Journal
Stories and reflections on wine, the people who make it, the places we gather, and the ideas that connect them. A journal of curiosity, discovery and the pleasures of the table.
Why I teach WSET in English, in Verona, and never to more than twelve
Italians know their own wines better than anyone. WSET gives Italian wine lovers and professionals a way to read those wines alongside the rest of the world, in the common language of the international wine trade. Here is how I teach it at the Atelier, with the 2027 dates.
For the L2 & L3 exams, the one wine book I recommend beyond the WSET textbook is now in Verona
My WSET students often ask which book will help them pass. Usually the answer is the one they already have. There is one exception, and it has just arrived at the Atelier.
WSET textbooks at Atelier del Vino: three books, and the one I would keep
The three WSET wine textbooks are now available at Atelier del Vino, Grande Passione's home in Verona. I recommend the Level 3 book, which explains why wines taste the way they do. You need no course to benefit from it, only curiosity and a glass nearby.
Four bottles without wine taught a room of experienced tasters to finally agree
In Hong Kong, a room of experienced tasters could not agree on acidity, tannin or sweetness. So one week I brought four bottles of water, each holding a single component, and we tasted them one at a time. This is the method that came from that evening, and how to repeat it at home.
Practice (L3) makes perfect…
A good friend asked me for recommendations of wines to exercise for the practical exam of the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. In this post, I propose an exercise.
Fundamental is to taste as per the Systematic Approach to Tasting, which was demonstrated using at least 70 wines during class time.
However, the critical point to pass with a high level is to be crystal clear with the skills required to demonstrate to the examiner.
Grande Passione Partners with UNISG for the WSET L3 Awards in Wine
Excited to announce my partnership with the University of Gastronomic Sciences - Pollenzo for their "Master in Wine & Spirits" to teach the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wines to students enrolling in this most comprehensive program to help participants expand their careers in Europe and abroad.
Defining Style & Quality, a Framework…
In this post, I want to propose an approach, focusing on understanding and defining Style and Quality. A way of thinking that lays solid foundations upon which to rest the building blocks of wine knowledge and help to connect the dots more effectively when tackling a deductive tasting exercise.