Series 2: Just Reds is all about learning red wine by tasting it head-to-head.
Each class compares two styles, regions, or expressions. We’ll start with one wine from each side not blind to learn what we’re looking for. Then we’ll jump into a blind tasting of six wines — three vs. three — and see if our palates can spot the difference.
Wrong answers are encouraged. That’s how you learn.
1) Pinot Noir US: California vs. Oregon
Discover how climate and soil shape America’s most elegant red.
Taste side-by-side Pinot Noirs from California’s warm, riper ranges and Oregon’s cooler, more delicate vineyards. We’ll explore how terroir influences aromatics, structure, and texture — from lush berry to forest floor nuance.
2) Burgundy: Côte de Nuits — Power & Precision
The bold heart of Burgundy.
Explore the northern half of Burgundy, where Pinot Noir shows its darker, deeper side. Across Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, we’ll compare wines known for structure, spice, and age-worthy intensity. Expect black cherry, earth, and firm tannins built for complexity.
3) Burgundy: Côte de Beaune — Elegance & Finesse
Burgundy at its most graceful.
Head south to Côte de Beaune, where Pinot Noir turns lighter, silkier, and more aromatic. Through Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, and Savigny-lès-Beaune, we’ll taste wines that highlight bright red fruit, florals, and effortless balance. Think elegance, freshness, and pure drinkability.
4) Left Bank vs. Right Bank (Bordeaux)
Classic Bordeaux, two philosophies.
Explore how Cabernet Sauvignon-driven Left Bank estates (think structure and cassis) contrast with Merlot-centric Right Bank styles (plush, ripe, and seductive). A foundational lesson in blending, ageability, and Old World tradition.
Explore how Cabernet Sauvignon-driven Left Bank estates (think structure and cassis) contrast with Merlot-centric Right Bank styles (plush, ripe, and seductive). A foundational lesson in blending, ageability, and Old World tradition.
5) Merlot USA: California vs. Washington
Varietal Merlot shines in the New World.
Taste how Californian warmth brings plush, fruity Merlot vs. Washington State’s cooler elegance with savory edges. We’ll unpack misconceptions and reveal why great Merlot deserves center stage.
Taste how Californian warmth brings plush, fruity Merlot vs. Washington State’s cooler elegance with savory edges. We’ll unpack misconceptions and reveal why great Merlot deserves center stage.
6) New World Cabernet: California, Australia & Chile
Three continents of Cabernet expression.
Compare bold Napa Cabernets with Australia’s fruit-forward reds and Chile’s balanced, volcanic-influenced styles. A global look at power, tannin, and Cabernet’s universal allure.
Compare bold Napa Cabernets with Australia’s fruit-forward reds and Chile’s balanced, volcanic-influenced styles. A global look at power, tannin, and Cabernet’s universal allure.
7) Loire Valley: Chinon vs. Bourgueil
Cabernet Franc — fresh, peppery, and savory.
Taste two Loire classics from Chinon and Bourgueil. We’ll talk freshness, herbal spice, and how leaner bodies can still deliver complexity and food flexibility.
Taste two Loire classics from Chinon and Bourgueil. We’ll talk freshness, herbal spice, and how leaner bodies can still deliver complexity and food flexibility.
8) Argentina (Malbec) vs. Chile (Carménère)
South America’s signature reds collide.
Malbec’s bold plum and violet profile meets Carménère’s savory red fruit and green pepper spice. A perfect contrast between fruit intensity and herbal complexity.
Malbec’s bold plum and violet profile meets Carménère’s savory red fruit and green pepper spice. A perfect contrast between fruit intensity and herbal complexity.
9) Rhône: North vs. South
Syrah and Grenache — two faces of Rhône.
Explore Northern Rhône’s structured, peppery Syrah alongside Southern Rhône’s Grenache blends — juicy, spicy, and layered. We’ll decode blend roles and climate impacts across the valley.
Explore Northern Rhône’s structured, peppery Syrah alongside Southern Rhône’s Grenache blends — juicy, spicy, and layered. We’ll decode blend roles and climate impacts across the valley.
10) Australia: Shiraz vs. Grenache
Australian stars in bold contrast.
From rich, chocolate and blackberry-driven Shiraz to lighter, spicy Grenache, learn how Aussie winemakers express varietal characters with flair and bold fruit.
From rich, chocolate and blackberry-driven Shiraz to lighter, spicy Grenache, learn how Aussie winemakers express varietal characters with flair and bold fruit.
11) Mourvèdre: France vs. Spain
Mourvèdre’s rustic personality takes the stage.
Compare France’s Bandol and other Mourvèdre-driven examples with Spain’s earthy, gamey Mataro/Monastrell expressions. Expect savory herbs, structured tannin, and deep complexity.
Compare France’s Bandol and other Mourvèdre-driven examples with Spain’s earthy, gamey Mataro/Monastrell expressions. Expect savory herbs, structured tannin, and deep complexity.
12) Italy: Brunello di Montalcino vs. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Sangiovese in two compelling lights.
Brunello di Montalcino’s refined power meets Montepulciano’s hearty, rustic soul. A lesson in Italian red diversity and how the same grape family can yield wildly different senses of place.
Brunello di Montalcino’s refined power meets Montepulciano’s hearty, rustic soul. A lesson in Italian red diversity and how the same grape family can yield wildly different senses of place.
13) Spain: Reserva vs. Gran Reserva
Finish with elegance and age.
Dive into Spain’s rigorous aging system. Compare Reserva’s vibrant fruit with Gran Reserva’s aged elegance — tobacco, leather, cedar, and silky textures — a refined conclusion to our red odyssey.
Cheers,
Alex Morales
Founder, Wine Scholars 🍷
Founder, Wine Scholars 🍷
