Wine course 101 - Key grape varieties

A basic wine course I frequently give. Introduction to some of the most important red wine grape varieties. I use wines of different quality levels and regions to show the spectrum of what you can expect from each varietal.

• 2010 Staatskellerei Zürich Blauburgunder Auslese Staatsschreiber Wein 86 Points

  Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, Zürich

  During a wine 101 course I gave. I used this wine as an example of a "very simple Pinot". A light bodied wine with simple Pinot aromas. It positively surprised though with the fact that both acidity and tannins were well in balance with the fruit. Often wines like this are too sour, not this one.

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• 2009 Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Echezeaux 96 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Echezeaux Grand Cru

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Expressive nose of of red berries with hints of toast and vanilla. On the palate fresh and sappy, medium bodied with noticeable but soft tannins, long. Showing already well at this age. A really excellent example of what a high end Pinot should be. Very popular with the guests.

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• 2009 Familie Zahner Blauburgunder Truttiker Barrique 90 Points

  Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, Zürich, Truttikon

  During a wine 101 course I gave. While I am no fan at all of the wines of Switzerland this is an excellent example what a passionate family can do if it does not just produce the government subsidized "Vaudoise apéro spritz Chasselas called wine, hello already drunk at 1130h Mr.Bundesrat Delamuraz..." that so many still produce.
  Expressive nose of red fruit, very Pinot. Well integrated oak aromas as well with hints of vanilla. On the palate medium bodied, solid tannin structure and a fresh finish. A very solid Pinot, especially for the price.

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• 2011 Antinori Piave Fagiani Piave Merlot 81 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Piave

  During a wine 101 course I gave. I used this wine as an example of a "very simple Merlot". What can you expect for less than 5 EUR... As light and harmless this wine is, it is actually not badly crafted (nor too tannic or acidic or artificially overextracted) but it begs the question why Antinori who also makes high end wines offers such products under the same brand name.

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• 2000 Château Laforge 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Discrete nose of black fruit with hints of dried fruits, typically right bank Bordeaux. On the palate full bodied with tannins and freshness in check. Good but not overly complex

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• 2006 Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Oppulent nose of plum and dried fruit, noticeable oxidative tones (which I personally don't fancy as it contrasts with freshness). Full bodied, ripe and bold on the palate, smooth tannins, aromatically a bit too one dimensional though. A big modern show off merlot. Parker gave the 2000 vintage of this wine 100Pt. Having not tasted that vintage I cannot see this wine getting triple digits but it is for sure a solid 90-95 effort. For higher scores more complexity and freshness need to be present (May be this bottle was a bit more oxidative than normal though). Anyway, 93-94 for my palate.

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• 2003 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Discrete nose with floral tones and spices (cloves). On the palate well structured and still surprisingly young and still a bit closed. Very aromatic and complex though with some aeration showing the typical Margaux aroma profile. Keep for another 2-3 years before opening or decant for 2h.

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• 2011 Foxhollow Cabernet Sauvignon 80 Points

  USA, California

  During a wine 101 course I gave. I used this wine as an example of "a very simple Cabernet". Very commercial nose of oak with little fruit and Cabernet Sauvignon tones. Lacks body and typicity but then again, what can you expect for 7 EUR... Acidity a bit high too, so I agree with my previous writer that is could be mistaken for a Sangiovese. 80 is my score as I dont go lower.

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• 2008 Robert Foley Claret 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Here we are, hello big brass California. Expressive nose of dark fruit. On the palate, sweet, sweet and... sweet, mouthfilling ripe. Good wine to show off for a few sips but then getting a bit boring, also not really good with food. I wish for more freshness and earthy tones to accompany the ripe and sweet fruit.

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• 2012 Maisons Bonvin Varone et Coop Syrah Bibacchus 80 Points

  Switzerland, Valais

  During a wine 101 course I gave. I used this bottle as an example of "a very simple Syrah" and it struggled to perform even at this level. Very light and meager wine, little typicity could be Humane or Gamay just commercially pressed grape juice from Wallis. There is a reason why this region is better known for its ski slopes... 80 points since I don't go lower on my scale.

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• 1995 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  During a wine 101 course I gave. This expensive wine shows the typical notes of earthy peppery Syrah from Rhone. While it drinks well with food and has complex aromas it shows its age as it lacks an "éclat du fruit". You should expect more from this heralded vineyard and producer.

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• 2007 Penfolds Shiraz St. Henri 93 Points

  Australia, South Australia

  During a wine 101 course I gave. Decanted one hour before. Typical nose of Aussie Shiraz with nice notes of smoke, tar, leather, nice and complex. On the mouth very filling with good fruit and ripe tannins, benefits from additional cellaring though. Just a tad too fruity/sweet for my palate but that is just a personal preference.

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