Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wine
Have you ever found yourself staring at a wine list, overwhelmed by the choices and unsure of what to order? Or perhaps you’ve tasted a wine and wished you could articulate its complex flavors and aromas beyond just ‘good’ or ‘bad’? If so, Coursera’s ‘Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis’ is the perfect course to demystify the world of wine and elevate your tasting experience.
This course, with its roots tracing back to ancient cultures, delves into the $304 billion global wine market by focusing on the fundamental sensory process of wine tasting. It’s an ideal starting point for anyone new to wine studies, offering a structured approach to understanding the physiological aspects of how we perceive wine.
The syllabus is thoughtfully designed to build your knowledge progressively. The first module, ‘Wine Styles,’ introduces you to classic New World and Old World wines, explaining their flavor profiles and the physiological elements of tasting – sight, smell, texture, and taste. You’ll also learn about the impact of climate and ‘terroir’ on grape and wine flavor, and crucially, how to set up basic taste standards for blind tasting. This foundational module is excellent for beginners, providing a clear framework for understanding wine diversity.
Moving on to ‘Wine Flavor and Aroma,’ the course dives deep into comparing and contrasting eight classic red and eight classic white varietals. You’ll explore their growing requirements, cultural backgrounds, and key regions. The practical application here is significant, as you’ll be tasked with writing a descriptive analysis of a wine’s aroma attributes and creating your own flavor standards to expand your sensory vocabulary. This is where you truly start to develop your palate.
The ‘Common Wine Faults’ module addresses a crucial aspect often overlooked by novices: identifying what constitutes a fault in wine. You’ll learn to recognize common issues, understand their causes, and even explore how some ‘faults’ can contribute to a wine’s complexity. The distinction between a fault and a defect is clarified, and you’ll practice recognizing these problems with specific sniff standards. This section is particularly valuable for avoiding disappointment and understanding wine integrity.
‘Wine and Food Pairing’ tackles the age-old question of what to drink with what to eat. The course breaks down the physical, structural, textural, and aromatic interactions between wine and food. You’ll learn about flavor profiling, determining a wine’s ‘weight,’ and making informed choices to enhance your dining experiences. The discussion on the ‘seven deadly sins’ of pairing is both informative and entertaining, equipping you with practical guidelines.
Finally, the ‘Project: Fully Describe a Wine From an Unusual Region or Varietal’ module serves as a capstone. Here, you apply all the skills learned to critically evaluate and describe a wine. Through peer review, you’ll demonstrate your ability to analyze appellation, climate, winery, varietal, winemaking style, and the wine’s visual, tactile, flavor, and aroma characteristics. You’ll even make recommendations for food pairings.
Overall, ‘Wine Tasting: Sensory Techniques for Wine Analysis’ is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. It strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making wine tasting accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or simply want to impress your friends at your next dinner party, this course provides the essential tools and confidence to explore the vast and fascinating world of wine. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wine