123 episodes
119. The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics
2026/07/09 | 12 mins.Episode 119: The Wines of Valpolicella - Recioto, Amarone & Ripasso | WSET Study Classics
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 12:58 Release Date: July 9th, 2026
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Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
Valpolicella and its appellations come up at both WSET Level 2 and Level 3, and the different styles and production methods are a common source of confusion on exam day. The Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format to help you test your understanding of exactly these kinds of topics before you sit.
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Episode Description
This episode is part of the WSET Summer Classics series, revisiting foundational topics that appear across all levels of WSET study. This week Joanne heads to the Veneto to untangle Valpolicella, one of the most misunderstood wine regions in Italy and one that shows up more heavily on WSET exams than many students expect.
Most people have heard of Amarone. Fewer know that Amarone was essentially an accident, or that the wine it grew out of, Recioto della Valpolicella, has been made in this region since Roman times. Joanne walks through each style in order, from the lighter Valpolicella DOC through to the rich and complex Amarone, covering the appassimento drying process, the DOC and DOCG rules for each style, and how the Ripasso method produces what has become known as Baby Amarone.
By the end of the episode the different appellations, production methods, and quality designations in Valpolicella should feel much less tangled. Corresponding Level 2 quiz questions and a Level 3 essay question are available in the newsletter.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
The Valpolicella Region
Location: northeast Italy, in the Veneto, just outside Verona
Valpolicella Classico starts at around 400 meters elevation, coming down from the foothills of the Lessini Mountains
The name Valpolicella translates from Latin and Greek as the valley of many cellars
Key Grape Varieties
Corvina: the star grape, prized for its high acidity which is essential for the sweeter styles
Supporting varieties: Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara
Valpolicella DOC requires a minimum of 45 to 95% Corvina in the blend
The Two Categories of Valpolicella Wine
Wines made from healthy, non-dried grapes:
Valpolicella DOC: light, dry, chillable red wines, formed in 1968
Valpolicella Classico DOC: wines from the historic, higher quality inner zone
Wines made using the appassimento method (grapes partially dried after harvest):
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
The Appassimento Method
Appassimento refers to the method of partially drying healthy grapes after harvest
No botrytis involved: this is not like Sauternes
Traditionally grapes are laid on straw mats in covered outdoor shelters with open sides to allow air circulation
Larger commercial producers use warehouses with industrial fans and dehumidifiers
Grapes dry for approximately two to four months until at least December 1st
Moisture is lost and sugar, acidity, and flavour are concentrated
The appassimento method has been used in this region since Roman times
Important distinction: appassimento is the drying method; passito is the wine made from dried grapes
Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
The historic sweet wine of the region, predating Amarone
Made using the appassimento method with high residual sugar retained
Received DOC status in 1968, upgraded to DOCG in 2010
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Originally an accident: a batch of Recioto fermented to dryness, creating a dry wine from the same dried grapes
The nickname for this event is Recioto Scappata, meaning escaped
The name Amarone comes from amaro, referencing the pleasant bitter finish of the wine
Produced commercially from the 1950s, rose to international fame in the 1980s
DOCG rules: maximum 9g/L residual sugar, minimum 14% alcohol, aged for a minimum of two years, four years for Riserva
Received its own DOC in 1990, awarded DOCG in 2009
Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Made by passing already-fermented Valpolicella wine over the leftover skins from Amarone production
The skins still contain residual sugar and yeast, triggering a second fermentation
The result sits stylistically between Valpolicella and Amarone, earning the nickname Baby Amarone
Less expensive to produce than Amarone and often considered good value
DOCG rules: must be re-fermented with Amarone or Recioto pomace, minimum alcohol 12.5%, aged for a minimum of one year
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"If I say Valpolicella, it may not make the bells and whistles go off. But if I say Amarone, I bet you say, oh yes, I know Amarone."
"Amarone was a bit of a mistake. The wine that was supposed to be sweet fermented to dryness. And Amarone was born."
"Ripasso has gained the nickname Baby Amarone. It is less expensive to make, and they can make a little more of it, so therefore can charge a little less, and it ends up being a bit of a bargain."
