Basset wins big

(by peter)

Gerard Basset has won the title of World’s Best Sommelier in Santiago, Chile.

Though born in France, Basset has adopted the UK as his home and was representing this country in the competition. Formerly the wine brains behind the Hotel du Vin (the first one being the splendid site in Winchester), Basset now co-owns and runs the hotel Terravina in the New Forest with his wife, Nina, where Susie and I had a very enjoyable Sunday lunch not too long ago.

Basset is both a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine. This is the sixth time has has vied for the title of World’s Best Sommelier.

The World’s Best Sommelier is a competition held every three years by the ASI International Sommeliers Association. Some 53 candidates competed in the 13th such competition run by the AIS, this time in Chilean capital Santiago.

In characteristically self-effacing fashion, Basset credited his wife, team and co-workers with helping him win, and asked his wife and young son to join him on stage when accepting his award.

(Photo by kind permission of Imbibe magazine)