MasterClass

James Suckling Teaches Wine Appreciation

Called one of the “world’s most powerful wine critics,” James Suckling has tasted more than 200,000 wines over the past 40 years. In his MasterClass, James tours legendary Tuscan vineyards and teaches you to explore the stories, history, and people behind every bottle. Deepen your knowledge of the properties in each sip, cultivate your passion, and choose, order, and pair wines with confidence.
Where to Watch James Suckling Teaches Wine Appreciation
11 Episodes
  • Introduction
    E1
    Episode 1IntroductionMeet your new instructor: Internationally-renowned wine critic James Suckling. In your first lesson, James brings you into Tuscany's Il Borro Cellars to tell you what you'll learn, why he's teaching, and how wine appreciation can enhance your life.
  • Tasting Techniques: Conducting a Blind Tasting
    E2
    Episode 2Tasting Techniques: Conducting a Blind TastingJames believes that blind tasting can tell you a lot about a wine. Learn how to refine your palate and utilize the 100-point scale to evaluate the quality of a wine.
  • Discerning Flavors and Aromas: Student Tasting Experience
    E3
    Episode 3Discerning Flavors and Aromas: Student Tasting ExperienceIn order to appreciate wine, you must first be able to truly taste it. Understand the common characteristics of different varietals by discussing flavor, aroma, acidity, structure, texture, and balance.
  • Meet the Maker: An Introduction
    E4
    Episode 4Meet the Maker: An IntroductionEvery bottle has a story. Meet the maker behind the historic Marchesi Antinori, and learn about the winemaking family's role in creating the legendary Super Tuscan Tignanello.
  • Appreciation on Location, Part 1: A Vertical Tasting
    E5
    Episode 5Appreciation on Location, Part 1: A Vertical TastingSoil and climate play an essential role in the winemaking process. James teaches you how to look for subtleties between vintages with a vertical tasting of Tignanello.
  • Appreciation on Location, Part 2: Barrel Tasting
    E6
    Episode 6Appreciation on Location, Part 2: Barrel TastingTasting from a barrel can be dramatically different than from a bottle. Learn what to look for in the barrel, and how to determine a wine’s potential direction.
  • Primary Factors of Influence: In the Vineyard
    E7
    Episode 7Primary Factors of Influence: In the VineyardAll great wines begin in the vineyard. Learn the principles of viticulture as James teaches you the factors that influence a great wine, and the importance of soil, climate, varietals, and regions.
  • Storing and Curating: A Home Cellar
    E8
    Episode 8Storing and Curating: A Home CellarJames shares professional tips on how to design and organize a home cellar, properly store and age important bottles, and collect with confidence.
  • Education and Etiquette: Reading a Wine List
    E9
    Episode 9Education and Etiquette: Reading a Wine ListAlong with legendary winemaker Lamberto Frescobaldi, James demystifies the process of reading a wine list. Gain the knowledge and etiquette to properly order in a restaurant setting, as well as share from your own collection.
  • Breaking the Rules of Pairings: A Tuscan Luncheon
    E10
    Episode 10Breaking the Rules of Pairings: A Tuscan LuncheonFor James, breaking the rules when experimenting with wine pairing is essential to the dining experience. Learn how to pair unconventional foods and wines to bring out new and highly creative flavor combinations.
  • Closing
    E11
    Episode 11ClosingJames ends his class with a reminder of the key elements of wine appreciation: Be curious, be passionate, share with family and friends, and above all—don’t drink bad wine!
 
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