Italian wine class tonight

The problem with learning about wine is that there is so much to learn. People will make the mistake of trying to learn everything from one book or over the course of a special dinner, and come away with their slightly tipsy head overloaded with information. Which brings up another reason why it’s hard to learn — it’s only fun to talk about wine when you’re drinking it, but that doesn’t make for the best scenario to remember information.

As with other complicated subjects such as classical music or religion, it’s best to take wine one step at a time. Which is why The Wine Bar in the gigantic Lukas Liquor on State Line takes it slowly, covering wine from only one country during each class, of which there’s one tonight.

The focus tonight is on Italy, which just passed France as the largest wine-producing country in the world. Yet its wines remain priced below those of its European neighbors.

Even non-wine-lovers are probably familiar with Chianti and the main grape it’s made from, sangiovese. Fewer know that some of the best sparkling wines come from the Italian prosecco grape. (Like the one ODV served at its event in December.) Nor are many people aware that the primitivo grape made its way to America, where growers started planting it in California and, not knowing its real name, started calling it zinfandel.

Information of this type plus plenty of samples of Italian grapes will be available at the Wine Bar class, taught by Dave Dodson of fine wine importer Domaine Estates. The class is from 7-9 p.m. and tickets are $25. You can reserve a spot by calling 816-942-8707.