11. What is BLIC and How to Use It to Assess Wine Quality

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Episode 11: What is BLIC and How to Use It to Assess Wine Quality

Episode Description:

In this episode we break down BLIC, the WSET framework for evaluating wine quality and readiness for drinking. Discover how this structured approach—covering Balance, Length, Intensity, and Complexity—fits into the Standard Approach to Tasting (SAT) and how it helps wine students and professionals make objective assessments. Joanne explains each component of BLIC, provides practical examples, and highlights how it is integrated into WSET Levels 2 and 3. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting your wine education journey, this episode is packed with insights to refine your tasting skills.

Resources

• SAT Resources:

• WSET Level 1 SAT

• WSET Level 2 SAT

• WSET Level 3 SAT

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• Learn More About Classes: Visit our website for details on upcoming WSET classes.

• Discovery Call: Schedule a call with Joanne to discuss your wine education goals.

What’s in This Episode?

1. Introduction:

   • Overview of BLIC and its role in evaluating wine quality.

2. What is BLIC?

   • Background: Developed by WSET, BLIC complements the SAT and is introduced in Level 2, continuing into Level 3.

   • Acronym breakdown:

   • Balance: How well components like sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, and body work together.

   • Length: Persistence of multiple pleasant flavors after swallowing or spitting.

   • Intensity: Strength of aroma and flavor or the presence of clearly identifiable characteristics.

   • Complexity: Range and interplay of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas and flavors.

3. How to Use BLIC:

   • Guidelines for assessing quality:

   • Faulty/Poor: No components meet BLIC standards.

   • Acceptable: One BLIC component present.

   • Good: Two BLIC components present.

   • Very Good: Three BLIC components present.

   • Outstanding: All four BLIC components present.

   • Readiness for drinking categories:

   • Too young.

   • Drink now with potential for aging.

   • Drink now, not suitable for further aging.

   • Too old.

4. Examples:

   • Good Quality Wine: Beaujolais Nouveau with identifiable characteristics but no length or complexity.

   • Outstanding Wine: 2008 Barolo demonstrating balance, long finish, intensity, and complexity, with potential for aging.

5. BLIC in Practice:

   • Importance of calibration with your instructor in WSET classes.

   • Tips for using BLIC in blind tastings and exams.

6. Upcoming Classes and Workshops:

   • Highlight of the Level 3 tasting workshop at Wine Educate, open to all students.

   • Exclusive information and announcements available through the newsletter.

7. Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser:

   • Summary of BLIC’s role in wine evaluation.

   • Sneak peek into next week’s episode: comparing the same wine using SAT for Levels 1, 2, and 3 to demonstrate how the framework evolves in complexity.

Key Takeaways:

• BLIC is an essential tool for evaluating wine quality and readiness for drinking in WSET Levels 2 and 3.

• Objective tasting and assessment require consistent practice and calibration with your instructor.

• The Wine Educate newsletter is your go-to source for exclusive resources, updates, and announcements.