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Wine Educate: Wine Tasting, Wine Tips, Wine Enthusiast, WSET

Joanne Close
Wine Educate: Wine Tasting, Wine Tips, Wine Enthusiast, WSET
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  • 77. Super Tuscans 101: Tuscany’s Bordeaux Blends and the Sassicaia Story
    Description: In Episode 77 of the Wine Educate Podcast, Joanne Close explores the fascinating rise of Super Tuscans—wines that broke Italy’s traditional rules and became some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. In Tuesday’s episode, we covered Chianti and Chianti Classico. Today, we’re heading about 75 miles southwest to Bolgheri, the coastal home of Super Tuscans. Though close in distance, Chianti and Bolgheri couldn’t be more different in climate, grape varieties, and wine styles. We’ll dive into: What makes a wine a “Super Tuscan” (hint: it’s all about those Bordeaux grapes and French barriques) Why the end of Tuscany’s sharecropping system in the 1950s–60s led to a decline in wine quality How new investors and open-minded winemakers planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah The origin story of Sassicaia, the trailblazing wine that inspired a movement The creation of Bolgheri DOC in 1983, its evolution in 1994, and the unique 2013 Sassicaia DOC—Italy’s only single-estate DOC How Bolgheri grew from 250 hectares in the late 1990s to nearly 1,200 hectares today with 60 producers Why Super Tuscans remain some of the most iconic and expensive wines in Italy Episode Highlights: The contrast between Chianti Classico’s high-altitude Sangiovese and Bolgheri’s plush Bordeaux blends The story of Sassicaia and why it’s so special The evolution from “vino da tavola” to prestigious DOC status Current pricing and collector appeal of Super Tuscans Perfect for: WSET students looking to sharpen Level 3 knowledge Italian wine enthusiasts curious about more than Chianti Collectors and wine lovers who want to understand the Super Tuscan legacy 👉 Want to test your knowledge? I’m adding new wine quizzes in the Wine Educate Newsletter. Sign up at wineeducate.com
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  • 76, Chianti vs. Chianti Classico: History, Laws, and Key Differences Explained
    Hello and welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast. I’m your host, Joanne Close, and this is episode 76. Today we’re diving into the history and wine laws of Chianti and Chianti Classico. This is a Level 3 topic, but I’ve added context and stories that bring the region to life. Chianti has one of the longest and most fascinating histories in Italian wine. As early as the 13th century, the region was known as “Chianti,” and in 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III of Tuscany officially delineated the boundaries of what is essentially Chianti Classico today. This was done to protect quality and combat fraud, making Chianti one of the first wine regions in the world to be legally defined. In 1924, the Consortium for the Defense of Chianti Wine was founded, beginning with just 33 producers and symbolized by the black rooster, the Gallo Nero. Today, it represents nearly 500 producers and continues to defend the reputation of Chianti Classico, often clashing with government decisions and proposals from the broader Chianti DOCG. We’ll explore the differences between the two appellations: Chianti DOCG (DOC status in 1967, DOCG in 1984): A broad region divided into seven subzones, requiring only 70% Sangiovese in the blend and allowing higher yields. Quality can vary widely, though subzones like Chianti Rufina and Colli Senesi stand out. Chianti Classico DOCG (its own DOCG since 1996): The historic heartland, with vineyards at higher altitudes that produce wines of greater acidity, structure, and elegance. Rules require at least 80% Sangiovese (often 100%), with defined aging requirements: 12 months for Classico, 24 months plus 3 in bottle for Riserva, and 30 months for Gran Selezione, which must come from a single estate. We’ll also talk about the introduction of UGAs (subzones within Chianti Classico) in 2021, the consortium’s ongoing battles with Chianti DOCG over labeling, and why this region’s story is full of both drama and determination. If you’d like to test your knowledge, sign up for the Wine Educate newsletter at wineeducate.com
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  • 75. Wine History in Context: Alto Piemonte’s Revival and Valle d’Aosta’s Alpine Charm
