by Gareth Groves
It is a bitter rivalry: the serious sommeliers versus the flair-happy bartenders. The latter like to think they are the coolest kids in town – after all, Tom Cruise never played a wine waiter in a hit Hollywood film. But those of us who prefer the grape to the grain know that sommeliers are the consummate professionals when it comes to serving drinks.
Last year, Imbibe magazine tried to settle the age old debate of which group had the silkiest bar skills with a competition that included blind tasting, product knowledge and practical tests. In the final reckoning, it was the Sommeliers who were left shaken rather than stirred as the Bartenders ran off with the trophy. This year, the sommeliers were out for revenge and the Grand Final took place in front of a noisy crowd at Imbibe 2010 this week with Joe Wadsack presiding as Master of Ceremonies.
The Line Ups
Sommeliers:
Nigel Lister – Royal Yacht Club (Captain)
Jade Koch – St John
Andrea Briccarello – Galvin La Chapelle
Chris Zoeller – Asia de Cuba
Virgilio Gennaro – Locanda Locatelli
Bartenders:
Julian de Feral, Lutyens (Captain)
Luca Cordiglieri – China Tang
Dino Kolestas – Bourne & Hollingsworth
Rich Hunt – Kanaloa
Lewis Wilkinson – Met Bar
Round 1
The first challenge was an old classic and a regular feature at the World’s Best Sommelier competiton. Each captain had to pour a magnum of Bisol Prosecco equally into 16 flutes with nothing left in the bottle and without going back to any of the glasses. Simple, eh?
As anyone who has ever tried to do this knows, it is anything but simple. With marks awarded for speed and accuracy, Julian put in an awesome performance, finishing first with all 16 glasses looking pretty even. Poor old Nigel ran out of wine on glass 15. A schoolboy error from the Sommeliers and the Bartenders had an early lead.
Round 2
Round 2 involved Sommelier Chris making a Brandy Blazer cocktail while bartender Lewis Wilkinson from the Met Bar made a classic 1920s Champagne fountain using old fashioned coupes. Chris’ blazing cocktail literally failed to catch fire but Lewis’ nerves and steady hand held out to create the perfect fountain. 10 points and lots of high fives for the Bartenders. 5 points and rueful smiles for the Sommeliers. It was turning into a rout.
Round 3
The final round was a quiz in classic A Question of Sport ‘Home and Away’ style. With such a big lead, the Bartenders were able to play safe on home territory while the Sommeliers were forced to take risks. The questions were far from gimmes, as this sample shows:
The name vermouth is taken from a German word meaning what?
Which two countries are famed for producing Arak?
Where do Angostura bitters originate from?
(answers at the bottom of the page)
The Sommeliers fought back bravely with some excellent answers but it wasn’t enough. For the second year running, the Bartenders coasted home to take the trophy. It was a sad day for wine lovers everywhere. Huge congratulations to the winning team – there was some outstanding knowledge and skill on display – commiserations to the Sommeliers. Next year it will be different…we can’t let the pesky bartenders win three on the trot, can we?
* Answers = Wormwood. India & Sri Lanka. Venezuala.
Tags: Imbibe, sommeliers, spirits