Quick Reference: Valpolicella Appellations at a Glance
Wine Style Method Status Key Rules Valpolicella DOC Light, dry red Fresh grapes DOC 1968 45-95% Corvina Valpolicella Classico DOC Light, dry red Fresh grapes DOC Historic inner zone Recioto della Valpolicella Sweet red Appassimento DOCG 2010 High residual sugar Amarone della Valpolicella Dry, rich red Appassimento DOCG 2009 Max 9g/L RS, min 14% abv, 2 years ageing Valpolicella Ripasso Medium-full dry red Ripasso over Amarone skins DOC Min 12.5% abv, 1 year ageing
Resources Mentioned
Episode 74 of the Wine Educate Podcast (original Valpolicella episode)
WSET Summer Classics series newsletter quiz and essay questions at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter
Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Connect with Wine Educate
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week.
Website: https://www.wineeducate.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show.
About Wine Educate
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.
Episode 119 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate- Episode 118: Bordeaux - Left Bank, Right Bank & Bordeaux AOCs | WSET Study Classics
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:16 Release Date: July 2nd 2026
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Throughout July, we're revisiting some of the most important wine regions and concepts in the WSET curriculum. Each episode is paired with quizzes, study tips, and, where appropriate, essay practice delivered in the Wine Educate newsletter.
Subscribe here:
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Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
Studying for WSET Level 2? Our Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes three complete practice exams with 150 multiple-choice questions designed to help you prepare with confidence. It's an excellent way to test your knowledge before exam day.
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Episode Description
Bordeaux is one of the world's most influential wine regions and an essential topic for WSET Level 2 students. In this Summer Classics episode, Joanne explains the geography, climate, grape varieties, and appellation system that make Bordeaux unique.
You'll learn why Merlot dominates the Right Bank, why Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on the Left Bank, how the region's rivers shape wine styles, and which appellations you should know for your exam. Along the way, Joanne also shares the surprising impact the movie Sideways had on Merlot's reputation and explains why Bordeaux remains one of the most important wine regions to understand.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Bordeaux Geography
Why Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate
The importance of the Atlantic Ocean
The Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers
Understanding the Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-deux-Mers
Bordeaux's Major Grape Varieties
Why Merlot is Bordeaux's most planted grape
Why Cabernet Sauvignon performs better on the Left Bank
The influence of soil type on grape variety selection
Merlot versus Cabernet Sauvignon in blends
Bordeaux White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon
Dry white Bordeaux
Sweet white Bordeaux wines
Important Bordeaux Appellations
Left Bank
Médoc
Haut-Médoc
Margaux
Pauillac
Graves
Pessac-Léognan
Right Bank
Pomerol
Saint-Émilion
Regional Appellations
Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
Bordeaux Wine Law
What "Château" legally means on a wine label
The 1855 Cru Classé Classification
Cru Bourgeois
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux."
"Gravel does two things. It drains water quickly, and it stores heat, helping Cabernet Sauvignon ripen."
"Who needs true crime when you've got the drama of the Bordeaux wine classifications?"
Quick Study Guide: Bordeaux
Climate
Moderate maritime
Main Red Grapes
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Main White Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon
Left Bank
Gravel soils
Cabernet Sauvignon dominant
Right Bank
Clay and sandy clay soils
Merlot dominant
Major Rivers
Garonne
Dordogne
Gironde
Key Appellations for WSET Level 2
Bordeaux AOC
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
Médoc
Haut-Médoc
Margaux
Pauillac
Graves
Pessac-Léognan
Pomerol
Saint-Émilion
Resources Mentioned
Bordeaux wine region
The movie Sideways
Château Cheval Blanc
WSET Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Coming Up Next
Episode 119: Valpolicella, Amarone & Recioto
Next week, we'll head to northeastern Italy to explore Valpolicella, including Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto, Ripasso, and the winemaking techniques that make these wines unique.
Connect with Wine Educate
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter
Website: https://www.wineeducate.com
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Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a fellow wine lover or WSET student.
About Wine Educate
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education approachable and practical, helping students and wine enthusiasts build confidence one episode at a time.
Episode 118 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2026 Wine Educate 117. Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc
2026/06/25 | 10 mins.Episode 117: Why You Can't Buy Spanish Wine at a French Supermarket - The Wine Wars of the Languedoc
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 10:50 Release Date: June 25th 2026
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Episode Description
Joanne heads into Narbonne to do a grocery run at the local Carrefour and comes back with a story. Two full aisles of wine, almost entirely French, overwhelmingly local, and not a single bottle of Rioja, Barolo, or Albariño in sight. This episode is about why that is, and the surprisingly dramatic history behind it.
