VINO Y VINHO!

THE WINES OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Join sommelier Leslee Miller on this active armchair trip to the Iberian Peninsula. From Penedes to Porto and Rioja to Ribera del Duero, you’ll sip and learn about the grape varietals and world-class growing regions of Spain and Portugal.

Registration#: 188114 001   Time:  6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

When:  Every Wednesday starting 07/02/2014 – 07/16/2014   (Number of meetings: 3)

Where: Coffman Memorial Union   Instructor:  Leslee Miller

Tuition: $125.00  Contact: Information Center @ Email: cceinfo@umn.edu

Phone: 612-624-4000

Description:  Penedes, Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Porto, Douro Valley, Jerez?   These are just a few of the wine regions that will be discussed during this three-week “tour” of the world-class growing regions (and their varietals) to be found in Spain and Portugal.

The journey will begin on the eastern edge of Catalonia, Spain, where you will learn about exquisite sparkling and rosé Cavas, before moving along to the rugged landscape of Priorat. Next, you will travel north to sample the classic styles of Rioja, and then west to explore some of Spain’s tiniest growing regions—Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Toro—and their hallmark wines, from tantalizing whites to rich, full-bodied reds.

Bask in Spain’s coastline, where the delicious whites of Rías Baixas are produced, before crossing the border into Portugal and indulging in some of Porto’s finest fortified wines. You’ll taste some of the fresh red wine styles emerging from Porto’s neighbor, the Douro valley, and learn about the 2,000-year history that made the region famous for its grape growing.

Last, but in no way least, visit Jerez, Spain, and drink in the history and culture that is credited with making some of the world’s most famous styles of Sherry.

Sip, discover, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Iberian Peninsula as if you were there—all the while learning about the regions’ grape varietals, wine-growing regions, and local gastronomy, to boot!

No wine experience is necessary as Wine 101 will be covered. A $30 fee, payable to the instructor at the first class, will cover the cost of wine for all sessions.

About the instructor:  Leslee Miller is a dually certified sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is the former director of Archery Summit Winery in Oregon and was a member of the board of directors for its sister winery, Pine Ridge of Napa, California. Miller currently owns and operates Amusée, an international wine-consulting firm. Her goal, first and foremost, is to make wine education accessible and “drinkable” for all levels of enthusiasts.