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CMS News
Commis Sommelier required for Gidleigh Park, Devon
Gidleigh Park in Devon are seeking to appoint a Commis Sommelier / Chef de Rang for the Michelin Starred Resta...more
Gerard Basset - Decanter Man of the Year 2013
The Court congratulates our President Gerard Basset on this wonderful accolade.
The presentation of the a...more
Advanced Course in Henley 2013
The Court of Master Sommeliers has posted a video of the recent Advanced Sommelier Course held at the Hotel du...more
Sponsors of the Court
Commis Sommelier required for Gidleigh Park, Devon
Gidleigh Park in Devon are seeking to appoint a Commis Sommelier / Chef de Rang for the Michelin Starred Resta...more
Gerard Basset - Decanter Man of the Year 2013
The Court congratulates our President Gerard Basset on this wonderful accolade.
The presentation of the a...more
Advanced Course in Henley 2013
The Court of Master Sommeliers has posted a video of the recent Advanced Sommelier Course held at the Hotel du...more
Sponsors of the Court
Latest News Stories
Commis Sommelier required for Gidleigh Park, Devon
Gidleigh Park in Devon are seeking to appoint a Commis Sommelier / Chef de Rang for the Michelin Starred Restaurant in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
Full details are posted on our work opportunities section of this web site
May - 2013
Gerard Basset - Decanter Man of the Year 2013
The Court congratulates our President Gerard Basset on this wonderful accolade.
The presentation of the award was made in London on 9th May
Full details of the event can be seen via the link below
http://www.decanter.com/people-and-places/wine-articles/583810/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-master-sommelier
May - 2013
Advanced Course in Henley 2013
The Court of Master Sommeliers has posted a video of the recent Advanced Sommelier Course held at the Hotel du Vin in Henley on Thames
Interviews with candidates and Masters provides an insight into this demanding programme.
See link below
http://youtu.be/yn75FphFjgI
May - 2013
Sommelier required – Soneva Fushi - Maldives
The Soneva Fushi - Located in the Maldives is seeking to fill the post of Sommelier at this luxurious Island resort Full details of this exciting opportunity to work in one of worlds top destinations are listed on the Work opportunities section of our website. Posted 12/5/13
May - 2013
Commis Sommelier required Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham
The two Michelin Star Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham is looking to appoint a Commis Sommelier
Full details on our job opportunity pages
May - 2013
New Intro course announced
An introductory course and examination together with a Certified Sommelier Examination will be run in Istanbul, Turkey in August
for details contact Burçak Desombre - burcak@vinipedia.com.tr
April - 2013
Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE Named Decanter Man of the Year
COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS,
CONGRATULATES GERARD BASSET
“DECANTER - MAN OF THE YEAR 2013”
First Master Sommelier to Receive Decanter’s Prestigious Man of the Year Award
The Court of Master Sommeliers, is pleased to congratulate Master Sommelier Gerard Basset O.B.E., MS, MW. for his recognition as Decanter magazine’s Man of the Year 2013.
The Court of Master Sommeliers is honoured that this prominent wine publication has recognized an individual from the Court for his leadership in the wine and beverage industries.
Decanter.com comments that Gerard is “widely credited with transforming the perception of sommeliers around the world”.
Gerard Basset, became a Master Sommelier in 1989, is the current President of The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, and is the owner of The Terravina hotel in Hampshire.
Since 1984, Decanter has selected one individual to be the Man or Woman of the Year. Gerard Basset joins an illustrious group of individuals who have also received this title, including Robert Mondavi, André Tchelistcheff, Jancis Robinson and Ernst Loosen.
“The Court of Master Sommeliers warmly congratulates Gerard Basset for this tremendous accolade, which raises awareness for sommeliers worldwide,”
March - 2013
New AVA for Oregon
Elkton has been approved as the latest American Viticultural Area in the US.
The new designation in southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley will take effect from 7 March.
Elkton AVA will encompass an area of 74,900 acres (30,351ha) currently within the northern zone of the larger Umpqua Valley AVA.
Currently, the new AVA will compose of just 5 wineries and 39ha under vine.
The sub-region is ideally suited to growing Pinot Noir and similar cool climate varietals, which is due to closer proximity to the Pacific Ocean, whereas the southern Umpqua AVA can ripen Syrah, Cabernet and such warm climate varietals.'
