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Tony Margiotta

The hardest part about selecting a bottle of Italian wine is that the wine labels are written in Italian. But just because you don't speak Italian doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of the world's greatest wine producing country. 2,000 different grape varietals, hundreds of appellations, and a foreign language make Italian wines a complex subject. That is, until you take this course.

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The hardest part about selecting a bottle of Italian wine is that the wine labels are written in Italian. But just because you don't speak Italian doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of the world's greatest wine producing country. 2,000 different grape varietals, hundreds of appellations, and a foreign language make Italian wines a complex subject. That is, until you take this course.

Italian Wine Importer and award-winning author of "Hidden Gems of Italy," Tony Margiotta will teach you how to read Italian wine labels. Even if you don't speak Italian. He'll go over the blueprint of both the front and back labels with you. You'll learn what key words and terms to look for that will give you clues about the wine type, class, quality, and value. He'll be showing you real-life Italian wine labels and dissect them line by line so you can begin to think like an aficionado. By the end of the class you'll be confident walking into a wine shop and selecting a bottle of Italian wine you wouldn't normally buy. And you know what will happen? You might find your next favorite wine. And when you share that wine with your friends and family, you'll win their admiration for your sophisticated taste.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Student will be able to confidently walk into a wine shop and buy a bottle of italian wine that they've never tasted before.
  • Students will understand what type of italian wine they are considering to buy even if they don't speak italian.

Syllabus

Introduction

PART 1 you'll learn the "anatomy of the front label." Tony will teach the main things you should be looking for to discern what type of wine it is, where it's from, and the classification. You'll learn the tips and tricks even if you're not fluent in the Italian language. The more you know about what to look for, the more confident you'll be when you buy the wine.

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After you have studied the anatomy of the front label, Tony will go over with you 25 real life wine labels. You'll be looking just the front labels. Together you'll be looking for the wine type, grape varietal, appellation, classification and other tidbits that give you clues to the quality and value of the wine in your hand. The goal is to turn you into a savvy wine shopper that can find the best wines in the store at value pricing.

This video is a continuation of Part 2. You'll be looking at more front labels with Tony and slowly immersing yourself into Italian wine language and culture. He'll be giving you key words to look out for that will indicate whether the wine type is named after a grape varietal, a town, or a landmark. By the end of this video you will begin to see patterns repeating over and over again. You'll be unlocking the secrets to the Italian wine language. You'll be getting one step closer to finding your next favorite wine if you learn the tips in this course.

The anatomy of the back label might be even more important than the front. Even though most people pay attention to the front label. As an Italian Wine Aficionado and a hidden gem insider, you'll be learning the tips and tricks to not only reading and understanding the back labels, but you'll also learn key words to look out for to indicate the wine in your hand is a quality wine.

Tony will go over a dozen Real Life back labels. He'll dissect each label, line by line, so you understand what to look for and why certain pieces of info are important to finding not just a quality Italian wine, but one that might be underpriced compared to the value. He'll also show what types of wines to avoid based certain key terms on the back label. You don't have to spend your hard earned dollars on Italian wine that's not worth the money. Make sure you have a glass of wine with this video so you can relax and learn.

In this final video, all the tips, shortcuts, and key words to look out for all come together. Tony will go over several bottles of Italian wine, both front and back labels, and dissect each word, line by line. It's important to read both the front and back labels because there is a relationship between the two that gives you a complete picture of the unknown wine in your hands. Again, pour a glass of an Italian red wine, pull out your note book, and go deeper into Italian wine culture.

By the end of this course, you will have studied over 50 labels from all over Italy. You'll be able to walk into any wine store and pick out a bottle off the shelf, read and understand where the wine is from, which wine type it is, whether the grape varietal is indicated, what the classification is, and whether it's worthy of buying. Regardless of whether there is a 90 point score on the bottle or not.

