September 17, 2012 was held the 1st round of the new season of Russia’s first team competition of sommelier – “League of sommelier”. In honor of the opening was chosen as the new venue is the hotel “Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge”.
The theoretical part, and “brain-battles” were held at the same venue – restaurant “Sevilla”, and the practical part – the blind tasting in the pitch dark restaurant “Dans Le Noir?”.
As members of the jury: Igor Yershov – President and founder of the contest “the League of sommeliers”, Vladislav Frolov – Director of development of the competition “Liga sommelier”, Igor Safronov, the President of the city club “What? Where? When?” and Raisa Goreva, Julia Pugacheva, Roman Veselkov, Dmitry Kuznetsov, Roman Sosnovskiy, Leonid Sternik.
In the second season of the competition “League of sommelier” involving 11 teams is almost fifty wine lovers. The questions for the contest were sent from Russia and also from Ukraine, Spain and Latvia. All the questions were of varying difficulty from 1 to 5 points.
And, of course, was black (in the contest “the League of sommeliers” wine) box.
With the second season of the competition adopted a new scoring system (the winner of each round will receive 12 points, second place 11 points, and the bronze medalist – 10 points and so on, in descending order).
Theme of the blind tasting was chosen as “New world wines”:
At that time, as participants took part in a blind tasting, the jury and the audience United in one team, and the President of the city club “What? Where? When?” – Igor Safronov had a mini-game on the knowledge of wine culture. The winner of the game was Roman Sosnowski, for which he was awarded the themed gift.
Blind tasting was delayed: guests and jury members discussed serious topics, tasted wine. The first of the dark hall came representatives of the team “Cherchez Le Vin!”. On the faces of a sea of emotions – excitement, surprise, fear, smile. As one of the participants: “It is a unique experience! Very sensitive, on the brink”.
In the part of the competition “brain battle”, where you need fast response and the correct answer was also amended. Now the teams were divided into two groups, and the best members of these groups fought for “brain Grand Prix” on the Cup system.
Final standings after round 1:
The commemorative diploma was awarded to the winning team of the 1st round – “Cave Couture”.
Information partners of competition: information portal about wine “narzannik.ru” business information and analytical journal – Restoranid, an information portal about wine “www.mywines.ru” the online directory of restaurants and hotels – “Allcafe”.
Partners: wine trading company “EWS”, wine company “Nordeks”, an industry Association representing the interests of all South African wine producers “WOSA” Wines of South Africa, the importer and distributor of alcoholic beverages – “Marine Express”, wine trading company “Fort”, school of barmen “semicolon” and travel Agency “Meridian travel”.
Good luck with tastings!