This week we are heading to Spain to check out a region similar to Bordeaux in winemaking philosophy, and prowess. Rioja is famous for the Tempranillo grape, and this fascinating northern Spanish wine-growing area produces nothing but affordable full-bodied show-stopping wines. If you like Bordeaux, you will love Rioja! We also delve into the Barriques that build character in the wine as it ages. Show notes can be found here:
https://www.premcru.com/post/aging-vessels-oak-cooperage-and-flavor
https://www.premcru.com/post/rioja-and-manchego-a-complimentary-pairing

In this episode we explore the winemaking region surrounding the small Piedmontese village of Alba, which lies between Liguria and the foothills of the Alps. Let's take a deep dive into the grapes grown here, the regional guidelines the best producers of the region, and their incredible wines. Follow along here: https://www.premcru.com/post/barolo-v-barbaresco

In this episode we will go in-depth about the fantastic region of Bordeaux and all of the wonderful Cabernet and Merlot wines made there. We tackle each bank and give helpful recommendations to save some cash next time you're at the wine store. You can follow along with these subjects here, and also find some useful photos and maps! 

https://www.premcru.com/post/the-left-bank-1855-claret-and-other-things-you-might-not-understand-about-bordeaux
https://www.premcru.com/post/the-right-bank-soil-and-the-wine-it-makes
https://www.premcru.com/post/guide-to-common-red-grapes
https://www.premcru.com/post/tokaji-and-sauternes

As we wrap up the 101's of wine, we move on to explore France's most complex, and prestigious region, Burgundy. This episode is an introduction to French wine, and the noble grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The show notes are located  here: 
https://www.premcru.com/post/monopole-terroir-climat-and-other-things-you-might-not-understand-about-burgundy

https://www.premcru.com/post/fixin-excellent-value-from-a-region-not-known-for-value

This episode, we will wrap everything up - it's time to tie all of the segments together and evaluate out two wines. We will discuss Nuance, Harmony, Elegance and Length and complete our tasting notes by establishing an effective point system. We may even do some decanting along the way. You can follow along with this episode at: https://www.premcru.com/post/how-to-spot-a-quality-wine

This episode discusses harmoniousness, and balance. This is one of the toughest subjects to comprehend in wine, yet so obvious when it's neglected by a winemaker.  We also continue our tasting adventure after we've uncorked our bottles, and review the difference in style between the New World and Old World. You can follow along with this episode at: https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-balance-and-consistency

More on Terroir:
https://www.premcru.com/post/terroir-the-illusive-wine-word

This episode covers all of the intra- and retro-nasal aromas, wine faults, nuance and all-around flavors you can expect after you've uncorked your bottle. We also continue our tasting adventure after we've uncorked our bottles. You can follow along with this episode at https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-aromas-characteristics-and-stream-of-consciousness-note-taking

WINE01 - Course I: This is all that you need to know before even opening the bottle. This course will take you on a tasting adventure with two wines. You can follow along with this episode at https://www.premcru.com/post/wine-visuals.