Sommelier Masterclass Series

Red Wine Study Guide

Appellation, Grapes & Terroir Analysis

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1. Purple Hands
2. Ken Wright
3. Flowers PN
4. Selvapiana
5. Gaja Promis
6. Le Volte
7. Grand Bateau
8. Post & Beam
9. Heitz Cellars
Pinot Noir, Purple Hands Willamette Valley, Oregon — Red Wine
Grape VarietalPinot Noir
Climate ProfileCool Pacific Northwest (Volcanic soils)
Appellation / Region: Willamette Valley ("Lone Oak" Vineyard), Oregon AVA: American Viticultural Area defined by cool rainy climate and ancient marine sedimentary/volcanic basalt soils.
Producer: Purple Hands Winery
"Sommelier Note: Expressive Willamette Pinot Noir showcasing bright red cherry, earthy forest floor, and silky tannins."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Pinot Noir, Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley, Oregon — Red Wine
Grape VarietalPinot Noir
Climate ProfileCool Continental (Marine Sedimentary)
Appellation / Region: Willamette Valley (Shea Vineyards), Oregon Cru-level Single Vineyard: Renowned Yamhill-Carlton terroir known for power and complex spice.
Producer: Ken Wright Cellars
"Sommelier Note: Legendary single-vineyard expression featuring dark raspberry, cola, exotic spices, and fine structural tannins."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Pinot Noir, Flowers Sonoma Coast, California — Red Wine
Grape VarietalPinot Noir
Climate ProfileExtreme Coastal Fog & Pacific Breezes
Appellation / Region: Sonoma Coast, California AVA: Coastal ridges cooled directly by Pacific Ocean air currents.
Producer: Flowers Vineyards & Winery
"Sommelier Note: Vibrant coastal Pinot Noir with bright pomegranate, wild strawberries, and refreshing mineral acidity."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Sangiovese, Selvapiana Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy — Red Wine
Grape VarietalSangiovese
Climate ProfileContinental with Cool Apennine Breezes
Appellation / Region: Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy DOCG: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, highest tier of Italian wine law.
Producer: Selvapiana
"Sommelier Note: Classic structural Chianti Rufina highlighting tart sour cherry, dried herbs, stony minerality, and vibrant food-friendly acidity."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Super Tuscan, Gaja Promis Tuscany (Ca'Marcanda), Italy — Red Blend
Grape VarietalMerlot, Syrah, Sangiovese
Climate ProfileMediterranean Coastal (Bolgheri)
Appellation / Region: Tuscany (Bolgheri / Costa Toscana), Italy IGT: Indicazione Geografica Tipica, allowing international grape blends in coastal Tuscany.
Producer: Gaja (Ca'Marcanda)
"Sommelier Note: Masterful blend crafted by Angelo Gaja combining velvety Merlot texture, spicy Syrah depth, and classic Sangiovese elegance."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Super Tuscan, Le Volte Tuscany, Italy — Red Blend
Grape VarietalMerlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Climate ProfileWarm Mediterranean Coastal
Appellation / Region: Toscana IGT, Italy IGT: Premium Tuscan table wine classification balancing Mediterranean ripeness and structure.
Producer: Ornellaia
"Sommelier Note: Approachable yet luxurious Super Tuscan offering ripe black plums, Mediterranean scrub, and polished, supple tannins."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Bordeaux, Grand Bateau Bordeaux, France — Red Blend
Grape VarietalCabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Climate ProfileMaritime Estuary-Influenced
Appellation / Region: Bordeaux, France AOC: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, traditional French regional quality guarantee.
Producer: Grand Bateau (associated with Château Beychevelle)
"Sommelier Note: Classic Left Bank-leaning Bordeaux profile featuring blackcurrant, cedar wood, graphite notes, and balanced structure."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Cabernet Sauvignon, Post & Beam Napa Valley, California — Red Wine
Grape VarietalCabernet Sauvignon
Climate ProfileWarm Valley Floor & Foothills
Appellation / Region: Napa Valley, California AVA: Premier American viticultural region celebrated for rich, structured Cabernet.
Producer: Far Niente (Post & Beam Winery)
"Sommelier Note: Crafted by the historic Far Niente team, delivering lush dark cherry, blackberry, cocoa, and seamless velvety tannins."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs
Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellars Napa Valley, California — Red Wine
Grape VarietalCabernet Sauvignon
Climate ProfileWarm Mediterranean Valley with Cool Nights
Appellation / Region: Napa Valley, California AVA: Iconic historic Napa Valley appellation known for longevity and finesse.
Producer: Heitz Cellar
"Sommelier Note: Benchmark Napa Cabernet showcasing cassis, mint, tobacco leaf, and trademark structural balance and elegance."
Review CardGoal: Memorize Specs