Are you Ready to catapult into the world of Italian wine?
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The Italian Wine Maestro Certification is a 201-level course and the important precursor to the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) study program. Grappolo Wine School is the only provider in the Rocky Mountain region.
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The Maestro course focuses on Italy's native grapes, regional appellations, and a deep exploration of geography and food culture, all of which are fundamental in comprehending Italy's complex and fascinating wines.
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Scott Thomas, Italian Wine Ambassador/Vinitaly International Academy Maestro Educator, leads dynamic learning sessions through all 20 regions, grape by grape, while tasting the most important examples along the way. Tasting sessions utilize the VIA tasting grid which has been developed specifically for uncovering the nuances of Italian wines.
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Course Details:
2023 In-person classroom dates: April 23, 30; May 7, 21;
Final Exam: Sunday, June 25
Location: Trellis Wine Bar Park Hill
Time: 9:00-4:00
Cost: $925
includes 24 hours of classroom sessions, tasting 60 + regionally classic wines, review sessions, study material, and review quizzes
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What is VinItaly International Academy?
Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. VIA offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner.
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Who is this program for?
The Italian Wine Maestro course is ideal for hospitality professionals, retail specialists, importers, distributors, wine buyers, educators, wine journalists/bloggers, and passionate enthusiasts.
Though VIA focuses and believes in a grape variety study approach, ideally, students should come to the Maestro program with a basic understanding of viticulture and winemaking techniques, as this will not be covered in the scope of this course. This knowledge is essential in order to fully grasp the concepts covered during the course. Prior wine certifications may be helpful but are not considered a prerequisite.
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Learning Outcomes
Outcome One: The theory of Italian Wine and Native Wine Grapes
1. Understand and explain the history, geography, wine laws, and labeling of Italian wines and styles.
2. Describe and understand the key factors that influence the characteristics and differences between Italian native grape varieties.
3. Describe and understand the key production factors that influence the characteristics and differences between Regional Italian wine styles including sparkling, dry, fortified & sweet wines.
4. Be able to provide accurate, authentic, and credible information and advice on Italian wines.
Outcome Two: The Analytical Tasting of Italian Wine
1. Identify and assess the characteristics & quality of Italian wines and styles correctly.
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Test Methodology and Grading
A written 50-question exam in one hour
A blind tasting of two wines: one white, one red
Student must demonstrate a passing grade of 75% on each section
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Syllabus
Session 1: Introduction, families, and groups & focus on Italian sparkling
Session 2: Piedmont’s native grapes
Session 3: Native grapes of Veneto & Valle d’Aosta
Session 4: Native grapes of Friuli-Venezia Giulia & Trentino-Alto Adige
Session 5: Native grapes of Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany & Umbria
Session 6: Native grapes of Le Marche, Abruzzo & Puglia
Session 7: Native grapes of Lazio, Campania & Calabria
Session 8: Native grapes of Sicily & Sardegna
Session 9: Final Exam + Blind Tasting
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Required Textbook
Italian Wine Unplugged 1.0 Grape by Grape. Positive Press, 2017. Stevie Kim, Geralyn Brostrom, Lingzi He, Michele Longo, Michaela Morris, and JC Viens.
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Certification Levels
VIA offers three levels of certification:
-Italian Wine Maestro
-Italian Wine Ambassador
-Italian Wine Expert (VIA’s highest qualification level)
-Italian Wine Ambassador
-Italian Wine Expert (VIA’s highest qualification level)
Students who successfully pass the Italian Wine Maestro course and wish to further their studies may apply to enroll in the rigorous VIA study program held annually in Verona and abroad, wherein students pursue either Ambassador or Expert credentials.
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For more questions or inquiries, please reach out here
Thank you for your interest in our Italian Wine Maestro Course. You will be contacted shortly with additional details.
