Palate Partners / Dreadnought Wines Announce New Class Series
Palate Partners and Dreadnought Wines in the Strip District present a regular series of Wine Classes. The classes have been developed to meet the ever changing and diverse needs of their patrons, and range from classes aimed at helping beginner oenophiliacs break into the wonderful world of wines, to more specialized classes geared toward specific grape or regional wine appreciations. Some are single classes, while others are presented in a series. They cover a wide variety of subjects, but all help to de-mystify wine and its unique terminology. The Wine Classes are most frequently taught by Mike Gonze, President of Dreadnought Wines, who offers over twenty years of wine teaching experience and is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, with occasional classes featuring a guest wine expert.
Wine Class Schedule
Wine 101 Series
April 8, 15, 22, 6:30 PM (Tuesdays)
May 14, 21, 28, 6:30 PM (Wednesdays)
"Wine 101" is a three part series of 'tasting basics' to help newbie wine students begin their process of wine education. Students will taste 5 grapes (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Syrah) to understand the classic wine varietals, tasting techniques, and classifications. Students will also learn the effects of soil and climate on wine by tasting 4 different Chardonnays and 4 different Cabernets from around the world. Various wine-making techniques will also be explored.
$75 for the series, includes wines and materials.
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502
Olive Oil Tasting Class
Thursday, April 17, 6:30 PM - 8PM
Tasting olive oil is an art, but it can also be fun and worth learning. As in the case of the wine connoisseur and his wines, a certain amount of knowledge (and quite a lot of practice) is required to objectively classify olive oils according to taste. Culinary Institute of America alum and executive chef Deb Mortillaro will guide students through the ins and outs of the olive.
With variability in quality, the olive oil consumer runs quite a risk of purchasing a second rate product, which could easily end up completely ruining the very food it is supposed to improve. A good olive oil should subtly enhance the flavors of the specific dish, not distort or overpower them. One should thus get into the habit of tasting any untried olive oil before blindly using it over one's food. The advantages of using a good olive oil in one's everyday cooking are legion, not only from the flavor point of view, but also because of the associated health benefits.
$30 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502
Cabernet Around The World
Wednesday, April 30, 6:30-8:00 PM
The Cabernet grape is grown around the world. It is sometimes the least expensive and sometimes a very expensive wine. Come taste the differences in each of these from around the world. Does price matter?
$35 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502
Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Class
Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
If you've always been very fond of the taste of balsamic vinegar, but the wildly varying prices of what you find in stores are confusing, Deb Mortillaro will give students the chance to learn more.
Deb will discuss balsamic vinegar and its characteristics. The types of wood the barrels are made in, the quality of the grapes, the initial concentration, and the producer's savoir-faire all come into play to make (or break) the quality of a balsamic vinegar.
$35 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502
Wine & Grilling Class
Thursday, May 22, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Mike Gonze and Deb Mortillaro partner in this fun and flavorful class that brings together fine wines and the hot grill. From vegetables to seafood, learn which wines best compliment the upcoming (and long awaited) summer grilling season. Students will sample wines along with foods prepared on the grill, and walk away from this class with the knowledge to elevate that back yard barbecue into an impressive occasion.
$40 per person
Pre-paid reservations required.
(412) 391-8502
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 25 PEOPLE FOR ALL CLASSES, SO RSVP IS REQUIRED! While Palate Partners have become very popular with their wine 'tasting' series, this is a CLASS and not a casual tasting.
All classes are conducted in the Palate Partners retail store at 2013 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh's historic Strip District. For additional information and to make reservations call 412.391.8502, or visit their website at
www.palatepartners.com
