Table of contents
Wine Glasses
For class, you will need two (2) wine glasses. We recommend you use a single type of wine glass throughout this program. As long as they have a standard shape and size, it does not matter what brand you use. We have our own custom wine tasting glasses which are based on our stringent standards. As long as your wine glasses have a similar shape, you will be perfectly fine. We STRONGLY recommend to NOT use stemless or overly ornate glassware.
Wine Preservation
You may want to keep your wines from class to class. It is mission-critical to have wines that are varietally correct and in pristine conditions when tasting. There are several ways to preserve wines effectively. If you are going to use wines for multiple classes, please review the following suggestions on wine preservation.
Refrigeration. The first way is to refrigerate all wines immediately after class, including red wines. The cold significantly decreases the effect of oxygen on opened wine. You may be able to get two weeks of classes with the method. This technique can be used in tandem with the following techniques to increase the viability of your wines exponentially.
Coravin. The Coravin is a high-tech way to preserve wine. Using a large hollow needle, the device injects a food-safe gas (argon) through the cork. At the same time, the added gas pressure in the wine bottle forces wine through the needle’s hollow core and into a waiting glass of wine. This is an excellent option but is also the most expensive. Click here for the Amazon page.
Always disinfect the needle with grain alcohol before using, and always prime the device by shooting out a second of argon into the air before injecting it into the cork. When the coravin is used properly, wines can last years. This product does not work with glass or stelvin enclosures.
Argon Canister. You do not need to splurge for a Coravin to gain the benefit of using argon. The gas is used by winemakers to keep oxygen away from wine, both during production and at bottling. When combined with refrigeration, it will keep wines up to a month with any significant amount of oxidation. It is essential to keep the wine under a blanket of argon from the moment it is opened. Click here for the Amazon page.
Wine Scent Kit
To complete the Level Two Sommelier program, you are required to have the L2 Wine Scent Kit.
Level Two Wine List
The wines listed here are recommendations only. We link to wine.com as they are able to ship to most states. However, not all of our recommendations may be available in your area. If you have a local wine shop that you trust, we suggest taking a printout of the tasting sheets and seek out their recommendations. To locate local these wines near you, we recommend using Wine-Searcher.
Week One: Intro to Sensory Wine Tasting
Along with the following recommended wines, you will need high-quality jelly beans and masking tape.
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc | Artesa Carneros Chardonnay 2018 | Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir | Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet SauvignonWeek Two: Components of White Wines
Along with the following recommended wines, you will need 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and tartaric acid.
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc | Artesa Carneros Chardonnay | A Decent Pinot Grigio | Hugel Classic RieslingWeek Three: Components of Red Wines
Along with the following recommended wines, you will need 1/4 teaspoon of liquid oak tannin.
A Decent Pinot Grigio | Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir | Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon | Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2018 | Vina Zorzal Garnacha 2019 | Andrew Murray Tous les Jours SyrahWeek Four: Old World vs New World
Domaine Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2019 | Artesa Carneros Chardonnay 2018 | Bouchard Pere & Fils Reserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019 | Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir | Georges Vernay St Joseph Terres d’Encre 2017 | Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah | Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon | Chateau Greysac Medoc |Week Five: Varietal Lab
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc | Artesa Carneros Chardonnay 2018 | Bouchard Pere & Fils Reserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019 | Borgo Scopeto Chianti Classico 2018 | Vina Zorzal Garnacha 2019 | Georges Vernay St Joseph Terres d’Encre 2017 | Chateau Greysac Medoc |Week Six: Winemaking Basics
Along with the following recommended wines, you will need 1 ounce of 100 proof vodka. Wines with an asterisk (*) should not be swapped out for other brands.
Ripeness & Alcohol Broadbent Vinho Verde | Malolactic Fermentation Forman Napa Valley Chardonnay 2019* | Artesa Carneros Chardonnay 2018 | Skin Contact & Tannin Chateau Pesquie Terrasses Rose 2020 | Chateau Pesquie Terrasses Rouge 2019 | Influence of Oak 1. American Oak Mollydooker The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon | 2. French Oak Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 |