of a lifetime to a select few. The opportunity to really learn about wine. To gain prowess over the most massive wine list, and to once and for all learn which wine they like best, and why.
We start with a component tasting. A half dozen simple red wines are thrust out of balance by the addition of small amounts of tannin, or grape acid, or even oak chips. Wine should be balanced, and when it is not it is rather nasty, but teaches how to identify these components in a way reading and talking about it never could.
Varietals are next, with a dozen of the most common red and white wine types tasted and discussed.
The week continues on through various regions of the world, punctuated with sparkling lectures from yours truly.
This year we get to enjoy the spectacle of balloons at sunrise against purple mountains majesty. Only to be followed later in the day with a wine festival.
We finish the week as is fitting with Champagne and dessert wines. And while none are moving on to the Advanced Course this year, in sessions past, this would be just the beginning.
If you have ever thought of learning all you could about wine, or want to become a well schooled wine professional, the Aspen Wine Program should be on your radar.
We will be having fun without all this week, but the good news is that there will be another chance next spring. Hope to see you there!
