Few even understand what a sommelier is. And why don’t we just call these people wine stewards or wine servers instead of the uppity-sounding French title? The fact is, sommeliers are much more than wine servers. They’re found only in high quality restaurants that boast extensive wine lists.
What do sommeliers do?
They do much more than advise restaurant customers about food and wine pairings. First, they manage the restaurant’s wine cellar. They attend frequent professional wine tasting events and determine which wines their restaurant should purchase for its cellar. This means that a sommelier has personal knowledge of every wine on the list and is in a unique position to steer you to the very best choices to accompany the food you order.
The training of a sommelier.
The training of a sommelier is so extensive (and expensive) that only around 170 people have completed the highest level worldwide—Master Sommelier. To achieve this exalted level of achievement a candidate must pass four levels of study and testing, including blind tastings on each level. The final test has one of the lowest pass rates in the world and candidates must be invited to apply for it. Candidates must correctly identify every wine and pass a written examination to proceed to the next level. Wine identification must be very specific. It’s not enough to correctly identify the variety, but back up the identification with reasons leading to the divination. Was the wine fermented in wood or neutral vessel? What possible regions might it have originated from? How old is it? What possible producers?
Those who achieve the exalted title of Master Sommelier gain entrance to positions in the world’s finest restaurants. Of course, not all sommeliers achieve the highest level. Most do not. And while their position is salaried, they should be tipped according to the price of the recommended bottles. Their advice is invaluable and well worth the additional cost.
A new movie hits the film festival circuit.
A splendid new 40-minute movie, SOMM, is appearing at film festivals worldwide. Directed by Jason Wise, it depicts the journey of four young men through the process of becoming Master Sommeliers. It was two years and six countries in the making and the HD video quality is superb. The film represents the first time the Court of Sommeliers has allowed photography of their proceedings and is highly informative and entertaining. You can view the trailer here.
Alan Boehmer - Alan Boehmer has conducted regular wine seminars and wine tours since 1967. Originally based in Los Angeles, he served as a consultant for ...
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