    Resources & Links: Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Visit our website: www.wineeducate.com How to Contact Us: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @wineeducate Hello friends, and welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast. I’m your host, Joanne Close, and today we’re doing something a little different. This episode won’t be heavy on exam prep, but it will give you important context about Piedmont and its history through two fascinating regions: Alto Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta. This topic is fresh on my mind because Jim and I were recently there this summer, and I’ll also be teaching a class on it in the shop this Tuesday (there are still a few spots left if you’re local). In this episode, you’ll hear about: The drive from Nizza Monferrato to Gattinara, just 72 miles and about an hour and 20 minutes, through the rice fields that produce 90 percent of Italy’s rice. My visit to Cantina Sociale di Gattinara, a historic co-op founded in 1908, and why this modest place holds such significance in the region’s story. The history of Alto Piemonte, which once had 40,000 hectares under vine and produced Nebbiolo wines more prized than Barolo and Barbaresco, before phylloxera, wars, and migration nearly wiped it out. The current landscape of Alto Piemonte, with Gattinara at 111 hectares and other appellations as small as 8 hectares, and the renewed investment from Barolo producers seeking cooler, higher-altitude vineyards. Nebbiolo, known locally as Spanna, how it got that name, the blending grapes historically used, and why so many producers now focus on 100 percent Nebbiolo wines. Valle d’Aosta, Italy’s smallest wine region at 469 hectares, a short but winding drive from Gattinara. The charm of the town of Aosta, its food shops, its folklore of dragons, the devil, and fairies, and how this mythology shows up in its architecture and even its wine labels. The unique position of Aosta as the last town before Mont Blanc, where both Italian and French appear on labels. The DOC structure and key grapes of the region, including Petit Rouge, Nebbiolo, and Prié Blanc, which reaches the highest vineyards in Europe at around 1200 meters. This episode blends history, travel, and wine study in a way that helps place Piedmont into a fuller context. If you are local, I would love for you to join me Tuesday at The Independent to taste through some of these wines. If you are not local, we offer wine classes year-round, so you can check our website for sessions that interest you. Next week we return to the classics of wine law with Chianti, then Rioja and the Langhe.
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  • 74. Amarone & Recioto: The Passito Wines & Laws of Valpolicella Explained
    Welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast, where we explore WSET education, study tips, and practical advice for wine enthusiasts and professionals. I’m your host, Joanne Close, and this is episode 74. Today, we’re heading to Northeast Italy, into the Veneto, to explore Valpolicella—a region whose wines feature prominently in both WSET Level 2 and Level 3. While you may not think “Valpolicella” sounds familiar, chances are you’ve heard of or even tried Amarone, one of its most famous styles. Valpolicella produces a wide range of wines, from light and easy-drinking reds to powerful, age-worthy wines made with partially dried grapes. In this episode, we’ll unpack the different appellations, key grape varieties, and unique winemaking techniques that make this region so important to understand for your studies. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The geography of Valpolicella, located just outside Verona in the foothills of the Lessini Mountains. The main grapes: Corvina (the star of the show), along with Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara. The difference between wines made from fresh grapes versus those made with the appassimento method (partially drying grapes before fermentation). The dry styles: Valpolicella DOC and Valpolicella Classico DOC. The sweet and powerful wines: Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG and how it paved the way for Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. The story of Amarone’s “accidental” birth and its rise to international fame. The Ripasso method, where Valpolicella wine is “re-passed” over Amarone skins, creating the so-called “Baby Amarone.” By the end of this episode, you’ll have a much clearer grasp of the styles, rules, and labeling terms that often confuse students—and you’ll be better prepared to recognize how these wines show up in WSET exam questions. Resources & Links Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter for weekly study tips, class updates, and practice essay questions. www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup Catch up on Episode 72 for an overview of Italian wine laws. Next time, we’ll head back to Piedmont to explore a more off-the-beaten-path region, Valle d’Aosta. Stay tuned!