The Languedoc produces around a third of all wine made in France, and local growers have fought hard to protect that. Joanne traces the story back to 1907, when hundreds of thousands of producers took to the streets of Narbonne and Béziers to protest collapsing prices and rampant fraud. What followed was more than a century of unrest, culminating in the Wine Wars of the 1970s through 1990s and right up to recent protests in 2023 and 2024 that involved stopped tanker trucks, smashed cases, dumped wine on highways, and tractors blocking motorways.
It is a genuinely fascinating piece of wine history that also happens to explain a lot about the regional pride you feel when you are here, and why the wine aisle at a French supermarket looks nothing like the one back home.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Buying Wine in the South of France
What the wine selection actually looks like at a major French supermarket
Why over 95% of wines available are French, with around 85% being local Languedoc and Roussillon wines
Why Champagne is the one exception and why the Champagne aisle in a French supermarket tends to be exceptional
Where to source non-French wines if you need them for a WSET Level 2 class in the region
The History of the Wine Wars
The 1907 protests in the Narbonne and Béziers area, when hundreds of thousands of growers demonstrated against price collapse and wine fraud
How fraudulent labeling, with wines from other regions being sold as Languedoc, undermined local producers
The pattern of continued unrest through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including the targeting of imported wine shipments from Spain
The 2023 attack near the Spanish border when growers stopped trucks, smashed cases, and poured wine onto the highway
The 2024 tractor protests, when farmers blocked highways and dumped manure outside government offices to demand protection for local wine
Why the Languedoc Is Worth Protecting
The Languedoc produces approximately one third of all wine made in France
The sheer variety and quality available at all price points means there is genuinely no need to import cheaper wine from neighboring countries
The local pride that runs through everything from the supermarket shelf to the family vineyard
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"Languedoc makes about a third of all the wines in France. There's plenty of wine to choose from at all price points, so there's no need to truck in inexpensive Spanish wine that's gonna act as a competitor and potentially put you and your cousin out of business."
"When you're mad and you're a farmer, you gotta work with what you got. Well, you've got a tractor."
"To see a whole aisle and a half full of Languedoc appellation wines makes me pretty excited. I kind of really love it."
Quick Reference: The Wine Wars Timeline
Year Event 1907 Mass protests in Narbonne and Béziers over price collapse and wine fraud. Troops sent in. Lives lost. 1970s to 1990s Ongoing Wine Wars. Imported Spanish wine tankers stopped and emptied onto roads. Retailers pressured to support local producers. 2023 Growers near the Spanish border stop trucks, smash cases, and pour wine onto the highway. 2024 Tractor protests block highways. Manure dumped outside government offices. Rotten produce and grape marc left outside supermarkets.
Resources Mentioned
Carrefour supermarket, Narbonne
Cave a Manger, Narbonne (restaurant mentioned in episode 116)
Fête de la Musique, the French summer solstice music festival
Languedoc, Roussillon, and surrounding appellations
Wine and Pilates Retreat (upcoming trip)
Spring 2027 trips: https://www.wineeducate.com/trips
Connect with Wine Educate
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week.
Website: https://www.wineeducate.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show.
About Wine Educate
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.
Episode 117 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate- Episode 116: A Day in the Life on the WSET Level 2 Trip in the South of France
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:15 Release Date: June 18th
Join the Wine Educate Newsletter
Get wine tips, episode updates, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe at https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter
Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
If you are considering joining a future WSET Level 2 trip, or are studying for your Level 2 exam right now, the Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle is a helpful way to test your knowledge before exam day. It includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format so you can study with confidence.
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Episode Description
Still recording from her hideaway cottage at Chateau Camplazens, Joanne takes a break from wine theory this week to give listeners a real look at what it is like to join the WSET Level 2 trip in the south of France. With 13 travelers just arrived and the Languedoc Food and Wine Experience wrapped up the week before, Joanne walks through an actual day on the trip, start to finish.
From an early morning walk through the vines, to a classroom session overlooking the vineyards, to a relaxed lunch followed by siesta time during the hottest part of the day, Joanne covers the rhythm of a typical day and why it is built around the Mediterranean climate rather than against it. She also talks about group size, the kinds of conversations that come up during tastings, and where the group heads for dinner in Narbonne.
