Speak like a Sommelier: Learning the Language of Wine
Jan
26
6:30 PM18:30

Speak like a Sommelier: Learning the Language of Wine

Ever find yourself searching for the ‘right’ word to describe the wine in your glass, only to come up blank? Or been at a restaurant trying to tell the sommelier what wine you would like with your dinner only to end up with ‘dry red wine please’. Well then, this is class for you. We will give you the vocabulary to define what you are tasting and the terminology to describe it. You will taste a range of wine styles side by side, compare and contrast them, see what unites them and what differentiates them. You will learn the difference between the components and flavors in wine, the influence of different wine-making techniques and the contribution of barrel aging. Best of all, you will walk away with the confidence to clearly articulate what you’re looking for in your next glass of wine. - See more at:

 http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-speak-like-a-sommelier-learning-the-language-of-wine.ac#sthash.8RvBFsJT.dpuf

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Armagnac: An Introduction
Jan
15
6:30 PM18:30

Armagnac: An Introduction

Get seduced by France’s best-kept secret, Armagnac. Steeped in a history that goes back 700 years and flavored by the characters that can only be found in Gascony; a sip of Armagnac recalls secret cellars, musketeers, French berets and a character as unique as the people that put their heart and soul into producing it. Join us on this guided journey through the picturesque vineyards and dramatic cellars of Gascony, and enjoy an unprecedented tasting of Armagnacs. The tasting will highlight the range of styles produced from VSOP to XO and from Hors d’Age to Vintages. Local grape varieties, proprietary distillation techniques and the importance of the local oak barrels will all be discussed. You will come away with a deeper understanding of this fine spirit and an appreciation for why the French are more than happy to keep this seductive spirit a secret all to themselves. - See more at: http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-armagnac-an-introduction.ac#sthash.htQDWYWN.dpuf

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Fortified Wine Workshop: Port, Sherry, Madeira
Dec
8
6:30 PM18:30

Fortified Wine Workshop: Port, Sherry, Madeira

In this intimate workshop-style class in the Astor Center Kitchen, learn how fortified wines are made, what makes them unique, and how you can incorporate these incredibly versatile wines into your repertoire and at your dinner table. From vineyard, to cellar, to glass, hear the history, understand the diverse terroirs, and learn about the amazing age-ability of these wines.

To demonstrate the versatility and range of wine styles presented in these selections, we will taste samples of Sherry, Port and Madeira, ranging from dry to sweet, and from youthful to decades-old. We will also provide a spread of cheeses, nuts, dried fruit and more to experiment with pairing possibilities. The small round-table tasting format is a great opportunity for participant-directed discussion, so bring your curiosity and your questions! - See more at:

 http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-fortified-wine-workshop-port-sherry-madeira.ac#sthash.Jmd83fcA.dpuf

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Free ARMAGNAC TASTING at Black Label!
Dec
6
4:00 PM16:00

Free ARMAGNAC TASTING at Black Label!

It’s the perfect time of year to come and discover the wonderful, warmth-inducing world of Armagnac! Join us at Back Label to find out for yourself why it’s the connoisseur’s answer to Cognac.

Armagnac is a grape brandy from Gascony in southwestern France. Its closest relative is Cognac, another grape brandy from an appellation located about 100 miles north of Armagnac. Even though it is related to and often confused with Cognac, Armagnac is very different with regards to its grapes, terroir, distillation, élevage, blending, aromas, tastes and textures. In truth, France’s two finest brandies made from wine are not very much alike at all.

The key technical difference between Armagnac and Cognac is that the latter is distilled twice, whereas the former is distilled only once. This means more time in the oak for Armagnac; the extra patience required rewards a brandy with more finesse and roundness.

http://backlabelwine.com/events/armagnac-tasting/

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Speak like a Sommelier: Learning the Language of Wine
Sep
24
6:30 PM18:30

Speak like a Sommelier: Learning the Language of Wine

Ever find yourself searching for the ‘right’ word to describe the wine in your glass, only to come up blank? Or been at a restaurant trying to tell the sommelier what wine you would like with your dinner only to end up with ‘dry red wine please’. Well then, this is class for you. We will give you the vocabulary to define what you are tasting and the terminology to describe it. You will taste a range of wine styles side by side, compare and contrast them, see what unites them and what differentiates them. You will learn the difference between the components and flavors in wine, the influence of different wine-making techniques and the contribution of barrel aging. Best of all, you will walk away with the confidence to clearly articulate what you’re looking for in your next glass of wine. - See more at: http://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-speak-like-a-sommelier-learning-the-language-of-wine.ac#sthash.8RvBFsJT.dpuf

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