For wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive into the diverse world of French appellations, the "Tasting Workshop Tour De France of Appellations" in Toulouse promises an engaging two-hour exploration. Featuring five carefully selected tastings, from a lively Champagne Brut to a refined Chablis, this interactive workshop offers participants the chance to enhance their understanding of grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this friendly, wheelchair-accessible setting provides the perfect opportunity to embark on a delightful journey through some of France’s most renowned wine regions. What hidden gems might you uncover?
Key Points
- The 2-hour workshop features a comprehensive tasting experience showcasing diverse French wine appellations, including Champagne, Chablis, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, and Roussillon.
- Participants will expand their knowledge of grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking techniques through guided tastings and discussions led by a wine expert.
- The workshop caters to both seasoned oenophiles and newcomers, providing a friendly and accessible learning environment suitable for all levels.
- The wine selection includes iconic styles like Champagne Brut, Chablis, Beaujolais Gamay, Bordeaux blend, and the fortified Maury, each highlighting the unique characteristics of its respective region.
- The workshop is held in an urban tasting room in Toulouse, Blagnac, and is wheelchair-friendly, with a cancellation policy that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Workshop Overview
The tasting workshop provides a "Tour de France" of wine appellations, allowing participants to embark on a flavor-filled journey across the diverse regions of France.
Lasting 2 hours, the workshop takes place in a unique urban tasting room in Toulouse, Blagnac. Priced at €1,633 per person, the workshop includes 5 wine tastings and is designed for wine enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment. The workshop is accessible to all levels of wine appreciation and is wheelchair-friendly, though not suitable for those under 18.
Learning Experience
This tasting workshop is designed for wine enthusiasts looking to broaden their knowledge. Participants will learn how to talk about wine and understand grape varieties, making it accessible for all levels of wine appreciation.
The workshop covers a range of appellations from across France, providing a comprehensive "Tour de France" experience. Whether a seasoned oenophile or a newcomer to the world of wine, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the nuances of French terroir and winemaking.
The friendly atmosphere encourages learning and enjoyment, making it an ideal experience for those seeking to expand their wine knowledge.
Wine Tasting Selections
The tasting workshop takes participants on a tour of France’s diverse appellations, showcasing five distinct wines.
The journey begins with a Champagne Brut from Maison Esterlin in Epernay, a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, and 60% Pinot Meunier, aged for 3 years on the lees.
Next, a 100% Chardonnay Chablis from Pierre Louis Bersan in St Bris Le Vineux.
The third selection is a 100% Gamay from Domaine des Pins in Beaujolais, hailing from the single plot La Folie.
The fourth wine is a Bordeaux from the Right Bank, a blend of 90% Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Champagne Brut
A Champagne Brut from Maison Esterlin in Epernay kicks off the tasting workshop’s tour of France’s diverse appellations.
This bubbly delight is a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir, and 60% Pinot Meunier, with 30% reserve wine added for complexity.
After three years aging on the lees, it presents a harmonious balance of bright citrus, delicate floral notes, and a creamy, persistent mousse.
Participants will savor this classic Champagne while learning about the unique terroir and production methods that define the appellation.
Its refreshing acidity and versatility make it an excellent aperitif or pairing for a variety of dishes.
Chablis
Moving from the effervescent Champagne, the workshop now shifts focus to the chiseled minerality of Chablis.
This 100% Chardonnay wine from the northern reaches of Burgundy is renowned for its steely, flinty characteristics that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
Participants will savor the bright acidity, crisp green apple notes, and subtle citrus undertones that define this iconic appellation.
The Chablis offered, from producer Pierre Louis Bersan, showcases the purity and elegance that make this style of Chardonnay so captivating.
As attendees explore the wine’s nuances, they’ll deepen their understanding of how geography and winemaking techniques shape the diversity of French wine.
St Amour
Next, the workshop explores the charming, fruit-forward St Amour from Beaujolais. Crafted from 100% Gamay grapes from a single plot called La Folie, this wine offers a delightful expression of the terroir.
Its vibrant red color and notes of ripe red berries, cherry, and a touch of spice make it an approachable and enjoyable red. The wine’s smooth tannins and balanced acidity provide a refreshing drinking experience.
Beaujolais is known for its light, easy-drinking reds, and the St Amour exemplifies the region’s signature style. Participants will have the opportunity to savor this delightful wine and learn about the unique characteristics that make it a standout in the Beaujolais appellation.
Lalande De Pomerol
After exploring the vibrant St Amour from Beaujolais, the tasting workshop now turns its attention to the Lalande de Pomerol from the renowned Right Bank region of Bordeaux.
This Bordeaux blend is composed of 90% Merlot and Cabernet Franc, offering a rich and full-bodied profile.
Here are three key things to know about this wine:
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Merlot dominance: The high proportion of Merlot grape lends the wine a plush, velvety mouthfeel and ripe, dark fruit flavors.
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Right Bank style: As a Right Bank Bordeaux, this wine showcases the region’s signature style – elegant, approachable, and food-friendly.
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Aging potential: With proper cellaring, the Lalande de Pomerol can develop complex tertiary aromas and flavors over time.
Maury
The tasting workshop’s journey through the appellations of France now leads participants to the sun-drenched region of Roussillon, where the distinctive Maury takes center stage.
This powerful, full-bodied red wine is crafted from 100% Grenache grapes, some of which are over 50 years old. The wine’s deep, inky color and intense flavors of ripe dark fruit, spice, and chocolate are a reflection of the warm Mediterranean climate and ancient terroir.
Participants will savor the generous, velvety texture and long, satisfying finish that makes Maury a standout among the renowned fortified wines of France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Event?
There is no specific dress code mentioned for this event. Attendees can dress comfortably in casual attire, as the focus is on the wine tasting experience in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Is the Workshop Suitable for Individuals With Dietary Restrictions?
The workshop is designed to accommodate individuals with dietary restrictions. The staff is happy to work with guests to ensure their needs are met and they can fully enjoy the tasting experience.
Are Any Food Pairings Provided During the Wine Tasting?
The wine tasting workshop doesn’t mention any food pairings being provided. It’s focused solely on tasting and learning about the different wine appellations and grape varieties featured. No specific food offerings are included in this experience.
Can Participants Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Event?
Participants can’t purchase the wines tasted during the event. The workshop is focused on education and tasting different French wine appellations, not on wine sales. It’s designed to expand attendees’ wine knowledge in a friendly, hands-on environment.
Is There a Group Size Limit for the Workshop?
The workshop has no stated group size limit. It’s designed for wine enthusiasts to broaden their knowledge in a friendly atmosphere, accessible to all levels of wine appreciation.
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Sum Up
The "Tasting Workshop Tour De France of Appellations" offers a captivating exploration of France’s renowned wine regions. Participants can deepen their appreciation for grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking through five exceptional tastings in a friendly, wheelchair-accessible setting. Whether a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer, this workshop promises a delightful journey that’ll leave wine enthusiasts with a greater understanding and enjoyment of French wines.