Gerard Basset, representing the United Kingdom, wins the title
The sixth time’s a charm…
Let’s get one thing straight, there’s nothing easy–or lucky–about becoming the Best Sommelier of the World. Gerard, who is a Master Sommelier, a Master of Wine, and who holds a Wine MBA, has competed for years. In fact, this is his 6th competition and the 4th time in the finals.
Gerard Basset serves champagne in the first test of the finals round
“I’ve been preparing 6 hours a day for the last year and a half,” he said. “But it’s not just me. My wife and coworkers and my whole team has been helping me prepare for this!” In fact, upon accepting his award, he asked that his wife and young son join him on stage. “The real winner here today is my wife.”
Gerard Basset in the spirit identification test, final round
Basset is a fan of Chilean wines. “I’ve been here four times and have many Chilean wines on my wine list,” he said, and added that “I am a big fan of Alvaro Espinoza and Antiyal is my favorite. I also really like Coyam.” Gerard and his wife Nina own the TerraVina hotel in New Forest, Southampton, Hampshire.
Gerard Basset and family
Other winners in this year’s competition include Iulia Gosea, of Romania, who won the Acqua Panna & San Pellegrino water competition, and Véronique Rivest, of Canada, who takes home the Peter Lehman Shiraz award.
Congratulations to Gerard Basset for become the Best Sommelier of the World!
I look forward to meet him personally. Visit his hotel in Southampton and drink some good Chilean wines there… !! Cheers
[...] Pete Meyers wrote an interesting post today. Here’s a quick excerptIt’s been a loooong week, especially for the 51 candidates who took part in the 13th World’s Best Sommelier competition in Santiago de Chile from April 10-15… but it’s all over now… French-born Gerard Basset, who represented the United … [...]
A true gent of the Sommelier world, a true subtle educator of wine!
Well diserved.
Well done. Who says you can’t pair the French with the English?