The ultimate goal is to give you the confidence to be an independent thinker. Once you can independently understand and judge the label, (not based on appearance, scores, or catchy names), you'll be on your way to being an Italian Wine Aficionado.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers practical knowledge for deciphering Italian wine labels, empowering learners to confidently select wines based on understanding rather than relying solely on scores or appearances
Explores the nuances of both front and back labels, providing a comprehensive understanding of Italian wine classifications, grape varietals, and regional characteristics
Taught by an Italian Wine Importer and award-winning author, which lends credibility and insider knowledge to the instruction
Requires learners to have access to a notebook and wine, which may pose a minor inconvenience for some students

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Reviews summary

Demystifying italian wine labels for beginners

According to learners, this course is a highly practical and engaging guide to understanding Italian wine labels. Students report feeling much more confident selecting Italian wines after taking the course. Key strengths highlighted include the clear explanations of label anatomy and classifications, and the extensive use of real-life examples which students found immensely helpful. While the course is praised for making a complex topic accessible, some reviews suggest it is primarily geared towards beginners.
May be basic for experienced learners.
"This course is perfect if you know absolutely nothing about Italian wine labels. It starts from the ground up."
"If you already have some familiarity with Italian wine classifications, this might feel a bit basic."
"Definitely a great intro, but someone looking for deep dives into specific regions or rare varietals might find it too superficial."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"Tony is a fantastic teacher. His passion for Italian wine is contagious, and he makes learning fun."
"The instructor clearly knows his stuff and is very effective at communicating it."
"Great instructor! Knowledgeable, easy to listen to, and keeps your attention."
Explains complex topics simply.
"The instructor breaks down the information in a really easy-to-understand way, even for someone completely new to Italian wine."
"Complex concepts like DOCG and IGT are explained clearly and concisely. It doesn't assume prior knowledge."
"The pace is good and the explanations are simple enough for a beginner to follow without getting lost."
Increases confidence in selecting wine.
"I feel so much more confident walking into a wine store now. I used to just guess, but now I know what to look for."
"The course delivered on its promise. I can now buy Italian wine without feeling intimidated by the label."
"Before this course, Italian wine labels were a mystery. Now, I feel empowered to pick out a bottle I've never tried before."
Uses many real Italian wine labels.
"The strongest part of the course is the use of real-life labels. It's so much easier to understand when you see actual examples."
"Going through dozens of actual wine labels was incredibly helpful. I can now spot the important info instantly."
"Seeing the labels dissected line by line really made the concepts click. I feel prepared to shop for Italian wine now."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How To Read Italian Wine Labels with these activities:
Review Basic Wine Terminology
Reviewing basic wine terminology will help you understand the Italian wine-specific terms covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Find a glossary of wine terms online.
  • Study the definitions of common terms like 'tannins,' 'acidity,' and 'body.'
  • Take a short quiz to test your knowledge.
Read 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide'
Reading this book will provide a broader context for understanding the information presented on Italian wine labels.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Wine Folly: Magnum Edition'.
  • Read the sections on grape varietals and wine regions.
  • Take notes on key concepts and terms.
Compile a List of Italian Wine Appellations
Compiling a list of Italian wine appellations will help you recognize them on wine labels and understand their significance.
Show steps
  • Research common Italian wine appellations (e.g., Chianti, Barolo, Prosecco).
  • Create a list with the name of the appellation and its region.
  • Add a brief description of the wine style associated with each appellation.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Label Identification Practice
Practicing identifying key information on Italian wine labels will reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find images of Italian wine labels online.
  • Identify the wine type, grape varietal (if indicated), and appellation.
  • Check your answers against the wine's description.
Read 'Italian Wine For Dummies'
Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in Italian wine knowledge, complementing the course's focus on label reading.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Italian Wine For Dummies'.
  • Read the chapters on the major Italian wine regions.
  • Focus on the sections about grape varietals and wine styles.
Create a Wine Label Cheat Sheet
Creating a cheat sheet will help you consolidate your knowledge and serve as a quick reference guide when shopping for Italian wine.
Show steps
  • Summarize the key terms and phrases from the course.
  • Organize the information into categories (e.g., wine type, appellation, classification).
  • Design a visually appealing and easy-to-use cheat sheet.
