13th A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of Europe

Paul Brunet, first winner of the Emozioni prize

You can be 78 years old (yes, Paul Brunet is actually 78!) and still have a glimmer of emotion in your eye when receiving an award. It must be said that the award received by the Best Sommelier of France 1964, then 1966, is highly significant. For this is in fact the first time that the A.S.I. has chosen to pay tribute to sommeliers who have raised the prestige of their profession, in particular through their publications.

Paul Brunet is one of those who, after a long career in the restaurant business, decided to share his know-how through the Education system. A teacher in Alsace, he contributed to the birth of the Europe Ruinart Trophy and also penned text books that are still avidly read today by young people.

The Emozioni Prize, presented by Shinya Tasaki, President of the A.S.I., and Stanislas Roccoffort de Vinnière (Moët & Chandon), was therefore awarded in recognition of a long career path, the teaching aspects of which are still topical. “Passion, sharing and the success of my students have always been my career goals!”, the winner emphasised.

 

Serge Dubs' last competition

As a contestant in the Sommelier competitions, Serge Dubs was a winner! As Director of the technical committee of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, he was successful!

Over a period of three years, the team of professionals (those seen at the forefront of the contests, but also the helping hands working in the wings), united around the Best Sommelier in the World 1989, evidenced excellent skills, rigour, originality and, above all, impartiality.

The European contest in Sanremo was nonetheless the last one he was responsible for organising. To succeed him, Shinya Tasaki chose Gérard Basset. The Franco-British man will also work for three years and set up the next continental contests: Asia-Oceania, the Americas and Europe, and, of course, the 2016 World competition in Argentina.

A tribute to youth

At just 24 years old, Markku Tapio Niemi represented Finland at Sanremo. He was the youngest candidate and probably the most enthusiastic about competing with the best sommeliers from the old continent.

Still lacking in experience, his determination was nonetheless rewarded by a diploma presented by San Pellegrino – Acqua Panna.

Successful stopover in Monaco

None of the stages of the competition took place in Monaco, but the Sommeliers Association of the Principality was actively involved in the event. While the ten contestants were competing in the semi-finals at the casino in Sanremo, the others, along with the members of all the delegations, made their way to the famous Rock.

At the Méridien, they were invited to taste Côtes de Provence wines before prolonging the experience over lunch.

In the afternoon there was a tour of the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum, and in the evening, an event was organised on the terrace and in the salons of the Hôtel Hermitage.

At the gala dinner, orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault and his brigade, the wines served were from a collection of South African wines from the Klein Constantia estates. Hans Astrom, the Managing Director, invited some of the Best Sommeliers of the World to share their impressions.