In this introductory lecture, Ms. Simonetti-Bryan gives you the tools you need to embark on this unforgettable journey through the world of Italian wines. First, get a brief overview of Italy’s history of winemaking and its important grape varieties. Then, use the five S’s (see, swirl, sniff, sip, savor) to compare ancient and modern wines. Finally, take a closer look at the art of pairing wine with food, and make sense of wine labels and terminology.
Continue your tour with a visit to Venice and other areas in the northeastern corner of the country—a region famed for light-bodied white wines and deep reds. You’ll compare and contrast Champagne and Prosecco; learn how to make the perfect Bellini; compare and contrast large-volume and boutique Pinot Grigios; learn the best dish to pair with a glass of Amarone (one of Italy’s most aristocratic red wines); and more.
Venture to the Piemonte, which rests right at the foot of the Alps. Some of the intriguing wines you’ll encounter here: a Franciacorta (whose floral hints pair surprisingly well with fried foods); a Cinque Terre Blanco (Liguria’s most renowned wine); and a Barolo (often described as a “masculine” wine due to its burly tannins). Also, take a short trip to a winery’s barrel room to explore differences in aging techniques.
Discover why Tuscan wines are famous all over with world with this lecture devoted to some of the greats that this region has to offer. You’ll sample some of the tastes from this breathtaking part of the country, including a lemony Vermentino, a light-bodied Barbera, a savory Chianti Classico, and a tannic Super Tuscan (considered the most controversial red in all of Italy).
Here, Ms. Simonetti-Bryan guides you through the exciting complexities of red and white wines from central Italy, a region that is only just now beginning to make a name for itself internationally. You’ll get delicious introductions to wines such as an Orvieto and a Sagrantino from Umbria, and a Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna—all the while comparing and contrasting them to see what subtleties make each wine unique.
Conclude with a stop in southern Italy and its surrounding islands—a sunny and exotic region known for robust, juicy wines. The wines you’ll learn about in this lecture: a Fiano di Avellino, a Greco di Tufo, a Nero d’Avola, a Primitivo, and an Aglianico. As a fun end to the course, you’ll see how some of these wines pair with three versions of Italy’s most popular dish: pizza.