Italian Wine Region Research Project
Conducting in-depth research on a specific Italian wine region will deepen your understanding of its wines and labels.
Show steps
  • Choose an Italian wine region (e.g., Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto).
  • Research the region's history, climate, grape varietals, and wine styles.
  • Analyze the labels of wines from that region.
  • Present your findings in a report or presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Read Italian Wine Labels will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Wine Importer
A wine importer selects and brings wines from other countries for distribution and sale. The course instructor is an Italian Wine Importer and award-winning author, which makes this course a perfect fit for anyone wanting to enter this career. The course's focus on understanding Italian wine labels is vital for a wine importer. This course examines real-life wine labels, line by line, so professionals know what to look for. The course emphasizes identifying key indicators to establish quality and value. The ability to discern the value of Italian wines helps a wine importer be successful. This course, with its deep focus on Italian wine labels, helps build the skills an importer needs.
Wine Buyer
A wine buyer carefully selects wines for retail, restaurants, or distribution. This role requires a keen understanding of wine labels, especially from regions like Italy, where labels can be complex. This course, with its focus on dissecting Italian wine labels, including both front and back labels, helps build a foundation for a wine buyer to identify quality and value. The course's emphasis on understanding the nuances of Italian wine appellations, classifications, and grape varietals will be valuable for those looking to expand their selections of Italian wines. The course helps to determine if a wine is underpriced or of poor quality. This course's dissection of 50 real-world labels will give an aspiring wine buyer the practical experience to excel in this career field.
Sommelier
A sommelier is a trained wine professional who advises restaurant patrons on wine selection. The ability to decipher Italian wine labels is crucial for a sommelier, especially one working in a restaurant with a diverse wine list. This course's focus on Italian wine labels can help a sommelier understand the nuances of wine type, class, quality, and value. This course allows one to study the Italian wine language and culture, and to learn key words to look out for, helping build confidence in making recommendations. The course teaches one to think like an aficionado. A sommelier can use the knowledge gained from this course, including the understanding of the relationship between the front and back labels, to better serve their customers.
Wine Consultant
A wine consultant works with clients to advise them on wine selection, purchasing, and storage. This role requires a deep understanding of wine labels, especially from key regions like Italy. This course helps one understand Italian wine labels, including the anatomy of front and back labels. The course dissects over 50 real-world labels, line by line. This practical approach helps the consultant discern the type, classification, quality, and value of an Italian wine, even if they don't speak Italian. The course provides a consultant the ability to think like an aficionado and provide expert guidance to their clients.
Wine Educator
A wine educator shares their knowledge of wine with students or enthusiasts. Teaching about Italian wines requires a deep understanding of wine labels. This course breaks down the anatomy of both front and back labels of Italian wines. This includes the main things to look for when determining the type of wine, its origin, and its classification, all while not being fluent in Italian. The course's approach of dissecting real-life labels and identifying key words becomes valuable for a wine educator when preparing lessons. The course helps identify patterns that repeat over and over so students can unlock the secrets to the Italian wine language. The ability to share these insights with others is a key part of being a wine educator.
Wine Sales Representative
A wine sales representative works with stores, restaurants, and distributors to sell wines. Understanding Italian wine labels is a must for a wine sales representative who specializes in Italian wines. This course helps the wine sales representative learn the tips and tricks to understanding Italian wine labels, including identifying key terms and what to avoid. This course's unique offering is its comprehensive analysis of both front and back labels from over 50 real-world examples. This practical knowledge helps a sales representative know if a wine is of value, and not just from its appearance, scores, or catchy names. This course arms the representative with the know-how to confidently sell their wines to clients.
Wine Journalist
A wine journalist writes about wine for publications or websites. A deep understanding of wine is required for this role. Understanding Italian wine labels is paramount for any wine journalist covering Italian wines. This course focuses on the key aspects of Italian wine labels, including the wine type, class, quality, and value. The course's dissection of more than 50 real-life labels and its emphasis on understanding key words and terms on front and back labels helps a wine journalist develop a sharp eye for detail and value in Italian wines. The skills taught help to be an independent thinker, which is a valuable asset for writing about wine.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant. They may be involved in creating wine lists and advising staff on wine selections. This course's focus on Italian wine labels helps a restaurant manager expand their knowledge, even without speaking Italian. This course helps a professional discern wine type, origin, classification, and value by dissecting the front and back labels. The course teaches how to recognize patterns, spot quality, and find underpriced wines. All of these skills help in curating a competitive and cost-effective wine list. A savvy restaurant manager should take this course.
