Young Sommeliers Competition 2012
The winners of our Young Professionals competitions were revealed at a glittering ceremony at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London in June. This was an occasion for us all to celebrate the talents, enthusiasm and desire for learning of the up and coming young people in our member establishments.
Taking the top accolade of Young Sommelier of the Year was Arnaud Bardary of The Maze by Gordon Ramsay (London).
The event was attended by members from every Bailliage, together with people representing our partners, plus guests from both the industry and the press. It was opened by some remarks by Lord Thurso highlighting the importance of attention to detail and of service standards. On the night, the menu designed by Executive Chef, Henry Brosi, and the service were everything that Lord Thurso could have wished for.
The Finals of the Young Sommelier competition were held in the same week at the Wigmore Street showroom of our main partner, Gaggenau. Twelve finalists fought all day to impress the judges with their knowledge of wine, ability to blind taste, their service skills of decanting and opening champagnes and, most importantly, of matching wines with food. Chairman of Judges, Echanson Gerard Basset, was supported by Steven Spurrier, International Wine Judge and Consulting Editor of Decanter magazine, Maître Sommelier, Dimitri Mesnard, BD Philip Evins, Maître Sommelier, Nigel Wilkinson and Nicholas Clerc. Again, the three placed winners on the day did not know until the dinner in what position they would be placed.
Gerard Basset said: ‘The knowledge, creativity and professionalism of the entrants never fails to amaze and impress the judging panel and although we can only have one winner the standard at the top of this competition is outstanding.’
In an equally close battle, Bardary fought for top Young Sommelier against Loic Avril of The Fat Duck, Maidenhead (Wessex), who took second place, and Romain Bourger of The Vineyard, Newbury (Wessex), who came third.
Philip Evins added: ‘I would especially like to congratulate Bardary and Marshall, who were up against some very fierce and talented competitors. It is always daunting to have to perform in a competitive environment, but they both held their own and thoroughly deserve their winning positions.’
On the night the awards were presented by Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director of the Red Carnation Group of Hotels. Amongst the rewards for Young Sommelier of the Year, Arnaud Bardary, is a trip to the Pernod Ricard vineyards in Spain arranged by Adrian Atkinson, Wine Development Director of Pernod Ricard UK. Again, to help prepare him for the international finals in Capetown, he will have coaching days with three of our judges - Gerard Basset, Nigel Wilkison and Dimitri Mesnard. We wish them both the best of luck in their challenge for top international honours.
The evening concluded with our traditional Santé du Chef et du Service proposed by Vice President Marie Jones.
For further details please contact: or Leslie Cuthbert, Echanson or Philip Evins