Elkton joins another Umpqua Valley sub-appellation, the Red Hill Douglas County AVA, which was established in 2005.
-
New Denomination For Côtes de Provence in 2013
The INAO have recently validated a new geographical denomination to be used in the Côtes de Provence Appellation.
12 Communes will be entitled to use the denomination "Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu"
This will be the fourth denomination approved within the Appellation and will join the three others- St. Victoire, Frejus, & La Londe in producing Red & Rosé wines only.
December - 2012
First Scholarship from Traditionsweingüter Österreich awarded
Twenty five candidates from around the world attended the Introductory course and Certified Sommeliers examination held at the Restaurant Brunnauer im Magazin, Salzburg from 14 - 16th November
Steve Breitzke, Sommelier at the Sofitel in Vienna was awarded the Traditionsweingüter scholarship for achieving the highest overall score in the combined examinations
The award was presented at the awards ceremony by Mr Michael Moosbrugger Chairman of the Traditionsweingüter Association which among other things is responsible for the development of the Erste Lage classification of single vineyard sites throughout Austria
In winning the scholarship Steve will receive financial support from the association to continue his studies at advanced level
After the course a number of candidates were able to participate in a two day wine tour to the Wachau, Kamptal & Weinviertel regions organised by the Austrian Sommelier Association.
The tour included in depth tastings with wine producers from the regions and visits to vineyards and cellars.
The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Austrian Sommeliers Association are working to make Austria an annual venue for courses and examinations in the future.
November - 2012
New Introductory & Certified examination dates in South Korea
The Court of Master Sommeliers will be running an Introductory Course and examination together with a Certified Sommelier examination in Seoul South Korea during September 2013
The dates are: Introductory course: 10- 12September 2013
Certified Sommelier examination 12th September 2013
Full details available from Moonsong Bang moon@winevision.kr
-
New Sonoma AVA
A new AVA in Sonoma has been approved
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA overlaps portions of Alexander Valley, Northern Sonoma, and the southern portions of Mendocino County.
The original name for the AVA, Pine Mountain-Mayacamas, was changed after protests from the Napa Valley Vintners..
November - 2011
Proposals to create Sub districts within Penedes DO
The Penedes region of Spain is preparing for changes to its appellation system.
A campaign by the producers to demarcate the region into five or six sub-zones, with emphasis on promoting some superior sub-regions within the generic appellation.
There are two chains of mountains and a valley in the middle of Penedès, resulting in different microclimates and varying soil compositions - all these differences make five or six distinct areas which give different wines.’ Vines grow from sea level up to to 800m.
The proposed sub-regions are Penedès–Garraf, Ordal, Alt Penedes, Central Valley A and Central Valley B. A sixth sub-zone is still being decided upon.
A study to establish the boundaries for each sub-zone, is being conducted before submitting proposals to the Penedès Wine Council.this could take two years to implement.
October - 2011
Grand Cru status for Quarts de Chaume
Quarts de Chaume is to become the Loire Valley's first Grand Cru
The proposal has recently been approved by the INAO
Also approved was the creation of Coteaux du Layon Premiere Cru Chaume
The regulations will require Quarts de Chaume to limit yields to 20hl / ha with a minimum potential alcohol level of 18.5%
Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume. 25hl/ha with 16.5% potential alcohol
There will be no chaptalisation permitted for either wine.
October - 2011
New AOC regulations for Beaujolais
Although Beaujolais producers have had the right label their wines Bourgogne since 1937, it has been a source of dispute between the two regions.
. 43 communes have lost the right to call their white wines AOC Bourgogne Blanc and will instead have to label whites AOC Beaujolais Blanc,. (42 communes have retained the right to label their wines AOC Bourgogne Blanc)
INAO based their decisions on which communes should be included on grounds of terroir and longevity.
Beaujolais cru villages have not been affected. Nine of the ten Beaujolais Crus ( except Regnié, because it only became a Cru in 1988) will retain the right to use the label AOC Bourgogne, with the restriction that if the wine contains more than 30% of Gamay, the label must be AOC Bourgogne Gamay (new AOC)
AOC Coteaux Bourguignon.
A new AOC Coteaux Bourguignon, will replace the existing AOC Bourgogne Grande Ordinaire over the next five years. This appellation will be open to both Burgundy and Beaujolais producers.
