Following an eighth executive year in which the UK has placed at the International Finals, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is calling all eligible young professionals to enter the 2015 Young Sommelier of the Year Competition.
Open to ALL sommeliers under the age of 30, currently working in Great Britain and sponsored by a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, candidates are nominated by their employer and complete an application form to enter.
After initial paper judging, the most impressive young sommeliers will be invited to take part in the National Finals.
Finalists will be required to demonstrate an extensive knowledge of wines and other alcoholic drinks and be called upon to display exceptional service skills to the panel of expert judges, including Gerard Basset MW MS, Owner Hotel Terravina; Christelle Guibert, Tastings Director Decanter Magazine; Xavier Rousse MS, Owner Texture; plus other Master Sommeliers
There are three components to the competition, including a written theory test and a blind taste test of six wines from classic grape varieties in which points are awarded for description of aspects such as appearance, nose, palate and accuracy of vintage, variety and country.
A service test is designed to showcase a finalist’s knowledge, poise, competence and professionalism. This test includes champagne service, food and wine pairing and role playing with a judge as diner-consumer.
“Not only does the competition challenge the head sommeliers of the future by testing them on their specialised knowledge, it also gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their passion for the subject and their composure under pressure,” said Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and event organiser.
“One of the Chaîne’s goals is to provide encouragement and support for young professionals and this competition always demonstrates the impressive skill and passion for fine wines that we hold in this country.”
Entries to the competition are open now, and close on the 15th January. The UK winner will go onto compete at the International Final, which will be held this time in Adelaide, Australia.
For establishments who are not currently a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs but would like to nominate an employee, or to secure a nomination for existing membership, please contact Philip Evins bd@chaine.co.uk
The Young Sommelier Competition was first organised by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Germany in 2007 to support and promote future young sommeliers by giving them the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills. The competition is held at regional, national and international levels in countries around the world.
Entry criteria is as follows:
- Entrants should no older than 30 on 1 September 2015
- All entrants should be employed by or sponsored by a member the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
- All entries must be received by 15 January 2015
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society. Founded in Paris in 1950, the society is dedicated to bringing together professional and non-professional members from around the world who appreciate wine cuisine and fine dining. Its long culinary history and tradition can be dated back to as far as 1248 and continues to be promoted today through its extensive local, national and international events. In an age of fast food culture, the Chaîne aims to sustain the appreciation of high quality food and drinks of all types and provide recognition for excellence.
The Young Sommelier Competition is just one of a calendar of world-renowned events hosted and promoted by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs to encourage the aspirations of young professionals and provides a platform for them to compete with their peers. The Chaîne provides a network across over 80 countries where the spirit of camaraderie helps and welcomes travelling members.
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