Top UK young sommeliers: part 2

Following on from Orrery’s Kathrine Larsen, db meets another representative of London’s top young sommelier talent.

Mirko Benzo, from Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Mirko Benzo, 23, from Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London.

Was there a particular wine or wine “epiphany” which made you choose this career?

I have been fascinated by the incredible result of humans and nature.

Are there any parts of your current list that you’re particularly proud of?

Our collection of Domaine Prieuré Roch, one of the biggest in the world.

What’s the key to being a successful sommelier?

Honesty, modesty, business-mindedness, positivity and of course a good palate.

Are there any wine-related ambitions you would still like to achieve?

I’d like to taste Krug’s Clos Ambonnay 1996. And I’d like to go and visit all the wineries in the world.

What do you drink on your days off?

Beer and tea – to find new pairings with food.

What made you decide to come to the UK to pursue your sommelier career?

I think London is one of the largest wine markets, where we find wines from all over the world.

The full collection of sommelier profiles appeared in the drinks business on-trade report, Eat.Drink.