THE WORLD’S BEST SOMMELIER IS . . .

SWEDEN can take bragging rights for being home to the world’s best sommelier! Swedish native Arvid Rosengren took the title this year as the Best Sommelier in the World after a grueling four day Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde competition in Mendoza, Argentina, where 61 sommeliers competed for the title. The Association de la Sommellerie Internationale had its largest number of contestants in the history of the award, with 58 national champions and three international champions taking part. The first day of tests knocked out 46 competitors resulting in 15 semi-finalists. It was a Nordic affair this year as northern Europeans dominated the competition from the semi-finals. After another round of 1O tests with service, theory and blind tasting, the final three were announced just moments before the final examinations took place in front of a large audience in Mendoza’s Independence Theatre. Rosengren was joined by Irish candidate Julie Dupouy and French candidate David Biraud. After almost three hours theory, practical and blind tasting tests in front of a 5OO-strong audience, Arvid was announced the winner. This was the first time the competition had been held in Argentina, and only the second time in South America.