Young Sommelier of Year reveals new talent

The UK final of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Young Sommelier of the Year Competition saw a rising talent from a Dorset hotel beat off competition from some of the country’s most high profile restaurants.

Clement Robert from The Summer Lodge in Evershot, near Dorchester, triumphed in a 13-strong final of sommeliers, all aged between 21 and 35 years old.

Erica Laler from Texture in London was runner up for the second year in a row, while third place went to Loic Avril from 3 Michelin star restaurant The Fat Duck in Bray.

The judging panel was chaired by Gerard Basset MS MW, who recently claimed the title of World’s Best Sommelier. His co-judges were Stephen Spurrier, international wine judge and writer; Philip Evins, head of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs UK; Isa Bal MS, head sommelier at The Fat Duck; Dimitri Mesnard MS, European prestige account manager for Jackson Family Wines; and Xavier Rousset MS, co-owner of Texture restaurant.

Finalists were tested on a range of disciplines, from written theory to blind tasting and a service test, which included decanting, Champagne service and food pairings.

The final was hosted by professional kitchen firm Gaggenau, with additional sponsorship from Pernod Ricard, marking the drinks group’s interest in further developing its on-trade profile.

Praising the calibre of this year’s contestants, Basset stressed the need to develop the next generation of talent, saying: “The sommelier is there to provide enjoyment and plays an important role in ensuring that guests will want to come back to the restaurant.”

Although this was a UK final, the range of nationalities confirmed the reputation of this country as an important training ground for young sommelier talent.

Robert now goes on to represent the UK against a global field of young sommeliers in the 2010 final, due to be held in Santander this October.

This year’s other UK finalists were:

Wiremu Andrews – Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham
Laura Atkinson – Rockcliffe Hall, Hurworth on Tees
Jedar Balkaya – Hakkasan, London
Roumain Bouger – The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury
Chiara Daniele – The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury
Bastian Fischer – Hotel du Vin, Winchester
Henry Jacobs – Earle Wines, Harrogate
Lukasz Koloziejczyk – The Fat Duck, Bray
Stephan Raducki – Le Pont de la Tour, London
Augustin Trapero – The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

Gabriel Savage, 01.06.2010