It is part travelogue, part practical preview for anyone considering joining a future trip, and a good sense of what makes studying for WSET Level 2 in the vineyards itself such a different experience than studying from a book at home.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
The Daily Rhythm of the Level 2 Trip
Why the day starts early with a walk through the vines before the heat sets in
What topics come up during the vineyard walk, including canopy management, frost risk, and old vine Carignan
Why the classroom session happens mid-morning, before temperatures peak
Why lunch is kept light and casual, with cheese, charcuterie, and crudité, to allow for siesta time afterward
Why siesta time is built into the schedule rather than treated as optional downtime
Group Size and Format
Why Level 2 trips are kept to a maximum of 14 students
Why this group size allows for a lively tasting discussion without feeling crowded
How everyone tastes the same bottle together during the session
Trip Options
The summer trip format, run over five days and based at the family vineyard
The spring trip format, run over a slightly longer period with a hotel base in Narbonne
How the spring format allows more free time to explore Narbonne itself
2027 summer trip dates to be announced in the coming weeks
Evening Plans
Why dinner is a proper sit-down, three-course meal in an air-conditioned restaurant in Narbonne
A visit to Cave a Manger, a wine shop turned restaurant with a wine cellar guests can browse before dinner
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"Certain concepts really hit home when you're in the situation."
"We keep our trips at 14 people for the Level 2 trip. It's enough people that there are many interesting voices in the tasting discussion, but not too many that things get crowded and people don't feel like they have a chance to speak up."
Quick Reference: WSET Level 2 Trip Formats
Trip Format Length Base Best For Summer Trip 5 days Family vineyard at Chateau Camplazens A more immersive, vineyard-based experience Spring Trip 7 days Hotel in Narbonne More free time to explore Narbonne itself
Resources Mentioned
Chateau Camplazens, the family vineyard in the Languedoc
Cave a Manger, a wine shop and restaurant in Narbonne
Fred, the Syrah grape bunch being followed weekly in the newsletter
Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for exam practice: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Connect with Wine Educate
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week.
Website: https://www.wineeducate.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show.
About Wine Educate
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.
Episode 116 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate - Episode 115: What Is Terroir? Breaking Down Wine's Most Untranslatable Word
Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 9:37 Release Date: June 11th
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Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle
If terroir and how climate, soil, and site come together to shape a wine's character is the kind of topic that makes you want extra practice before exam day, the Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle is built for exactly that. It includes practice questions modeled on the real WSET Level 2 exam format, helping you test your understanding of these foundational concepts before you sit the real thing.
https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Episode Description
Joanne is recording this episode from a tiny stone cottage at the top of a mountain in the south of France, and the setting could not be more fitting. This week she tackles terroir, a word every wine student encounters early on but one that resists a single tidy definition. Rather than offering a textbook answer, Joanne breaks the concept down into its parts and walks through how each one shows up in a glass of wine.
She covers the building blocks of terroir, including climate, soil composition, topography, aspect, and the human decisions that go into farming a vineyard. She also touches on how France's appellation system is really a reflection of terroir, and how newer wine regions like the United States are still discovering and defining their own.
Using her current surroundings in the Languedoc as a live example, Joanne talks through the wind, the limestone soil, the wild herbs of the garrigue, and how all of it ends up reflected in the wines made from this specific patch of land. It is a grounded, personal take on a concept that can otherwise feel abstract.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
What Terroir Actually Means
Why there is no direct English translation for the French word terroir
How terroir refers to the combination of factors that create a wine's unique sense of place
Why terroir is not one single thing, but many factors working together
The Components of Terroir
Climate, including rainfall, sunshine, and wind
Soil composition, drainage, and color, including how dark soils like the galets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape retain and reflect heat
Topography and aspect, including elevation and proximity to rivers or the sea
Vine training methods and vine density
Grape variety selection and vineyard decisions
Terroir and the Appellation System
How France's appellation system reflects recognized terroir over centuries
How appellations get more specific moving from a broad region down to individual sites, using Burgundy, the Côte d'Or, Pommard, and Volnay as an example
How newer wine regions are still in the process of identifying their best sites
Terroir Beyond Wine
How the concept of terroir also applies to cheese, tea, honey, and single malt scotch
New research into soil microbiomes and how they may influence the resulting style of wine
Terroir in Practice: La Clape and the Languedoc
How wind, including the mistral and tramontane, shapes the vineyards of this region
How calcium-rich limestone soil and water reflect in the minerality of local wines
How the garrigue, with its wild lavender, rosemary, and herbs, contributes to the aromatic character of wines from this area
Episode Highlights and Quotes
"Terroir is poetry, and it is a combination of all the parts of a unique part in the world and the wine that it makes."
