Partners offer wine tastings, classes

Wine 101: Dreadnought Palate Partners Wine 101: Sold Out Wine 102: Thursday, Feb. 28 (no prereq.) $35 per person 412-391-8502 2013 Penn Ave., Strip District

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President of Dreadnought Wines Mike Gonze told Palate Partners Wine 101 Class that he finds it hilarious when customers ask for a “good wine” because it’s just not that simple.

Are you looking for a wine with dinner? To go with red meat? Dessert? Do you prefer smooth or full-bodied? All contribute to what might render a wine “good.”

See, wine is a touchy subject, and if you’re a wine lover, regardless of age (so long as it’s over 21), you’re likely to enjoy the Palate Partners classes. Wine 101 is a three-part series.

Don’t expect to down a few glasses from the beginning; the instruction goes at a slow pace, demanding that you linger over the teacher’s every word and really speculate on the process and the product.

Gonze eventually unfolded five wines before students for their tasting pleasure, from a full-bodied tempernillo from Spain to a super sweet Monmousseau Vouvray from France. A Penn State graduate’s creation, Purple Mountain Pinot Noir also makes the selection, along with two other Old Order (European) wines.

Gonze made sure to explain the difference between New and Old Order along with the varying rules, and the difference between varietal and regional types: the basics first.

The mix of red and white wines introduced aroused taste buds, and sometimes prompted students to clear their palates with fresh bread and cheese.

Gonze also revealed terms for the process of wine tasting, including the back taste and the finish, and where certain flavors especially tingle on the tongue.

The class is relaxing to the last drop – from the teacher’s ramblings to the round- table discussion on where the wine falls on the flavor wheel. A great way to unwind, students agreed.

Unlike classes that describe the sniffing, swirling and savoring process of wine-tasting while selling their product, this teacher gives a global view on wine, from the origin of specific grapes, to the difference between Syrah and Shiraz and labeling laws, such as the federal law that geographic wine labels must consist of 75 percent of the labeled grape.

This can be good or bad: There’s not a lot of wine-guzzling, but there is a constant teacher-initiated conversation going on. Palate Partners features a number of wine classes and $10 tastings on the first and third Fridays of each month. Ask about student discounts for classes and products.

“Wine 101” classes are full until the late March cycle. Other Palate Partners classes range from $35-$40 and include a “Wine 102” class Thursday, Feb. 28 (no prerequisites) and a class titled, “Syrah/Shiraz-Is there a Difference?” Wednesday, March 5. For more information or to make reservations, call 412-391-8502 or e-mail info@palatepartners.com.