Description
These kits are typically only available to CIA master’s degree students.
The custom selection of 6 wines (187 ml / 6.3 oz. each) in each of these five kits has been carefully selected by CIA Professor Christie Dufault, to illustrate the concepts in The Old World – Northern Hemisphere, a core course in the Culinary Institute of America’s Master’s Degree Program in Wine and Beverage Management.
Collectively, these kits represent some of the most historically recognized and classic wines of Northern Europe; the wines are examples of the benchmarks and stylistic standards of their specific appellations. Represented in these kits are incredible wines from France, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Master the World and its partners work diligently to put the best possible wines in these kits. As you might imagine, it is not a simple endeavor to procure the wines from some of the most notable wineries and appellations in the world. The producers that work with Master the World understand what an educational experience it can be to taste many wines and to taste side by side or to taste blind. These kits are a tour of Northern Europe. Enjoy the exploration and tasting of some of the world’s great wines!
Purchase each kit individually or purchase all 5 kits for added savings. Each kit includes a selection of 6 wines (187 ml / 6.3 oz. each ) – easily enough for two people to taste. There is a total of five kits shipped in two packages.
After you order, you will receive a shipment notification when your order is processed to ship. Please make sure that someone is available to sign for your package as an adult signature is always required – you can always ship to your nearest UPS store if necessary. Send us an email at somm@MTWwines.com if you have any questions.
Kit One focuses on the wines of the famous and stunningly beautiful Loire Valley in northwestern France. It is a place of rich history, its landscape dotted with castles and vineyards, and the wines of the region are some of the most popular in France. The diverse climate and long Loire riverbanks lend to growing top sauvignon blanc, muscadet, and chenin blanc. Appellations such as Sancerre and Vouvray are among the most appreciated. There are also unique reds in the Loire Valley. Top expressions of cabernet franc charm tasters with its floral and complex aromas. In the end, there is hardly another region in France with as much diversity as the Loire Valley; this kit is an excellent start at representing that range. Finally, this kit finishes with a unique and trending white wine from Hungary.
To order this kit: https://mtwwines.com/product/ow_kit1
Kit Two contains wines from the cooler regions of Northern France. Here we journey through three different regions of France. Alsace is France’s northeastern most growing area, nestled between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east. It is a narrow silver of vineyards spanning roughly 60 miles north south and results in some of France’s most distinctive white wines. The wine makers of Alsace call them the “noble varieties” and these grapes make some of the most aromatic wines: riesling, gewürztraminer, muscat, and pinot gris. Producers craft wines of exacting high standards and these expressions of white varieties are unmatched. Also in the kit is a lesser-known white wine called jacquère from the foothills of the Alps in eastern France. The Savoie is creating lovely wines that are beginning to earn international recognition. Finally, we begin to explore Burgundy. In this kit, we taste wines from the northern parts of Burgundy, including the celebrated chardonnay from Chablis and pinot noir from the Hautes Côtes; both cultivated in the limestone soils of Burgundy. There is a lot to experience and learn from in Kit 2; it contains two famous regions and one discovery area.
To order this kit: https://mtwwines.com/product/ow_kit2
Kit Three This kit contains wines from two of the most ionic regions of France: Burgundy and Bordeaux. The Burgundian wines bring us southward with chardonnays from the famous Côte de Beaune and Mâconnais sub-zones. The popular and elegant gamay of Beaujolais is also tasted, in this case from one of the finest single Cru villages in the region. Bordeaux is a huge region both in reputation and geographical size. In this kit, 3 of the classic wines are tasted. The elegant dry white Bordeaux made from sauvignon blanc and semillon may not be as well-known as the red wines of the region, but they are special. Finally, right bank and left bank red wines are tasted- the power houses of Bordeaux from two incredible AOCs- Margaux and St. Emilion.
To order this kit: https://mtwwines.com/product/ow_kit3
Kit Four In a stroke of sweet luck, this kit finishes what was started in Kit 3 with a final wine from Bordeaux. The wines of Sauternes, made from botrytis grapes, are among the most cherished and unique sweet wines on the planet. Collectors seek various vintages. In this kit, we have an opportunity to taste one. The complex aromas and flavors may just steal your heart. The remainder of the kit is devoted to another large and well-known region of France, the Rhône Valley. This massive river departs the Alps and descends through the rugged region of southeastern France to empty into the Mediterranean. Along its banks are steep vineyards of incredible grapes like fragrant viognier, brambly grenache, and intense syrah. The wines are singular and always expressive. We are showing the best of the Rhône Valley- in white, rosé, and bold reds.
To order this kit: https://mtwwines.com/product/ow_kit4/
Kit Five This exciting kit contains two of the other countries we learn about in Northern Europe: Germany and Austria. For lovers of bright white wines, these are among the most compelling wines in Europe. Germany is home to some of the world’s oldest Riesling vines, as Romans planted vineyards along the riverbanks thousands of years ago as they moved northward. The Germans have an organized system of planting in slate soils on steep slopes, rarely using oak, and labelling with transparency. This kit represents a wide range of German styles and appellations for its champion grape: riesling. Neighboring Austria also has a long, rich wine history. And although a much smaller output, Austria is known for incredible quality and food friendly wines. Exceptional riesling and Austria’s signature white grape, grüner veltliner, are discovered in this kit.
To order this kit: https://mtwwines.com/product/ow_kit5/
If ordering any kit(s) as a gift, you can request gift wrap or a gift message in the notes section when ordering.
Additional Information:
Restrictions: These kits can only be shipped in the United States, and shipping is not available to AL, AR, DE, KY, MS, RI, SD and UT. Shipping is not available to a P.O. Box in any state. The order may be placed on a weather hold if the weather conditions at our location or your destination are not conducive for wine shipping.
Wine kits are only available to persons who are at least 21 years old. At time of ordering, the person ordering will need to provide an accurate birthdate. Additionally, an adult of at least 21 years old will need to sign for the package and must be ready to show proof of age.
