And the Finest Wine Connoisseur Is…
Objectively showing the level reached by professional sommeliers in Cuba, expressed by means of the theoretical and practical knowledge of the job, that’s the main objective of the competition to choose the 2014 Excelencias Gourmet Sommelier, which held its first qualifying round on Monday.
All Cuban sommeliers – whether they are working on the activity or teaching -, and graduates from the tourism educational system (FORMATUR is the Spanish acronym) and its courses for sommeliers, have been called to participate in this competition that will be a platform to share experiences among gastronomy professionals.
The championship has been organized as described below:
Day 1: Two-hour written test on July 14, 2014, 2:00 p.m., Hotel Management and Tourism Superior Studies School, Prado # 251, Trocadero, Old Havana. The test included a 100-question questionnaire on specific contents (viticulture, vinification, pairing, enology, distilled products, liquors and other beverages, coffee, habanos and service techniques). Only the five participants with the highest grades will go the next stage.
Day 2: Written blind tasting session that targets the description of white, red and sparkling wines, and a distilled product or liquor. The next phase will only be faced by three competitors.
Day 3: Service practical test, July 18, 10:30 a.m., Meliá Cohiba Hotel, Paseo 1st, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución municipality. The competition is going to take place right in front of the attendees to Excelencias Gourmet 4th International Gastronomic Seminar. The contestants will put their skills to the test through hypothetical situations delivered by the jury. As a result of this test, the winner will be given the Grand Prize to 2014 Excelencias Gourmet Sommelier, and the second and third positions are also going to be recognized.
The results of each qualifying activity are going to be properly informed to the contestants. The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony. The results obtained in written theoretical tests, qualifying activities and the jury’s final decision are not open to appeal.