"One big important factor about terroir is that it cannot be replicated. You could try to take the same grape in the same climate, planting it on the same soil, aspect, elevation, all those things, and you may get something similar, but you're not going to get a replication of this specific wine."
"If you were doing your WSET studies, you could be nodding your head right now, because those first few chapters of that level three book essentially talk about these components that go into terroir."
Quick Reference: The Components of Terroir
Component What It Includes Climate Temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours, wind Soil Composition, drainage, color, nutrient content Topography Aspect, elevation, proximity to water Viticulture Vine training, vine density, farming decisions Grape Variety Which grapes are planted and why
Resources Mentioned
Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its galet stones
AOC Burgundy, the Côte d'Or, Pommard, and Volnay as examples of appellation specificity
La Clape, the wine region near Joanne's location in the Languedoc
WSET Level 3 textbook, early chapters on terroir
Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle for practice ahead of the WSET Level 2 exam: https://joanne-close.mykajabi.com/offers/xeXeiyop/checkout
Connect with Wine Educate
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/6648859973ba/newsletter - sign up for wine tips, quizzes, and episode updates delivered to your inbox every week.
Website: https://www.wineeducate.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wineeducate
Never miss an episode. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with fellow wine lovers. Reviews are the best way to help other WSET students find the show.
About Wine Educate
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.
Episode 115 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate
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About Wine Educate: Wine Lessons, Travel & WSET Study Prep
Welcome to the Wine Educate Podcast, your ultimate guide to mastering wine through the lens of WSET wine courses and certifications. Whether you're a beginner exploring WSET Level 1 or preparing for the rigorous WSET Level 3 exam, this podcast is packed with insights tailored for every stage of your wine education journey.
Learn wine tasting techniques using the Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT), discover expert strategies for excelling in WSET essay practice, and dive into topics like food and wine pairing and career pathways in the wine industry. With episodes on professional wine education, tips for online wine classes, and behind-the-scenes stories from WSET exam preparation, we'll help you turn your passion for wine into expertise.
Whether you're pursuing wine certification for personal growth or advancing your career as a sommelier or educator, the Wine Educate Podcast is here to guide you—one glass at a time. Subscribe now to gain the confidence to ace your WSET courses and elevate your appreciation of wine!
This podcast is for you if you are asking questions such as:
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What are the key sparkling wine styles covered in WSET Level 3?
How do I apply the BLIC (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity) method?
What are the key wine regions I need to know for WSET Level 3?
How does soil type affect wine for WSET exams?
What are the essential fortified wines to know for WSET Level 3?
How do I prepare for the WSET Level 3 short-answer questions?
What is BLIC in wine tasting, and how is it used in WSET?
What's the best way to practice multiple-choice questions for WSET?
What's the best way to take notes during a WSET wine tasting?
What wines should I blind taste for WSET Level 3?
How do I taste wine like a professional?
What's the difference between young and mature wines?
How do I recognize wine faults like cork taint or oxidation?
Why do some wines taste buttery?
What's the best way to aerate a wine before drinking?
How do I know if a wine is corked?
How do tannins in wine interact with food?
What wines pair best with soft cheeses?
How does sweetness in wine affect food pairings?
How do I pair wine with vegetarian dishes?
What's the best way to store wine at home?
What is the ideal serving temperature for different types of wine?
How do I recognize residual sugar in a wine?
What does "legs" or "tears" mean in a wine glass?
Why do sommeliers swirl wine in a glass?
What's the best way to train my palate for wine tasting?
What are the best food pairings for high-acid wines?
What is volatile acidity, and how does it affect wine?
What's the best way to decant an older wine?
What are the best wine regions to visit in France?
What's the best way to explore Champagne's vineyards?
How do I book a private wine tour in Bordeaux?
How do I find exclusive wine experiences while traveling?
What are the best wine travel destinations for beginners?
How do I pack wine for international travel?
What are the best wineries to visit in Napa Valley?
What are the top wine destinations for 2025?
