UK claims Champagne Ambassadors top prize

The UK was triumphant in the European Competition of Champagne Ambassadors last night as candidate Richard Bampfield MW beat finalists from seven other countries to claim the Grand Prix European trophy.

"I am really proud and excited to be European Champagne Ambassador 2009 and will be doing my best to ensure Champagne’s continued success – both as an educator and as a thirsty consumer,” said Bampfield.

“Drinking Champagne is one of life’s great pleasures and helping others appreciate Champagne has always felt more like a labour of love than real work.”

The UK has not won the main prize since the second year of the competition in 2006, however this year Bampfield wowed the judges with his knowledge and presentation skills on this year’s theme of choice – rosé.

Bampfield was presented with the award during a four-course dinner in the cellars of Champagne GH Mumm in Reims in front of a selection of Champagne house representatives, fellow contestants and international journalists.

Italian candidate, wine consultant Marco Anchini, won the CIVC’s Special Prize while Belgian oenology lecturer Fabien Scheys also picked up an award last night – The Jury’s Special Prize.

There are three stages to the annual competition, an initial selection of the three best candidates through applications and open questions on the topic of the year; a national final held in each participating country and the European final held in Champagne where candidates experience a week’s study of Champagne, culminating in two oral tests on the final day – a blind tasting and a presentation to the judges.

For further information, visit www.ambassadeurschampagne.com

Jane Parkinson, 23.10.09