Food and Beverage Manager
A food and beverage manager oversees the operations of food and beverage service at establishments. This role involves making wine selections, and thus requires knowledge of wine labels. This course's focus on Italian wine labels can be helpful for a food and beverage manager who wants to enhance their wine offerings. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding both the front and back labels of Italian wine. An understanding of Italian wine, its value, and its quality as taught in this course helps the food and beverage manager make better buying decisions for their establishment. The course’s ability to help make someone a savvy wine shopper makes this course a good fit for a food and beverage manager.
Beverage Distributor
A beverage distributor works with suppliers and retailers to transport and distribute beverages including wine. The course may be useful to a beverage distributor by helping them understand Italian wine labels. This course teaches about Italian wine labels, which may provide a deeper understanding of a specific product category. The course goes over over 50 Italian labels from across Italy, explaining the origin, wine type, grape varietal, classification, and overall value of each. This course's emphasis on quality and value can help the distributor make better choices when deciding which wines to add to their portfolio. This course may be useful to a beverage distributor.
Catering Manager
A catering manager oversees food and beverage services for events. This role may involve selecting wines for events. This course on Italian wine labels may be helpful, as it provides the knowledge necessary to select a suitable wine for an event. The course’s approach, of looking at the front and back labels of over 50 labels, line by line, from all over Italy, may help the manager develop an eye for detail when selecting a bottle. The course provides tips and tricks to help one become an aficionado. This course may be useful to a catering manager.
Personal Chef
A personal chef prepares meals for individuals or families. This can include pairing wines with meals. This course on Italian wine labels may provide the personal chef a basic understanding of wine selection. The course's methodology of studying both front and back labels, identifying key terms, and learning to recognize patterns can help a personal chef understand Italian wines. The course may be helpful when selecting wines for clients. This course may be useful to a personal chef.
Event Planner
An event planner organizes and manages events, sometimes including beverage selection. This course on Italian wine labels may be useful for those who want to expand their knowledge of wine. This course teaches the important aspects of reading and understanding Italian wine labels. This includes understanding where the wine is from, which wine type it is, and whether the grape varietal is indicated. The course also teaches about the classification and value of the wine. This knowledge may help the event planner better serve their clients. This course may be useful to an event planner.
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads tours for tourists, sometimes including wine tours. This course on Italian wine labels may be useful for those who wish to expand their knowledge of wine. The course focuses on the anatomy of Italian wine labels. It also teaches the main things to look for when determining the type of wine, its origin, and its classification, even without being fluent in Italian. The course's emphasis on unlocking the secrets to Italian wine language may help a tour guide explain the nuances of Italian wine to their clients. This course may be useful to a tour guide.
Travel Blogger
A travel blogger creates content about their travel experiences. This may include information about wines. This course on Italian wine labels may be useful for those looking to add wine reviews to their blog. This course focuses on the anatomy of both front and back labels of Italian wines, teaching the main things to look for when determining the type of wine, its origin, and its classification. The course may help a travel blogger write more authoritatively about wines. This course may be useful to a travel blogger.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How To Read Italian Wine Labels.
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Italian wine. It covers the major wine regions, grape varietals, and wine styles of Italy. It is particularly useful for beginners who want to learn the basics of Italian wine. It is commonly used as a reference by wine enthusiasts and those studying for wine certifications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of wine, including grape varietals, regions, and tasting notes. It's a great resource for building a foundational understanding of wine before diving into the specifics of Italian wine labels. While not focused solely on Italy, it provides essential background knowledge. It is commonly used by wine enthusiasts and those studying for wine certifications.

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