What is the best way to study for WSET Level 1?
How many hours should I study for WSET Level 2?
What wines should I taste for WSET Level 3 preparation?
What happens if I fail a WSET exam?
How do I register for a WSET course near me?
What's the difference between WSET and ISG (International Sommelier Guild)?
What is the best tasting technique for WSET blind tastings?
Are WSET certifications worth it for casual wine lovers?
What are the key wine laws I need to know for WSET exams?
How do I properly assess wine structure for WSET tasting exams?
What are the most common wine myths debunked?
How do acidity, tannins, and alcohol impact wine balance?
What are the best free resources for learning about wine?
How does soil type affect wine flavors?
What's the difference between a varietal wine and a blended wine?
What is the pass rate for WSET Level 3?
How do I describe primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas in WSET tasting notes?
What are the best food and wine pairing resources for WSET students?
How do I memorize key grape varieties for WSET exams?
What's the best way to practice identifying wine acidity levels?
What are the key differences between WSET and the Master of Wine (MW) program?
What are the required passing scores for WSET Level 2 and Level 3?
How does WSET Level 3 compare to Certified Sommelier exams?
What are the best study apps for WSET students?
How does terroir influence a wine's characteristics?
What is the best way to write an essay answer for WSET Level 3?
What's the best way to practice WSET multiple-choice questions?
How do I improve my wine vocabulary for WSET exams?
What are the most commonly tested wines in WSET blind tastings?
How do I detect a faulty wine during a WSET tasting?
How do I assess a wine's body in WSET tastings?
What's the difference between WSET Level 3 and the WSET Diploma?
What is the best method for retaining WSET study material?
How do I apply WSET knowledge to a professional wine career?
What are the best ways to prepare for the WSET Diploma?
What is the most challenging part of WSET Level 3?
What is the best wine tasting order for WSET practice?
How do I improve my ability to recognize tannin structure?
What's the best way to identify oak influence in wine?
How do I recognize lees influence in sparkling wine?
What's the best way to train my palate for blind tasting?
How do I detect minerality in wine?
What is the best way to compare Old World vs. New World wines?
Why do some wines taste better after decanting?
How does high-altitude viticulture affect wine flavors?
What is volatile acidity, and how does it affect wine?
How do different yeast strains affect wine flavor?
What's the difference between oxidative and reductive winemaking?
How do I build a wine tasting group for practice?
What are the most common wine faults I should be able to recognize?
How does wine temperature impact aroma perception?
What are the best glassware choices for different wine styles?
How do different pruning techniques affect wine quality?
How do I balance fruit, acidity, and tannin when assessing wine?
What is the difference between fruit intensity and ripeness?
Why do some wines have floral aromas?
What's the best way to cleanse your palate during a tasting?
How do I recognize aged characteristics in white wines?
What's the best way to understand texture in wine?
How do I differentiate between different oak treatments?
How does climate change impact grape growing and wine styles?
What is the best way to learn about fortified wines?
What's the best method for identifying residual sugar in wine?
What are the main causes of bitterness in wine?
How do I train myself to detect subtle wine aromas?
What wines pair best with umami-rich foods?
How does acidity in wine affect food pairings?
What's the best wine to pair with sushi?
How do I pair wine with chocolate-based desserts?
What are the best wines to pair with barbecue?
How do I pair wine with Asian cuisine?
What's the best wine for spicy dishes?
How do I choose a wine for a multi-course meal?
What's the best way to pair wine with cheese?
How do tannins in wine affect food texture?
What are the most expensive wines ever sold?
How do I host a wine tasting party at home?
What's the best wine to bring to a dinner party?
What are the best wine accessories for beginners?
How do I tell if a wine will improve with age?
What is the best way to prepare for the WSET Diploma?
How many attempts do I get for a WSET exam?
What's the best study method for WSET theory exams?
How do I write a proper WSET tasting note?
What are the key sparkling wine terms for WSET Level 3?
How do I recognize a wine's alcohol level in WSET tastings?
How do I improve my tasting speed for WSET exams?
What are the most common mistakes people make in WSET exams?
What's the difference between Grand Cru and Premier Cru in WSET?
How do I assess wine balance in WSET tastings?
What are the key fortified wine styles for WSET exams?
What's the best way to identify tannins in a WSET tasting?
How do I structure my answers for WSET Level 3 essays?
