Handbook home
Wines of the World (UNIB30008)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Dookie)
About this subject
Contact information
February
July
Overview
Availability | February July |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
The practice of drinking wine, often with matching food, is an important component of social and business interaction in many but not all modern societies. It is a practice that raises conflicting issues relating to its social, economic and health impacts on society.
This subject will focus on the great wines of France as well as other world producers to trace the history and culture of the modern wine industry through the evolution of premium wine grape varieties and international wine styles that characterise the global wine industry. The regional and political innovations in grape-growing and winemaking that have resulted in the development of the great wines of the world are explored from historical, cultural and sensory perspectives. The great wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne will be prime examples of the part wine plays in history and culture. The importance of regional climate and terroir in the development of the world's great wine regions will be further examined.
The sensory and philosophical perceptions of wine quality and style will be explored in lectures and tutorials to allow students to understand the composition of wine. For example: is the merit of a wine to be understood subjectively or objectively? Is it simply a matter of personal preference? In tutorials, students will have the opportunity to educate their palate to the sensory characteristics of major grape varieties and great wine styles of the world.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Discuss the role of French culture and business in the development of the global wine industry
- Identify and distinguish classical wine varieties and styles on the basis of sensory analysis
- Appreciate the culture and history of the modern wine industry
- Explain the influence of terroir on grape quality and its influence on wine style and quality
- Debate the science, philosophy and business of international wine quality
- Analyse the culture, structure and economics of the global wine industry
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- The ability to write a logically argued and properly researched essay
- The ability to critically assess information from a range of sources, and assess its quality and relevance to the questions under consideration
- The ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a project
- Oral communication skills through presentation and investigation
Last updated: 9 February 2025