Wine Video Educational Series
We host a series of educational videos to teach our Gastro Insiders wine fundamentals. Over the years to come, these discussions will continue to become more advanced. We will introduce distinguished Winemakers and Sommeliers to provide keen insight into their unique areas of expertise. These classes have been offered for $35-$55 each over the years. As a Gastro Insider these classes are free.
Wine Regions of the World
In these weekly segments, Tommy will introduce you to the primary varietals of each region. He will discuss important vintages and the most important producers.
Syllabus is as follows:
FRANCE
- Introduction to French Wine Regions
- Overview of Champagne, Alsace and Burgundy — week 1
- Overview of Bordeaux, Loire Valley and Rhone — week 2
- Alsace — week 3
- Champagne — week 4
- Burgundy — week 5
- Bordeaux — week 6
- Rhone — week 7
- Loire Valley— week 8
THE UNITED STATES
- An Overview — week 9
- Napa — week 10
- Sonoma — week 11
- Central Coast — week 12
Welcome!
Thank you for watching our educational series. Let me start with a quick explanation of my approach here.
Most of the wine videos I have seen attempt to break down individual bottles. While that process has been well received, I do see some flaws. As vintages change or different producers and varietals are introduced, the audience is at a loss. There is no foundation of information to draw upon. Whatsmore, people have different palates because of how they were reared, what they ate for breakfast or even the lipstick or cologne they are wearing.
Therefore, it is challenging to say that any two people will analyze a wine the same way. Indeed, the great wine writer Clive Coates normally describes a wine by addressing the weight, the fruit density, the tannic structure and the acidity in a wine. He accurately addresses the fact that the prudent adjectives that most people use to describe wine are only temporarily correct. The wine evolves over time and as it is opened. For this reason, he provides perspective on the components that stay relatively consistent in a wine. The flowery prose he leaves for others.
Similarly, my approach to education is to start by teaching the areas, the varietals and the history of wines. When these fundamentals are acquired, it becomes so much easier to understand the individual bottles. There is now architecture from which to build the body of deeper knowledge.
France is the first subject because it represents the reference point for so many styles of fine wine. Many of the grape varietals that are celebrated in other wine producing regions are successfully planted in France. At a minimum, they provide a reference for the global wine community. However, I firmly believe France's contributions to be significantly more profound. They define the standard by which fine wine is judged. This is not to deny the other glorious wines that are produced around the world. By understanding the varietals, the traditions, the history of French wines, you will have an educated approach to the world of fine wine. I will look forward to going over the other great regions of the world with equal vigor and enthusiasm.
In these first videos I simply, and quickly, give you some of the basics. As we cover the world of fine wine, the information will become more specific, more advanced and more fun. I have seen over a 20+ year career, primarily as a wine educator, that people who know more about wine enjoy it on a different level than those who do not. I did not say more, just in a unique fashion. I look forward to exploring this process with you.
Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with your thoughts and ideas at tommy@gastrotommy.com. I will get back to you in a timely manner. Please remember, as entertaining as the show may be, it is even more delightful with a glass of wine!
In Bubbles We Trust,
TIP!
