THE MORNING LIST
Are you passionate about wine and dream of making it your job? For the most motivated who already have a scientific background, it is always possible to learn how to make a grand cru by going through the two years necessary to obtain the national oenologist diploma (DNO). For all the others, a host of training courses exist around wine – in sales or tourism, law or catering, management or marketing. It remains to be seen whether you have a short week ahead of you, four months or years.
In Bordeaux, become an expert with the national oenologist diploma
He is the reference expert, present from the beginning to the end of the wine production chain. A fine connoisseur of the particularities of each cru and a sharp “nose”, the oenologist is a central link. Certain manufacturing steps are even reserved for it by decree. At theUniversity of Bordeaux, the national oenologist diploma, over two years, will be your key to this “art of wine”. But knowing how to raise the elbow is not enough: this path is for those who already have a scientific background. To apply for this selective training (200 applications per year for 60 students, in initial course or retraining), you must have a baccalaureate + 3 in biology, chemistry or agronomy. “Among our converts, there are former bankers, health or industry professionals… These are people who bought a vineyard, or who discovered a fiber late in life”describes Pierre-Louis Teissedre, training manager.
The white coat serves as a uniform for learning to analyze the different stages of production, to detect imperfections, to advise winegrowers on how to improve their vintage, and to secure the quality of the wine distributed. “The analysis is chemical but also sensory”, says Pierre-Louis Teissedre. The outlets are as varied as the skills are versatile: in the places of production, as vineyard manager, manager of a château or cooperative, cellar manager, cellar master, consultant oenologist; or in trading. The oenologist also works in the laboratory, where he makes blends or tests new grape varieties – essential today for adapting crops to climate change. The universities of Dijon, Reims, Montpellier, Toulouse will also be able to take you to the DNO, and to the regulated title of the profession.
In Suze-la-Rousse, convert to the profession of wine merchant
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