The WSET 2 Wine Course AT POTENTINO

It is particularly special to study at Potentino because for millennia this area has been known as a sacred space for vine growing and winemaking. Etruscan winemaking stones lie by the river that runs alongside the castle and in the vineyards behind the castle. One morning or afternoon we will take a hike to visit the stones (and take a dip in the waterfalls if you like!) To study here is a great privilege. One feels a deep connection with the energy of ancient cultures and their passion, curiosity and respect for wine. It becomes more than an academic experience.

To take the WSET Level 2 course a willingness to learn about wine and taste a LOT of it is all that is required. Level 1 is incorporated into the Level 2 course so it is not obligatory to have sat Level 1. At Level 2 'Place' takes precedence, the student will look at where the Noble Grapes grow best (in Champagne, Barolo, Rioja and many more) and what factors contribute to making these grapes grow so beautifully...and why those wines might have a higher price tag.

What You Will Learn

• How wine is made (we will discuss this chapter in the winery of the castle)

• What factors influence wine style (this we will cover whilst out in the vineyards surrounding the estate)

• The key white and black grape varieties and their characteristics

• The important wine-producing regions of the world in which these grapes are grown

• The production of sparkling, sweet, and fortified wines

• Label terminology

• Food and wine pairing principles

• The principal categories of spirits and liqueurs, and how they are made

• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

The Castle

Castello di Potentino is set on Mount Amiata in the south of Tuscany, it is a working organic farm that produces award-winning wines and olive oil. Its grounds include a private chapel and beautiful garden. Built on an Etruscan site Castello di Potentino lies in a secret valley in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany – Monte Amiata.  The medieval building is surrounded by unspoilt countryside, dotted with the vines and the ancient olive trees used for the estate’s small production of high quality wine, grappa and oil.

The first document to mention the Castello di Potentino is dated 1042. However, the original foundations are probably Etruscan. Over the centuries the property passed through the hands of many well-known Tuscan families of noble descent - the Tolomei, the Bonsignori, and the the Salimbeni, whom in the company of Contessa Bianchina, received Saint Catherine of Siena as a guest at the castle. At the end of the 16th Century it became a centre for the charitable works of the hospital order of Santa Maria della Scala.

After this period of religious activity, the Medici Duke Ferdinando I conceded the estate to Marchese Giovan Battista Bourbon del Monte, famous commander-in-chief of the infantry of the Venetian Republic. His descendants finally sold the castle to a gentleman from Switzerland, Antonio Hemmeler, in 1906. Recently it was purchased and restored by the Greene family, who have given new life to the ancient traditions of the building. The castle has eight luxurious bedrooms. The rooms all have different designs, some with wood beams and others with frescoes on the ceiling. Each one has antique furniture and plenty of old world charm.

Agriculture and viticulture are about growing and living, so eating and drinking well are an important element in the Potentino ethos which is concerned with the sustainability of how we inhabit a place and relate to it physically and mentally. The castle has its own vineyards, olive groves and vegetable garden.

LOCATION

Castello di Potentino lies in a secret valley nestled in one of the last undiscovered corners of Tuscany - the Amiata.

Airports: Nearest airports are Pisa (2hrs 15 minutes), Florence Peretola (2hrs 30 minutes), Perugia (2hrs 15 minutes, but difficult driving) Rome Fiumicino (3hrs) and Rome Ciampino (3 hrs 30 minutes)

By Car: We recommend that people coming to Potentino come by car as it gives the maximum amount of freedom and there are no local taxi services on Monte Amiata.

Coordinates: 42.924265, 11.543227

Train Stations: Grosseto is the nearest mainline station (50 minutes by car) although Chiusi/Chianciano Terme is also an option. There are also nearer stations at Buonconvento and Paganico but the trains are infrequent and transport can be difficult to arrange from there. Train timetables are available here.

Taxis And Private Cars: There are usually taxis available at Grosseto station. They should cost about €100-€120. If you would like us to organise a private car, we can do so.

Buses: Buses can be found to our local towns Seggiano and Castel del Piano from Grosseto train station. The timetable is available at Tiemme SPA.

Electric Vehicles: We have two chargers for Electric Vehicles, one for Teslas and one for other cars which are free to use.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1
Welcome aperitivo and wine tasting with Charlotte Horton, Castello di Potentino’s owner and winemaker who will guide you through the castle’s award-winning wines. Dinner prepared in the kitchens at Potentino using local meats and vegetables from our vegetable garden.  

Day 2
Breakfast and the WSET course begins with The Factors Influencing Wine Styles, Quality and Price.

Lunch under the loggia in the courtyard or in the grand dining room at Potentino

Cheese making display using raw milk from the Potentino adopted flock. You will learn about the different types of cheese made locally from sheeps-milk including pecorino and ricotta as well as learn about the local traditions. Tuscan wines matched to each cheese.

A light dinner in the grand dining room. 

Day 3
Yoga session by the pool or in the granary/studio, and Breakfast. WSET course continues in the classroom with a workshop on Tasting Technique and Food and Wine pairing. And The Principal Grape Varieties.

Lunch under the loggia in the courtyard or in the grand dining room at Potentino

Visit to a top producer in nearby Montalcino.

Day 4

Breakfast followed by WSET course: The Principal Grape Varieties

Lunch at the Castle under the loggia or in the grand dining room at Potentino followed by free time to relax or take a walk to nearby town of Seggiano

WSET course continues in the classroom: Regionally Important Grape Varieties - Style and Quality

Evening meal at Potentino

Day 5

Optional yoga, breakfast and WSET course

Lunch at the Castle

Pasta making with the team at Potentino, followed by evening meal in the courtyard.

Day 6

Yoga, Breakfast and WSET Course-Production and Style: Sparkling, Sweet and Fortified wines

Lunch at the Castle and free time to relax by the pool, or in the castle libraries or take a walk to nearby Seggiano

Exam followed by cocktails - Aperitivo using Potentino’s own distilled Gin, Vermouth and Bitters for a Castle Negroni.

Dinner at the castle 

Day 7

Breakfast and departure.

Residential Course Costs and How To Book:

The cost of the course is *€750 per person and includes all wines, exam and study pack or e-study pack. The study packs are sent by Poste Italiane tracked delivery-please be as detailed as possible with your address and include a telephone number. For those requiring DHL there is an extra €50 handling fee.

*this covers the cost of the course, all wines, study material and exam. It does not include accommodation, food, excursions, flights or transport.

For prices for accommodation in beautiful suites, all meals including Potentino’s wine, excursions, yoga classes, pasta and cheese workshops do visit potentino.com for more information. Prices start around €2500 - to secure your place email alexander.greene@potentino.com.

Any queries however please do not hesitate to email me: emily@emilyoh.wine