UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge winner announced

By Lisa Riley

Published: 28 February, 2019

Jitka Auermüllerová from 67 Pall Mall has emerged top of the leader board in the UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge 2019.

Auermüllerová, who beat off strong competition to take the top accolade, is now set to join 15 other winning Sommeliers of the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge on an all-expenses paid four-day educational trip to France, which will be hosted by Ruinart’s Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis.

More than 70 candidates applied for a place at the UK final, with the judging panel, comprising Ruinart’s Chef de Cave Frédéric Panaïotis, Ronan Sayburn MS and last year’s winner Tony Lecuroux, whittling entries down to 30 finalists who competed in a blind tasting competition and then participated in Panaïotis’ Masterclass: ‘In Gas We Trust - Oxidation V Reduction’.

Auermüllerová said: “I see this event as a unique opportunity not only to sharpen you blind tasting skills, but also to meet with other motivated and talented people from the wine industry and share the passion and knowledge.”

Panaïotis added: “On a personal note, I would like to dedicate the 2019 UK Ruinart Sommelier Challenge to wine world legend, Gerard Basset, who contributed so much to the previous three editions.”

Runners-up Christopher Parker with Lime Wood Hotel and Vincenzo Arnese from Dinner by Heston Blumenthal each receive a Magnum of Ruinart Rosé NV.

The Ruinart Sommelier Challenge, previously known as Ateliers Ruinart, is an international training and mentoring programme committed to supporting Sommelier wine education.

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