World’s Best Sommelier
I can’t believe there is anyone in the wine business who knows Gerard Basset who is not thrilled by the news that he has triumphed in the World’s Best Sommelier competition.
There are very few Masters of Wine who are also Master Sommeliers, but that combination wasn’t enough for Gerard. He added a Wine MBA a few years ago and continued to plug away at the World Sommelier title. If you don’t know Gerard you might be forgiven for thinking he’s a bit obsessed about competitions and qualifications, but there’s so much more to him that that. He is the epitome of what a sommelier should be: knowledgeable, but never all-knowing; engaging without being over familiar; skilled and efficient but never brisk.
As an employer and mentor Gerard has probably had more influence than any other individual in the UK today in creating a cohort of committed, unpretentious, customer focused sommeliers, who make buying wine in their restaurants a pleasure rather than ordeal. I, for one, am raising a glass of something rather good to Gerard Basset, the World’s Best Sommelier.
Spain's 'New' Whites
15-03-2010While red wines tend to dominate our thinking on Spain, the whites get better and better, so this year I… » More
Mature Malbec
01-03-2010Mature Malbec » More
Mexican beginnings
29-01-2010My first proper tasting of the year was – believe it or not – of Mexican wines. Held at Mexican street food… » More
American Idols
08-06-2010A taste of mostly high-end Americans, from both North & South at Bibendum. » More
Bordeaux 2000 – Ten Years On
23-03-2010An invitation to taste fifty of the best wines from the iconic 2000 vintage was not too difficult to accept… » More
2 comments
Hear, hear – congrats to Gerard!
Request comment removal Permanent link to this commentThe man is a true mentor, generous of his time and knowledge, passionate about his craft, it is hard not to feel excited about wine after spending any time with him. I wonder what his next challenge will be?
Request comment removal Permanent link to this commentHe deserves to be honoured for his acheivements and his commitment to the industry. He is the catering equivalent of Kevin Bacon – there are so many people that he has tutored, mentored and influenced.
Add your comment
Please sign in or register if you'd like to comment.