How do I train my memory for WSET exams?
What are the best WSET flashcard apps?
How do I apply WSET tasting techniques to real-world situations?
What are the key differences between WSET Level 3 and the WSET Diploma?
How do I practice identifying acidity levels in wine?
What is the best way to analyze a wine's length in WSET tastings?
What are the key learning objectives of WSET Level 1?
What are the top wine destinations in the world?
How do I plan a wine tour in Tuscany?
What are the best small wineries to visit in Napa Valley?
How do I book exclusive wine tastings in Bordeaux
How do I find off-the-beaten-path wineries?
What's the best way to visit Champagne without a car?
What are the best wine experiences in Spain?
What are the top emerging wine regions?
What's the best time of year for wine travel?
How do I get a job in the wine industry?
What are the best online wine business courses?
How do I start a wine education business?
What are the best wine careers outside of winemaking?
How do I detect Brettanomyces (Brett) in wine?
What's the best way to learn wine aroma descriptors?
What's the best way to train my palate for acidity in wine?
How does alcohol content impact wine perception?
How do I assess the finish of a wine?
How do I determine if a wine is faulty?
What's the difference between flavor intensity and aroma intensity?
How do I identify the effects of lees aging in wine?
What's the difference between fruit ripeness and fruit character?
How do I distinguish between different types of tannins?
How does wine glass shape affect aroma perception?
How do I assess a wine's potential for aging?
What are the key differences between fresh fruit and dried fruit aromas?
What's the difference between oak-derived and bottle-aged aromas?
How do I develop my ability to detect spice characteristics in wine?
What's the best way to compare acidity across different wines?
How do I identify a wine that has undergone carbonic maceration?
What are the best resources for improving wine tasting skills?
What are the best wines to pair with grilled meats?
How do I pair wine with Indian food?
What's the best way to pair wine with creamy sauces?
How do I choose a wine for salty foods?
What wines complement citrus-based dishes?
What are the best wines for pairing with umami flavors?
How does residual sugar affect food pairings?
What are the best wine pairings for Mediterranean cuisine?
What are the best wine bars in Paris?
What's the best way to tour wine country on a budget?
How do I find wineries that allow barrel tastings?
What are the best wine tours in Portugal?
How do I get around Napa Valley without a car?
What are the best wine regions for sustainable wineries?
What are the best organic wineries to visit?
What are the best small-production wineries in France?
How do I start a career as a wine educator?
What are the best social media platforms for wine professionals?
How do I become a wine influencer?
What are the best ways to network in the wine industry?
What are the best continuing education programs for wine professionals?
What are the most common career paths for WSET graduates?
What's the best way to transition from hospitality to wine education?
What's the difference between free-run juice and pressed juice?
How does a winemaker control tannin extraction?
What are the different types of fermentation vessels?
How does sulfur dioxide (SO2) affect wine?
What's the impact of canopy management on grape ripeness?
How do winemakers achieve balance between sugar and acidity?
What's the effect of concrete fermentation on wine flavor?
What are the key differences between organic and biodynamic winemaking?
How does carbonic maceration change the taste of wine?
How do winemakers prevent oxidation in white wines?
What are the best books for wine lovers?
How do I build a personal wine collection?
What's the best way to organize a home wine cellar?
What are the most collectible wine regions?
What's the best way to open a bottle of sparkling wine?
What are the best podcasts about wine?
What's the best way to host a wine and cheese night?
What are the hottest wine trends for 2025?
What's the best way to explore low-intervention wines?
What's the best way to prepare for the WSET Level 1 exam?
How many hours should I study for WSET Level 2?
What are the key learning objectives for WSET Level 3?
How do I create a WSET study schedule?
What are the best online WSET study resources?
How do I develop structured tasting notes for WSET exams?
How do I improve my blind tasting skills for WSET exams?
What is the format of the WSET Level 3 tasting exam?
How can I improve my performance on the WSET theory exam?
What are the differences between WSET Level 2 and Level 3 exams?
How does WSET compare to the Court of Master Sommeliers?
What are the most commonly tested wines in WSET Level 3?
How do I assess a wine's balance in WSET tastings?
What's the best way to recognize tertiary aromas in aged wines?
What's the hardest part of WSET Level 3?
Can I take WSET exams remotely?
How do I know if I'm ready for the WSET Diploma?
What's the best way to recognize high-q
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