Little Italy’s DiVino Wine Studio is offering the public an intimate wine-tasting experience and viticulture education program designed for all levels of expertise. The “Big 8” wine tasting is a chance to try, learn and discuss the eight most common grape varieties from all over the world.
Four of the most common and globally diverse red wines, and four white wines will be on offer to guests. At $65 a head, guests can expect an all-inclusive two-hour long, sommelier-led educational seminar.
Hosting monthly regular wine tasting seminars, DiVino is well-known for their extensive wine knowledge.
Event co-ordinator Jessica Marshall says the in-house wine list is very extensive, but specific.
“DiVino’s wine selections are chosen as more distinctive and rare varieties; Showcasing fine wines primarily from Italian regions,” she says.
“The Big 8 tasting offers a more diverse, global variety of wines that are distinct in certain flavours.” Additionally, DiVino hosts Introduction to Wine-tasting seminars bi-annually, which teaches participants the very basic skills in identifying and sensing different wines.
The seminar leader for the ‘Big 8’ wine event, sommelier Julie Ricard from Ottawa-based Fortified Grapes Consulting, says she has chosen the eight wines based upon availability and their particular vibrant and distinguishable flavours.
“I usually like to choose wines that are readily available in stores, so that participants can then go and purchase them, and further enjoy their unique flavours,” she says. “A heavily oaked Syrah from France is always a favourite, and I like to pair vastly opposite flavours side by side, to emphasise particular aromas and tastes.”
When it comes to varieties, Ricard has chosen varieties that best represent the most common and popular wines across the globe. Within the red varieties, these encompass Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot; and for the whites, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
“Placing two big, bold wines next to each other really shows off their foremost features to the drinker,” Ricard says.