Uncorked: Andreas Larsson

Andreas Larsson was crowned as the Best Sommelier of the World in 2007 by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. Larsson actually started out as a chef in the 1990s but fell head over heels in love with a 1983 Dom Pérignon, and so quickly changed course and got his sommelier diploma at Restaurangakademien in Stockholm. From there, Larsson won Best Sommelier of Sweden for three consecutive years and also later Best Sommelier of Europe (Trophée Ruinart) before nabbing the coveted best sommelier title in 2007. A fervent Jazz lover and skilled guitarist, Larsson today works as wine director of one of Sweden’s top fining dining restaurants, PM & Vänner in Växjö. He chats to dbHK about his wine bucket list, what wine he would compare himself to, and his ideal dinner guest – Hollywood heavyweight, Robert de Niro.

What vintage are you? 

1972. Not a great year in many regions but produced decent Burgundy and great Tokaj.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

It was a Dom Pérignon 1983 offered by a friend. It was a great experience that ignited my passion that I never could figure out where it would take me next!

What would you be as a wine?

Something powerful and structured, yet with a certain elegance and class (I hope). A Saint-Emilion grand cru classé with a lot of Cabernet Franc in the blend.

Where are you happiest?

At home in the kitchen cooking, listening to music debating whether to open a bottle of Chassagne or Puligny to accompany the steamed cod.

What’s your greatest vice?

No one tells you what to do!

Best advice you ever got?

“You have talent, now win the f***ing world championship”.

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

1989 Haut-Brion.

What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?

As much as I like wine, it´s all about the great people around it that matters. The worst thing is probably the very few of the not-so-nice ones.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

Go to New Zealand (the only important wine country I haven´t been yet).

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Robert de Niro, a fascinating man who seems to enjoy food and wine a lot as well.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

I drink a lot of 89-94 where the value for money is still great in most cases, but for summer I always buy a few cases of fresh light aperitif white, and a lot of 85-88.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral? 

I´d like to stay on forever and if I one day I end up in paradise, I´d bring the Romanée-Conti with me!