Summary:  Armagnac is finally having its moment! The latest 2016 numbers from the BNIA, the Inter professional Bureau for Armagnac (http://www.armagnac.fr/en), shows the US firmly leading as the Number 1 export market for Armagnac, with sales growing 33% by volume and 19% in value. What was once France’s best-kept secret is now

Summary:  A brief, informative high-level review of the entire process of creating the world's most iconic brandy, Cognac, led by a B.N.I.C. Certified Cognac Educator, Hoke Harden.  You will explore the oenology, the terroir, fermentation, distillation, and the ageing, maturation and blending processes that culminate in one of the most treasured of spirits. Presenter: An enthusiastic lover of wine and spirits, Hoke Harden left a career in academia to

Summary:  After a first webinar earlier this year on the vins doux naturels of France, Guilherme will focus this time on the fortified wines from the rest of the world with a focus on Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and New World (i.e. South Africa, USA, Australia). He will explain them in their historical

Summary: Fortified wines such as port, sherry or marsala are slipping out of fashion. It’s no different with Madeira, but this highly food-friendly beverage deserves your attention. Madeira is unique in its exceptional acidity and freshness, and also in its ability to age. No other wine has the ability to start showing its fruit at its best when 100 years old. We’ll talk about this Portuguese island – where it is, and why the terrain

Summary:  What is the proper way to store and serve sparkling wines, fortified wines or dessert wines? Plus, once you have them in the cellar, what is the best way to recommend and sell these wines? Master Sommelier, Matt Stamp, will lead us through the proper serving techniques for these special wines. Presenter: Matt Stamp MS Matt Stamp learned the wine and restaurant trade in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where he managed V. Mertz, a local fine-dining

Summary:  What is fortified wine? Our presenter will answer this question, along with providing a historical and geographic context. Guilherme will present the winemaking principles associated with fortified wines, with a particular emphasis on French fortified wines, inclusive of their terroir, appellations, vinification methods and ageing method. Specifically, he will cover Vins Doux Naturels from the Rhne Valley, Corsica, Languedoc and Roussillon as well as Vins