Gosset Trophe Celbris is won by Le Gavroche

Published: 23 July, 2008

There is life outside London as far as Champagne lists are concerned, according to the judges of the UK's first Gosset Trophe Celbris.

Despite London establishments taking the top two prizes, the Champagne Gosset Trophe Celbris judging panel was impressed with the level of importance placed on Champagne regionally and some of the initiatives taken to encourage Champagne consumption. Le Gavroche beat 11 other top UK establishments to take the top award. Batrice Cointreau, CEO of Champagne Gosset, presented the trophy to sommelier Thierry Tomasin and general manager Silvano Giraldin. Second place went to another London establishment - Orrery. Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, near Oxford, took third prize, followed by Winteringham Fields, in Lincolnshire. A special commendation for "The Best Value Wine List" was awarded to Croque-en-Bouche in Malvern Wells, which the judges,thought offered "exceptional value for money". "It was encouraging to see lots of magnums and half bottles appearing on lists, as well as an extraordinary number of different champagnes which were being offered by the glass." The judges were also impressed by the number of restaurants which offered an annual celebratory Champagne menu. "There were many diverse initiatives which, without doubt, prove the creativity of the proprietor and/or sommelier and the importance they place on champagne," Cointreau said. However, the panel also felt that restaurateurs should try to take more time to place greater emphasis on the descriptions and explanations relating to different champagnes - no entrant had separated their list in terms of styles. Also, they noted that, when served by the glass, sizes tend to vary considerably.

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