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  • 73. Barolo & Barbaresco: Wine Laws at the WSET Level 3 Level
    Barolo & Barbaresco: Wine Laws at the WSET Level 3 Level Welcome back to the Wine Educate Podcast, where we explore WSET education, study tips, and practical advice for wine enthusiasts and professionals. I’m your host, Joanne Close, and this is episode 73. Today, we’re diving into two of Italy’s most legendary regions: Barolo and Barbaresco, through the lens of WSET Level 3 wine laws. These two Nebbiolo-based DOCGs may sit just two miles apart, but their histories, elevations, soils, and styles each tell a fascinating story. Barolo spans about 2,000 hectares, while Barbaresco is much smaller at just 677 hectares. Both regions are defined by steep south-facing slopes, variations in altitude, and unique mesoclimates that make understanding their laws and vineyard classifications essential for Level 3 students. In this episode, we’ll cover: The growth of Barolo’s vineyard land (including the 50% increase between 1999–2013) and what it means for quality. Barolo’s DOCG rules, from 100% Nebbiolo to its strict minimum aging requirements (38 months, with 18 in wood). The controversies between traditional and modern producers in the 1990s and how styles have evolved. Barbaresco’s smaller size, earlier ripening Nebbiolo, and how the Tanaro River influences its style. Why Barbaresco requires only 26 months of aging, and the logic behind the January release date. The role of villages, named vineyards (crus), and labeling terms that help you identify the best wines. How Alba DOC and Langhe DOC wines offer tremendous value compared to their more famous neighbors. I’ll also share some of my own travel experiences in the region—from tasting unforgettable wines to hearing firsthand about the challenges of soaring land and housing prices for local winemaking families. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer picture of how Barolo and Barbaresco’s wine laws shape their styles, reputations, and market values. 📌 Next up: On Tuesday, we’ll shift focus to Valpolicella and unpack Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto—another region where wine laws really drive style.
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About Wine Educate: Wine Tasting, Wine Tips, Wine Enthusiast, WSET

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: How do I study for WSET classes? How do I pass WSET Level 3? How do I pass WSET Theory? How do I pass WSET Tasting? How can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 1 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 2 course online? Where can I take WSET Level 3 course online? What are the WSET Level 2 study materials? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 3 exam? What wine certification programs are available? What are the best wine education podcasts? Where are wine tasting courses near me? How can I take an online wine education class? What are Wine and Spirit Education Trust certifications? How can I become a certified sommelier? What is a wine appreciation course? What wine education is for beginners? What are advanced wine studies? Can I study wine abroad? Can I study WSET in France? Can I study WSET in Europe? What are the top wine regions to visit? How can I find wine tasting tours? What are some WSET exam tips? What are some wine industry certifications? What are professional wine qualifications? What are some wine courses for enthusiasts? What is the WSET diploma program? What are the benefits of obtaining a WSET Level 1 certification? How can I prepare for the WSET Level 2 exam? What topics are covered in the WSET Level 3 course? Are there online courses available for WSET certifications? What is the difference between WSET and sommelier certifications? How long does it take to complete WSET Level 1? What are the costs associated with WSET Level 2 courses? Can I take WSET exams online? What career opportunities are available with a WSET Level 3 certification? How do I find WSET-approved course providers near me? What study materials are recommended for WSET Level 2? Are there practice exams available for WSET Level 3? What is the pass rate for WSET Level 2 exams? How does WSET certification benefit wine professionals? What are the prerequisites for enrolling in WSET Level 3? Can I retake the WSET exam if I don't pass on the first attempt? What is the format of the WSET Level 1 exam? Are there scholarships available for WSET courses? How does WSET certification compare to other wine education programs? What are the best resources for WSET Level 3 exam preparation? How many wines do you taste in WSET Level 2? Is WSET Level 3 difficult? What jobs can I get with a WSET certification? What is the difference between WSET and CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers)? How can I memorize wine regions for the WSET exam? Do I need WSET Level 1 before taking Level 2? What’s the difference between WSET Level 2 and Level 3? How does blind tasting work in WSET exams? Is WSET certification worth it? What are the hardest parts of the WSET Level 3 exam? Can you skip WSET Level 1 and go straight to Level 2? 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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