MC Essi Avellan SAT April 25th at 16:30

Master Class Essi Avellan MW: The art of dosage (featuring Billecart Salmon) and Wine Scholar Guild study opportunities

Vetäjä/Lecturer: Essi Avellan MW & Wine Scholar Guild

Kieli/Language: in English

La/Sat 25.4.2026 16:30

In the early days of sparkling wine history, Champagnes typically contained more than 100 grams of sugar per liter, and styles varied according to market preferences. A turning point came in 1874, when the first Brut-style Champagne was introduced to the English market. However, the role of dosage is not limited to sweetness alone. It plays a fundamental part in the wine’s structure, mouthfeel, and balance, and sugar also has an important role in the aging potential of Champagne.

In this masterclass, we will explore the significance of dosage in a practical and sensory way. We will taste three Champagnes from Billecart-Salmon, taking us from bone-dry champagne to lusciously sweet Demi-Sec. The tasting illustrates how dosage shapes Champagne’s expression, structure, and drinkability — and why it remains one of the most important, yet often least understood, elements of Champagne. This session is an example of the Wine Scholar Guild’s Champagne Masters program, the most comprehensive certification program on the wines of Champagne.

The second part of this masterclass provides an overview of Wine Scholar Guild and its sought-after Champagne Masters program. Learn more from Mary Kirk, Study Abroad Director, about the immersive, region-specific wine education WSG offers through online, in person and study abroad certification programs. You will also be getting a sneak peak into WSG's next study abroad trip to Champagne with Essi Avellan in 2026, which you won't want to miss!

Essi Avellan, Master of Wine, is an internationally recognized champagne expert, author and Champagne correspondent. She also belongs to Club Oenologique and World of Fine Wine tasting panels. Essi has proudly worked with Wine Scholar Guild as lead educator since the launch of its Champagne Masters program in 2015 and leads several WSG wine tours to Champagne each year. 

Founded in 2005, Wine Scholar Guild is the only wine education provider to focus solely on the most celebrated wine regions of the world, instilling a deep understanding of wine, winemakers and their culture. Wine Scholar Guild’s certifications are the industry standard and provide accurate and in-depth information on the wines of France, Italy and Spain. 

Viinit/Wines:
Billecart-Salmon Brut Nature NV
Billecart-Salmon Le Réserve NV
Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec NV 

Please note that in order to participate in the master class you also need an entry ticket to the event.