Official Sherry Ambassador Course - Level 1 Certificate

A focused introduction to one of the wine world's most distinctive & misunderstood categories. Sherry Level 1 is an official Consejo course.
About this Event

Official Sherry Ambassador Course

Sherry is one of the world's great wine traditions – and one of its most fascinating to study. On Sunday, September 27, join Certified Sherry Educator Margaux Burgess at Sherbrooke Liquor in Edmonton for Sherry Level 1, an official course from the Consejo.

Designed to build a clear foundation in the category, the course explores the Sherry region, its principal grapes, vineyard conditions, the solera system, biological and oxidative ageing, and the major styles that make Sherry so remarkably diverse.

This course is appropriate for wine and hospitality professionals, retail staff, sommeliers and engaged consumers who want to understand Sherry more confidently. Some previous knowledge of wine is helpful, but it is not necessary.

Topics of Study

Geography and origins

• The Sherry Triangle — Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa María
• The DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and DO Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda appellations
• History of Sherry and its place in Spanish wine culture

Viticulture

• Albariza, barro, and arena soil types
• The Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grape varieties
• Climate — the Levante and Poniente winds, Atlantic influence

Winemaking

• The role of flor yeast in biological aging
• Oxidative aging and the difference between the two
• Fortification and why and when it happens

The solera system

• How the solera and criadera system works
• Why there is no vintage Sherry in the traditional sense

Sherry styles and classifications

• Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso
• Cream, Medium, Pale Cream, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel
• How each style is made and what distinguishes it

Serving and pairing

• How to serve Sherry correctly — temperature, glassware, portion
• Storage and shelf life once opened
• Classic and contemporary food pairings

Assessment

A written exam consisting of 20 multiple choice & short answer questions. Upon completion with a 70% or higher mark you will receive the Beginner Sherry Ambassador qualification from Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry” - “Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda” - “Vinagre de Jerez”

Certificate will come from Spain so will be mailed some weeks after completion of course. I will let you know if you will be receiving a certificate by October 2.

Must be 18 years of age or older.