Here is a short review of a wine school format and presentation:
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL WINE SCHOOL
Exploring the Alluring and Mysterious Great Pinot Regions
Presented by Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier
October 16th, 2010
1:00 PM
Check-in is at a small desk on the back wall of the Festival Center, between the two deminar areas, near the restrooms.
A Cast Member calls your name out and attendees are escorted in groups of 4-6 to the elevator and then up to the Wine School Room. No need to stand in line for first come, first serve, since the CMs call your name.
Seating, at long tables, is not assigned.
For this class we had 7 pours (3 oz each) of wine, a bottle of still water and water crackers at each pre-set place.
This entire presentation was based on geography and how the Pinot Noir grape wines differed by region. Besides the one large screen in the front of the room there were several others at the sides that clearly showed the maps of the different regions.
The seven wines showcased the Pinot Noir grape and all were from different terroirs. Andrea is a wonderful presenter and has a great way of ‘teaching’ the nitty grittys of different aspects of the wine experience. She even tried to tackle the intricacies of French Wine label reading with this group.
The 7 labels: (my notes are not consistent for purposes of flavor profiles … the further along the presentation the less I take notes ... it has something to do with the actual drinking of the wine I think
. )
Codorniu Pinot Noir Rose Cava – a sparkling Pinot Noir Rose from Spain, under $20, noticeable acidity and a dry rose, would pair well with creamy cheeses.
Reverdy Sancerre Rose – from the Loire region of France, $18, hints of grapefruit with some rhubarb notes, salmon in color.
Nicolas Potel Volnay Vieilles Vignes, Burgandy, France 2007 – the mother region of Pinot Noir, $65, earthy, mushrooms, cherry … the classic Pinot Noir profile
Sokol-Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Oregon - $38, 14.5 % alcohol, pairs well with smoked salmon
Brancott Pinot Reserve 2006 – New Zealand, $22 Andrea believes the Pinots from Marlborough are the best Pinots New Zealand has to offer.
Etude Pinot Noir 2006 – from Carneros Califronia by Tony Soter, $55
Miner, Garys’ Vineyard, Pinot Noir – Miner Winery is in Napa but the grapes for this wine are from the Monterey California, Santa Lucia Highlands, $50
Not counting the first two roses, the 5 ‘red’ Pinot Noirs all had the noticeable earthy, dried leaves aroma of a Pinot and all had cherry nuisances in the flavor profile. The Calfiornia wines, especially the Miner’s had a very fruity taste for a Pinot Noir. It was my favorite.
Even after tasting all these wines the room was still giving Andrea all of our attention. Usually by this time people are chatting amongst themselves and not listening to the presenter any longer … not so with Andrea and her ability to hold our interest.
After ‘class’ we had a chance to mingle, hors d'oeuvres and a glass of Silverado Chardonnay was served.
The hors d'oeuvres choices were a brie ball on a bread stick, fish, tangy beef/mushroom and a shredded duck breast.
This was our 4th Wine School event over the years at the F&WF.