Today’s Monday Musing is about Wine Study. In the above picture from 2004, I am a newly minted member of the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. That was my first wine certificate and probably my most exciting. I got it in Milan and I was super happy. Since then I have received 10 wine and spirits certifications from other schools in the US, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy.

I am thinking about my next certification and how I am going to study for it. I have used various methods, depending on which certification. For this upcoming one I am thinking about doing a more focused study on the two main grape varieties in the region I am studying – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You guessed it, it’s a Burgundy certification that I have been dragging my feet about working on. I am trying to figure out the best way to achieve my latest goal.

I also have to say that the idea of a focused study of these two grapes in different regions of the world interests me. I was floored at a recent dinner with a blind tasting group when one of the members guessed perfectly a Sonoma Coast Chardonnay that the rest of us we sure was a Burgundy from Macon or Macon Villages level. I realized I have very little familiarity apparently with Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. I have also been thinking for years now of doing the California Certification from my friend David Glancy at the San Francisco Wine School.

Grateful for any study tips others can share since a bit of procrastination has apparently set in with this most recent certification.