Sparkling and Fortified Wine

This module enables students to explore the world of sparkling and fortified wines from start to finish. The module covers everything from the production factors of varieties of sherries, ports, champagnes etc through to profiling key business and the trade legislature affecting them. Upon completion of the module, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the factors and processes that each of these sparkling and fortified wines undergo.

This module will include:

• Production factors: regions, raw materials, production, maturation, blending and finishing, product variations, cost and pricing.
• Trade and legal structures: legislation, duty, trade bodies, major business producers.
• Sparkling wines of the world.
• Including Champagne, Crémant, Cava, Prosecco, Asti and New World sparkling wines.
• Fortified wines of the world including Sherry, Port, Madeira, Vins Doux Naturels and New World fortified wines.

The outcomes of this module:

• Evaluate the key factors affecting the production, style, quality and commercial value of sparkling and fortified wines of the world.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the global trade, legal structures and markets for sparkling and fortified wines of the world.
• Describe, analyse and evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of the principal examples of sparkling and fortified wines of the world.

Applicable to each module

• GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)
• GCSE English at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system)

The following qualifications are recommended prior to applying:

• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Pass)
• Level 3 qualification such as A Level (two subjects)
• BTEC Extended Diploma (MPP)
• Access to HE in a related subject
• We also consider applicants with relevant industry experience if over 21 years of age. 
• Students with English as a second language will be required to have gained IELTS at 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing.

Applicants wishing to progress onto an undergraduate course would need to meet the minimum entry criteria for that specific course which typically includes a Level 3 qualification with UCAS Tariff points (56 points and above).