La Trompette sommelier to represent UK in European competition
Matthieu Longuere MS, head sommelier at London’s La Trompette, has been selected to represent the UK in the Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Europe 2010 in November.
The Academy of Food and Wine (ACFWS) chose Longuere for the position over James Payne of the Ardeonaig Hotel in Perthshire, and current UK Sommelier of the year Christopher Delalonde of Sarment Wines.
Having all previously won the UK Sommelier of the Year title, Longuere in 2000, the candidates were asked to undertake a questionnaire testing their wine knowledge, describe and identify two wines, complete a food and wine matching exercise and open, decant and serve a bottle of Chateau Montrose 1999 for five customers.
Judge Gerard Basset, current holder of the World’s Best Sommelier title, said: “A very high level of expertise was displayed by the three candidates during the tough UK selection. Matthieu proved to be the most complete sommelier and if he can carry on and even slightly step up his preparation he has a great chance of bringing back Gold for Great Britain.”
The competition, which is organised by the Assoication de la Sommellerie Internationale and occurs every two years, will be held this year in Strasbourg.
It was won in 2008 by The Fat Duck’s Isa Bal, who was representing Turkey.
