The first edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy – Langhe Wine School is scheduled for September 13-15 in Grinzane Cavour (CN) and is aimed at wine professionals who wish to increase their knowledge and expertise on wines from the Langhe region.
The project is mastered by the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani and Strada del Barolo e Grandi vini di Langa, and will be promoted among buyers, wine educators, wine writers and brand managers with the aim of creating a global network of Langhe ambassadors.
"Our wines are celebrated worldwide," says the president of the Consorzio Matteo Ascheri, "but many wine educators and brand ambassadors feel the need to dive deeper into the subject to better assist consumers. As Consorzio, we need to ensure that the information about our appellations is specific and correct."
"Strada del Barolo has worked for over a decade to promote the enological culture of this extraordinary terroir," adds president Lorenzo Olivero, "and for this reason, we have developed various initiatives over the years, such as the Wine Tasting Experience® scheme. We are proud to share our know-how for such an ambitious and innovative project."
The course is divided in three modules: climate and geology, native grapes of Piemonte, winemaking, taking place over three days, from Friday to Sunday at the beautiful Castle of Grinzane Cavour. In addition to traditional lectures led by highly qualified teachers from the region, the programme also includes on-site field trips and tastings.
The programme coordinator is the sommelier and tourist guide Sandro Minella. Natural scientist and geologist Edmondo Bonelli will take students on a journey through the geological eras of the Piemonte’s Tertiary Basin. Agronomist and professor Edoardo Monticelli will be in charge of the modules about native grapes – from Nebbiolo to the other vines of the Langhe. Professor Vincenzo Gerbi from the Università di Torino will lecture about the evolution of winemaking techniques. A final talk led by agronomist and journalist Maurizio Gily will look at the Langhe wines’ market challenges and perspectives.
The lessons will be held in Italian with simultaneous interpreting in English, making the course available to both Italian and English-speaking participants. The field trip to visit the crus of Barolo and Barbaresco will also be in English. It will also be possible for students to visit the castle at the end of the course.
Applicants will be selected according to their background and previous knowledge and experience in the wine sector.