Grape varieties and wine geography
main objectives
To teach the student the viticultural, oenological and cultural characteristics of the main wine grape varieties grown worldwide and to describe the main growing areas. The module also includes a two-day study trip to Switzerland and a 6-day study trip in Italy. ,,LEARNING OUTCOMES,,1) Report the main traits of the global wine industry. ,2) Explain the terroir concept and the role of the different on the wine quality. ,3) List the origin and the viticultural and enology attributes of the main wine grape varieties.,4) Discuss the relationships between the grape varieties and the terroir in which they are grown.,5) Correlate the sensory profiles of the wines with the different terroirs.,6) Discuss which terroir is more suitable for growing a certain grape variety according to specific wine style.
general content
Wine statistics. Terroir definition and role of the different factors. World viticultural terroirs: history and structure of national wine industries description of producing areas, emphasizing the role of the grape variety, soil, climate and human being on grape and wine quality traits. Wine as a cultural produce. ,Grape varieties: Para-domestication and domestication of the grapevine. Origin of the grape varieties grown nowadays. Classification and distribution in the world of the most grown varieties.,Grape varieties: Description of the most cultivated varieties: history, ampelographic characterization, phenology, agronomical attitudes, technological traits, wine sensory profiles.,Tutorials: Wine sensory analyses. ,Study Trips: 10 daily visits to representative wine estates 2-days in Switzerland 6-days in Italy,,
pedagogy
The module consists of classroom lectures and discussions completed by various study visits in Italy and Switzerland. The teaching and evaluation language is English.
evaluation
Individual examination 100%