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