Discover one of the most important and influential wine-growing regions in the world-California!
The Everyday Guide to Wines of California
After seeing what the West Coast has to offer, we wish they all could be California ... wish they all could be California wines.
Overview
About
Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan is among a small number of people to have received the highest credentials in the wine and spirits industry. She is one of only a few hundred people in the world to have achieved the Master of Wine (M.W.) title from The Institute of Masters of Wine in London, England-the highest and most difficult title to achieve in the industry. She also has a Professional Certificate in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan has taught courses for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, has trained thousands of professionals in the wine and spirits industry, and has judged international spirits and wine competitions, including the Ultimate Beverage Challenge in 2010 and 2011. She has also hosted seminars with Food Network stars such as Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Mario Batali. In 2008, she won the Wiesbaden Tasting Trophy from The Institute of Masters of Wine. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan is a frequent guest on television programs, including Fox Business, Fox News, and Bloomberg TV. Additionally, she has been featured in publications such as Fortune, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and Wine & Spirits Magazine.
Trailer
01: California's Superstar Status
What makes California unique among other wine-making regions of the world? How does a French Chardonnay compare with its California counterpart? What's the best way to read a California wine label? What are some general guidelines for opening a wine bottle and tasting in a winery? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this lecture that prepares you for the rest of your journey throu...
34 min
02: Noble Whites-Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
This lecture focuses on two white grape varieties-Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay-that are extremely popular and easy to find. Alongside Ms. Simonetti-Bryan, sample some of California's best, including a Fume Blanc by Robert Mondavi and Chardonnays from Sonoma and Napa. Also, get tips on some delicious food-pairing suggestions, the best temperature at which to chill and serve these wines, di...
33 min
03: Rising Stars-Fragrant Whites and Organic Wines
Explore some of California's most fragrant and exciting new white wine varieties, which yield a variety of aromas and tastes reminiscent of flowers and fruits: a Pinot Gris, a Viognier, and an unoaked Sauvignon Blanc. Then, go beyond tradition (and into somewhat controversial territory) and see how California growers are experimenting with organic wine-wine made from organically farmed grapes with...
32 min
04: Elegance in a Glass-Sparklers and Pinot Noir
Turn now to California's sparkling wines and one of its most popular reds: Pinot Noir. These wines not only showcase a more elegant side to California, they're also some of the most versatile food-pairing wines that the state has to offer. Compare and contrast how bubbly wines taste when made using traditional and Charmat methods. Then, explore the tastes, aromas, and finishes of a variety of Pino...
31 min
05: Big, Bold Reds-Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Learn everything you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which make up approximately 42% of the red grape variety plantings in California. How does a Cabernet Sauvignon stand up to a Bordeaux? What should you look for in a Cab/Merlot blend? How does California's terroir affect its Cabs and Merlots? How do you age a Cabernet, and what does the aging process do to the wine's taste?...
34 min
06: California's Secret Red Gems
Conclude your tour of California wines with a look at some of its most interesting reds: a red Zinfandel, a Syrah, a Rhone Valley Syrah, a Petite Sirah, and a Grenache. Also, learn more about the recent trend in California winemaking for creating unique red blends from different grape varieties (you'll also get suggestions for making your own personal blends). These particular wines, you'll soon d...
32 min
