This program offers a comprehensive study of the wines of France with a focus on historical development and terroir. The appellations of eight major French winegrowing regions will be explored with reference to climate, soil, grape variety, viticultural and winemaking techniques.
Students will gain an understanding of the importance of French wine in relation to food with reference to both classic and contempory pairings. The correct service & storage of different French wines will also be discussed.
Each class is enhanced with an extensive tasting of French wine styles and the course culminates in an optional end of course dinner paired with French wines
This program is offered in conjunction with the French Wine Society. A student who successfully passes the final exam may use the designation 'French Wine Scholar' and post-nominal, FWS.
Course Length: 9 weeks
Contact Hours: 27
Course Competencies:
This course is designed to give the student upon successful completion:
- The product knowledge required to underpin job skills required for advising customers in the hospitality and retail sectors on French wine.
- An in-depth understanding of the major wine styles of France, their appellations and production methods.
- The ability to describe the characteristics of French wines and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and value.
- Comprehension of the various classification systems used within the eight major French winegrowing regions studied.
- An understanding of the importance of terroir in relation to the style and quality of French wines.
- Knowledge on the correct storage, service and appropriate food pairings for French wines.
Course Prerequisites: Level 2 Intermediate Wine Studies or equivalent wine experience.
Textbooks: Textbook provided
Material and Supplies: 6 ISO tasting glasses, tasting sheets, pen, pencils, and paper.
Student Evaluation: The final examination consists of one 100 question multiple choice paper. A score of 75% or higher is required to pass
Instructor Availability Outside of Class: No
Weekly Outline:
Week 1 - Introduction / Alsace
- Introduction to French wine labelling
- The history & terroir of Alsace
- The grape varieties & wines of Alsace
- Alsace wine designations
- Alsace wines with food
Week 2 - Loire Valley
- The sub-regions & grape varieties of the Loire Valley
- The terroir & appellations of the Loire Valley
- Loire wines with food
Week 3 - Burgundy
- The history & terroir of Burgundy
- The grape varieties & appellations of Burgundy
- The classifications of Burgundy
- Burgundy wines with food
Week 4 - Bordeaux
- The history & terroir of Bordeaux
- The grape varieties & appellations of Bordeaux
- The classifications of Bordeaux
- Bordeaux wines with food
Week 5 - Rhône Valley
- The terroir of the Northern & Southern Rhône Valley
- The grape varieties & wines of the Rhône Valley
- The appellations of the Rhône Valley
- Rhône wines with food
Week 6 - Southern France
- The major grape varieties of Southern France
- Wines & appellations of SW France & Languedoc-Roussillon
- Wines & appellations of Provence & Corsica
- Southern French wines with food
Week 7 - Champagne & AOC Sparkling Wines
- The history & terroir of Champagne
- Winemaking & styles of champagne
- Other French sparkling wines
- Champagne & sparkling wines with food
Week 8 - Beaujolais / Review
- The terroir & appellations of Beaujolais
- Beaujolais production techniques
- Beaujolais wines with food
- Course review
Week 9 - Exam & End of Course Dinner
