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How do I start learning more about wine? [ Angie Somm ]
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How do I start learning more about wine? [ Angie Somm ]

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Do you find drinking wine enjoyable, but the process of learning more about wine – especially if you’re a beginner – daunting and complicated? If so, you’re definitely not alone. “How do I start learning more about wine?” is a question I get asked a lot. The good news is, it’s not difficult to get started, especially when you have the right mindset. Here are four tips to help you learn more about wine no matter what your current experience level.
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Alright you deeply passionate wine lovers, this is the syllabus I used when I was studying for my Advanced Sommelier Exam. I allocated different lengths of time for each country/region depending on my knowledge at the time and the complexity of the region. I also answered 16 questions for each region to ensure I completely understood them. Good luck!

FRANCE
Burgundy
Rhone
Southern France
Bordeaux
Alsace
Jura Savoie, ETC
Loire
Champagne
ITALY
Northern Italy
Central Italy
Southern Italy
Other Countries
South Africa
Spain
Portugal
Greece
Hungary
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Eastern Europe
USA
South America (Argentina, Chile, etc.)
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Misc
Fortified Wine
Spirits & Cocktails
Sparkling wines around the world
Beer/Sake
Viticulture
Vinification

16 Questions for Each Region
1. Geography (country, area of country, major natural features such as mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, where it is in relation to other regions, etc.)
2. Laws (wine laws of the area they pertain to)
3. Grapes allowed (all of them, not just the obvious ones). Native names? Clones?
4. Viticultural techniques (minimum/maximum planting density, allowable yield, ripeness levels at harvest, vine training, harvest dates, irrigation allowances, etc.)
5. Vinification techniques (fermentation, percentages of blends, acidification/must enrichment, min alcohol/sugar etc. Chaptalization)
6. Aging laws (oak/no oak, length of time in wood and bottle, release dates)
7. Soils of the area and climate
8. Official regional classifications (Vin de Table vs. AOC, state vs. region in Australia, etc.)
9. Sub-Regional classifications (Grand Cru vineyards, villages, etc.)/or other classifications (1855 of Haut-Medoc, Graves): knowledge of the most important (Grand Crus of Champagne and Burgundy, the 61 Growths of 1855 classification)
10. Major producers (at least 5 for each region and what makes them unique) and some historical lore (the big stories, the romance)
11. Vintage knowledge (poor/fair/good/excellent and why)
12. Proper terminology for laws (Gran Reserva vs. Vino Joven in Rioja)
13. Specific terminology related to that region (Sforzato, Aszu Essencia vs. Essencia, Hanepoot)
14. All other unique vocab from the region
15. Size of region, size of acres/ha under vine, volume of wine production, etc.
16. History and timeline

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My name is Angie An, and I’m a passionate sommelier based in California. I’m a Chinese/English bilingual Advanced Sommelier, with 15+ years of experience in different sector of the wine industry. I started Angie Somm in 2015 as a platform to share my opinions, tips, review and various how-to’s. I also provide a personalized wine shopping experience for wine enthusiasts and beginners alike!

Learn more about Angie Somm –

Website – www.AngieSomm.com
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