Spanish Wine Specialist

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Embarking on a sensory exploration and cultural immersion journey, the National Wine School proudly presents the Spanish Wine Specialist™ program, an exceptional educational opportunity designed to delve into the rich tapestry of Spanish viticulture. With a meticulously crafted curriculum spanning eight insightful classes, this program invites wine enthusiasts and budding connoisseurs to savor the nuances of Spain’s diverse wine regions, deepen their understanding of unique terroirs, and foster an appreciation for the artistry behind Spanish winemaking traditions.

A Pathway Through Spain’s Wine Heritage

The Spanish Wine Specialist™ program at the National Wine School is an intensive and immersive experience that transports participants through Spain’s wine-soaked history and terroir-driven regions. Each of the eight classes offers a captivating exploration of a distinct aspect of Spanish wine culture:

  1. Green Spain: Dive into the verdant landscapes of northern Spain and discover the exceptional wines from Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria.
  2. The Duero & Tributary Rivers: Journey along the Duero River and its tributaries, uncovering the renowned wine regions of Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Toro.
  3. The Ebro & Tributary Rivers: Immerse yourself in the Ebro River valley, where the La Rioja, Navarra, and Aragón regions come alive with their exceptional varietals.
  4. Focus on Rioja: Embark on an in-depth exploration of Rioja, one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, celebrated for its traditional and modern winemaking techniques.
  5. Catalan: Delve into Catalonia’s diverse landscapes and discover the sparkling wines of Cava and the intriguing still wines from Penedès and other sub-regions.
  6. Focus on Priorat: Unearth the hidden gems of Priorat, a rugged region in Catalonia renowned for its unique soil, producing intense and age-worthy wines.
  7. Central Plateau & Valencia: Traverse the vast Central Plateau and Valencia regions, uncovering the treasures of wines such as Tempranillo and Bobal.
  8. Andalucia: Conclude the journey in the warmth of Andalucia, where Sherry wines and other traditional delights await exploration.

The Educational Experience

The Spanish Wine Specialist™ program offers a synchronous online format, allowing participants to engage from the comfort of their homes. Running from March 6th to April 24th, classes are held on Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm EST. Each session will be streamed via Zoom, ensuring an interactive and engaging learning environment.

Prerequisites and Advanced Achievement

Prospective students must complete the National Wine School’s L1, L2, and L3 programs before enrolling in the Spanish Wine Specialist™ program. This ensures a foundational understanding of wine basics and principles, preparing participants for the more intricate exploration of Spanish wines.

Moreover, the pursuit of the Advanced Sommelier Pin beckons for those seeking a higher level of mastery. To attain this prestigious accolade, participants must complete four advanced programs akin to the Spanish Wine Specialist™ program. This commitment showcases a dedication to refining one’s palate and understanding of the world of wine.

Recommended Wine Selection and Beyond

While students are responsible for acquiring their wines, the Spanish Wine Specialist™ program will provide a list of recommended wines tailored to each class. This curated selection ensures that participants fully immerse themselves in the tasting experience, fostering a deeper connection to the concepts explored during each session.

Unraveling Spain’s Vinous Tapestry

The Spanish Wine Specialist™ program at the National Wine School is a voyage that transcends borders and captures the essence of Spain’s winemaking traditions. With its meticulously crafted curriculum, expert instructors, and interactive online format, this program promises an enlightening and enriching experience for those passionate about wine. By weaving together history, culture, and terroir, the Spanish Wine Specialist™ program invites participants to savor the stories hidden within each bottle and in doing so, become true connoisseurs of Spanish wine.

Wine Selections

Green Spain

Dive into the verdant landscapes of northern Spain and discover the exceptional wines from Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria. 

Basque  (Hondarrabi Zuri)

Albarino (Rias Baixas)

Godello

Mencia (Valdeorras)

Souson

Brancellao  

Additional bottle (recommended, but not essential): Basque Cidre

The Duero & Tributary Rivers

Journey along the Duero River and its tributaries, uncovering the renowned wine regions of Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Toro.

Rueda (Verdejo or Verdejo Blend)]

Bierzo  (Mencia)

Leon (Prieto Picudo)  
This is a more difficult wine to find. We recommend Mary Taylor MT2. However, there are several Prieto Picudo bottlings available at Saragota. You may also have to use Wine Searcher to find an appropriate bottle. 

Toro (Tempranillo)

Ribera del Duero (Tempranillo, Crianza)  

The Ebro & Tributary Rivers

 Immerse yourself in the Ebro River valley, where the La Rioja, Navarra, and Aragón regions come alive with their exceptional varietals.

A Grenache Ladder

Carinena Grenache 

Campo de Borjo Grenache

Calatayud Grenache

Navarra Graciano

Navarra Cabernet Sauvignon, or Cabernet Blend

Focus on Rioja

Embark on an in-depth exploration of Rioja, one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions, celebrated for its traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

Rioja Blanco

Classification Rioja 

You will need a Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva from the same producer. We recommend Bodegas Lan. Due to the aging requirements, these will be of different vintages. 

Modern Vs. Classical Rioja

For Modern, we recommend either Atardi or Bodegas Muga. For Classical, we recommend R. Lopez De Heredia. 

Catalan

 Delve into Catalonia’s diverse landscapes and discover the sparkling wines of Cava and the intriguing still wines from Penedès and other sub-regions.

Still White Wine. Should include Xarel-lo in the blend. 

Cava  (Not Rose or Sweet)

Rose Cava 

Trepat (Use Wine Searcher)

Sumoll  (Use Wine Searcher)

Additional bottle (recommended, but not essential): Morenillo

Focus on Priorat

Unearth the hidden gems of Priorat, a rugged region in Catalonia renowned for its unique soil, producing intense and age-worthy wines.

Priorat: Cru-by-Cru

This is the hardest class to source for, as the towns are not listed on the label. With each town, we recommend a specific wine. 

Gratallops Recommended: Alvaro Palacios Priorat Les Terrasses Velles Vignes

Torroja Recommended: Terroir Al Limit Terra De Cuques Tinto

Porrera Recommended: Ferrer Bobet Priorat

Solanes del Molar Recommended: NerinTerra Priorat Tinto   

Escaladei  Recommended: Conreria D'scala Dei Black Slate Escaladei

Additional bottle (recommended, but not essential): White Priorat

Central Plateau & Valencia

 Traverse the vast Central Plateau and Valencia regions, uncovering the treasures of wines such as Tempranillo and Bobal.

Valencia

White Wine Should have some Macabeo in the blend, or as a single varietal. 

Madrid

Grenache

La Mancha

Garnacha Tintorera  It is important to get Garnacha Tintorera, which is a different grape than Garnacha/Grenache. 

Bobal

Murcia

Mourvedre

 

Andalucia & The Islands

Conclude the journey in the warmth of Andalucia, where Sherry wines and other traditional delights await exploration.

Andalusia

White Wine. This should be unfortified. This style is called  Vino de Pasto. 

Fino or Manzinilla Sherry

Pedro Ximenez Sherry

Canary Islands

Listán Blanco

Listan Negro

Baleares Island

Red Wine (Should include Callet in the blend)

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