Staged in the cultural capital of Vienna, the second Gaggenau Sommelier Awards brings wine and coffee culture to life. In an inspiring final round, all five young sommeliers showcase their abilities in front of an expert judging panel and international media.
They gave an insight into their approach towards the duties and responsibilities of a sommelier while demonstrating their professional skills. At the end of two full days, Marc Almert is elected the 2016 winner and international Gaggenau cultural ambassador, followed by Tansy Zhao and Norbert Dudziński in second and third place respectively.
In line with the 333rd anniversary celebrations, Gaggenau is reinforcing its commitment to culture. Sven Schnee, Head of Global Brand Gaggenau, points out: “As an element of Gaggenau’s brand and culture philosophy, we are combining the conscious enjoyment and appreciation of excellent wines, coffee and food on the occasion of the Sommelier Awards ceremony, with the gaining and sharing of knowledge in a setting that epitomises arts and culture. Congratulations to Marc Almert, the Gaggenau Sommelier awards winner 2016. He will be our international cultural ambassador and support Gaggenau in promoting exclusive wine culture as part of a sophisticated lifestyle.”
Culminating in the finalists’ presentation of the wines chosen as a pairing to Harald Irka’s five-course menu, the evening event takes place in the historic venue of Palais Liechtenstein. The palace, built by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein over 300 years ago, offers the perfect backdrop for the festive evening programme combining culinary delights with musical and architectural pleasures. As an opening, jury member and award-winning pianist Zhao Yinyin gives a private piano recital, followed by Harald Irka’s menu. The young Austrian chef and rising star, renowned for his contemporary and forward-thinking cuisine, surprises the guests with his balanced compositions of genuine ingredients.
Besides the Gaggenau nail trophy, Marc Almert, as the winner of the 2016 Sommelier Awards, will receive a special training and mentoring session at one of Europe’s top vineyards, Fattorie dei Dolfi, Tuscany. Its owner, Giovanni Dolfi, mirrors the characteristics of a cultural connoisseur in the best sense, and as such, is an ideal host. With Gaggenau’s mission to promote the extensive knowledge invested in wine enjoyment, Marc Almert will also become an international Gaggenau cultural ambassador and present at events on a global scale. All other sommeliers will bring wine culture to life in their respective markets.
Cooperation partners of the Gaggenau Sommelier Awards 2016 are: Zalto Glas, Gmünd, Austria, piano manufacturer Blüthner, Leipzig, Germany and Fattorie dei Dolfi, Tuscany, Italy. Distinguishing characteristics of all three partners are their manufacturing tradition and use of finest materials paired with precision craftsmanship reflecting Gaggenau’s own philosophy.
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