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The FIRST Independent Champagne and Sparkling Wine Invitational
New Orleans, April 15 - 18, 2010
Program of Events
ARRIVAL DAY | ||||||
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
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DAY ONE EVENTS | ||||||
Friday, April 16th, 2010
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DAY TWO EVENTS | ||||||
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
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DAY THREE | ||||||
Sunday, April 18th, 2010 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
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ICSWI Seminars
Pro Seminars to be held 1st thing in the am on tasting days:
Making sense of champagne
This seminar will cover methods, varietals, Terroir, Grandes Marques & small growers.
Flight 1: Blanc de Blancs, 5 wines: one from 3 main regions, 1 Grande Marque, 1 Blend for comparison Grande Marques.
Flight 2: Brut blends – the art, science and history of assemblage.
The 4 main regions of Champagne, plus 1 Grande Marque and 1 Blanc de Blancs (for comparison).
Flight 3: Blanc de Noir: 1 from each regions, 1 Grande Marque, 1 Blend for comparison Grande Marques.
Flight 4: Vintage and Tetes de cuvée: 2 vintages & 2 Tetes de cuvées
Flight 5: Rosé de Saignée versus Rosé d’Assemblage in 4 wines.
Successful Business Strategies - discussion
How to drive business and integrate the category, both on and off premise
How a balanced approach can be both viable and profitable
Growing the sparkling category overall into a year-round volume-driver
Fun strategies to engage your customers
Consumer Seminars (event days mid to late morning)
Tour du Monde: Sparkling wines of the world
New world and old world examples with different production methods, grape varieties, terroirs, and historical precedents provide a diverse sparkling world waiting to be discovered.
Making Sense of Champagne “What’s behind the Label” Beyond branding, or how to decode the language of Champagne.
Consumer comparisons of Non-dosé, NV Brut: Blanc de Blancs, Vintage, Rosé and Tete de Cuvée (presented in progressive pairs for individuals to vote on which is which) A unique, guided comparative experience that will build your knowledge of the many types and styles of Champagne.
The Loire Valley Sparkling wines “focus on the Loire valley”
Explore the treasure-trove of sparking wines produced throughout this large and diverse region. From dry to sweet, white to rosé, Chenin to Cabernet Franc and more – these are some of the most enjoyable and affordable sparklers in the world.
Vintage Champagne (panel discussing the various great vintages and why they were chosen as such) (Grande Marques and small growers)
A unique exploration of the role of vintage, the celebration of singular harvest conditions, and the glories of mature Champagnes over time. While relatively rare, a sufficiently complete vintage in this northernmost region is worthy of recognition. How do vintage and non-vintage cuvées relate to each other?
Consumer Seminars and talks (during the Grand Tasting)
Mixology 101
How bubbles can add zest to new and old cocktails.
Riedel Glassware Seminar: “why the glass counts”
Author talks and book signings – surveying the wealth of reference materials related to sparkling wines.
Meet the press
readers meet writers discussing their craft.
Pre-event sommelier seminar
Champagne etiquette + Riedel glassware
this seminar will cover all aspects of champagne service and a talk about glassware.
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Event Information
Bubbles and Blues on Bourbon Street
Enjoy authentic New Orleans blues and jazz on Bourbon Street with hundreds of your closest new friends. This is taking place in the French Quarter, at the Astor Crowne Plaza Ballroom which overlooks the fabled Bourbon Street. Grab beads and a Mardi Gras mask, put on your dancing shoes, and lets party the night away with Champagne and Sparkling Wines.
The Bubbly Block Party on Rue Royal
The incredible city of New Orleans is rolling out the red carpet and closing down Royal Street for a grand street party for ICSWI! Royal Street, in the French Quarter, is a picturesque avenue with wonderful antique and jewelry shops and home to Cafe Du Monde's famous beingets. Various Sommeliers and Mixologists will create signature drinks for your enjoyment, vote for your favorite drink while you stroll, shop, and enjoy the music.
Winemaker Dinners
New Orleans is a culinary mecca and a city well known for its cuisine. The ICSWI Winemaker Dinners offers you an intimate opportunity to enjoy Sparkling and Still Wines with participating winemakers paired with amazing regional and nationally known Chefs. Join us as we enjoy full course meals at some of New Orleans most admired restaurants and hotels, or sign-up for the "Bubbles and Bar-b-que featuring some of the country's top pit masters from Memphis to Texas, or reserve your seat for an outdoor jazz dinner beneath the stars. Limited seating available, reserve your seat today!
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