October - 2011
Pommard producers apply to create Gand Cru's
The union of producers in Pommard will apply to the French appellation authority INAO to promote the premier cru Rugiens and Epenots appellations to grand cru.
Since April this year, a geography and viticulture specialist has been working with Pommard vintners to produce a report to show how both Rugiens (just under 13 hectares) and Epenots (27 hectares) should be considered grand cru based on history, terroir and price.
One difficulty are distinctions between Rugiens Bas and Rugiens Haut and between Grands- and Petits-Epenots.
Pommard has 27 premier crus and its total vineyards total approx 320 hectares.
August - 2011
Machine Harvesting ban in Burgundy Grand Cru Monopoles
Machine harvesting will be banned in Burgundy's five grands crus monopoles from the 2011 vintage, with a complete ban across all grand cru vineyards expected by 2014
The change will come into effect during the upcoming harvest
While the law change only concerns the five grands crus monopoles, which already hand harvest 100% of their fruit, it is hoped this sets a precedent for the rest of Burgundy’s grands crus producers.
The aim is to eradicate machine harvesters in all grands crus by 2014.
The five grands crus monopoles have also reduced the maximum yield per hectare. And has also tightened the requirement that a varietal wine must contain 85% of the stated variety to 95%.
August - 2011
Commis Sommelier required for Gidleigh Park, Devon
Gidleigh Park in Devon are seeking to appoint a Commis Sommelier / Chef de Rang for the Michelin Starred Restaurant in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
Full details are posted on our work opportunities section of this web site
May - 2013
Gerard Basset - Decanter Man of the Year 2013
The Court congratulates our President Gerard Basset on this wonderful accolade.
The presentation of the award was made in London on 9th May
Full details of the event can be seen via the link below
http://www.decanter.com/people-and-places/wine-articles/583810/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-master-sommelier
May - 2013
Advanced Course in Henley 2013
The Court of Master Sommeliers has posted a video of the recent Advanced Sommelier Course held at the Hotel du Vin in Henley on Thames
Interviews with candidates and Masters provides an insight into this demanding programme.
See link below
http://youtu.be/yn75FphFjgI
May - 2013
Sommelier required – Soneva Fushi - Maldives
The Soneva Fushi - Located in the Maldives is seeking to fill the post of Sommelier at this luxurious Island resort Full details of this exciting opportunity to work in one of worlds top destinations are listed on the Work opportunities section of our website. Posted 12/5/13
May - 2013
Commis Sommelier required Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham
The two Michelin Star Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham is looking to appoint a Commis Sommelier
Full details on our job opportunity pages
May - 2013
New Intro course announced
An introductory course and examination together with a Certified Sommelier Examination will be run in Istanbul, Turkey in August
for details contact Burçak Desombre - burcak@vinipedia.com.tr
April - 2013
Gerard Basset MS, MW, OBE Named Decanter Man of the Year
COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS,
CONGRATULATES GERARD BASSET
“DECANTER - MAN OF THE YEAR 2013”
First Master Sommelier to Receive Decanter’s Prestigious Man of the Year Award
The Court of Master Sommeliers, is pleased to congratulate Master Sommelier Gerard Basset O.B.E., MS, MW. for his recognition as Decanter magazine’s Man of the Year 2013.
The Court of Master Sommeliers is honoured that this prominent wine publication has recognized an individual from the Court for his leadership in the wine and beverage industries.
Decanter.com comments that Gerard is “widely credited with transforming the perception of sommeliers around the world”.
Gerard Basset, became a Master Sommelier in 1989, is the current President of The Court of Master Sommeliers Europe, and is the owner of The Terravina hotel in Hampshire.
Since 1984, Decanter has selected one individual to be the Man or Woman of the Year. Gerard Basset joins an illustrious group of individuals who have also received this title, including Robert Mondavi, André Tchelistcheff, Jancis Robinson and Ernst Loosen.
“The Court of Master Sommeliers warmly congratulates Gerard Basset for this tremendous accolade, which raises awareness for sommeliers worldwide,”
March - 2013
New AVA for Oregon
Elkton has been approved as the latest American Viticultural Area in the US.
The new designation in southern Oregon’s Umpqua Valley will take effect from 7 March.
Elkton AVA will encompass an area of 74,900 acres (30,351ha) currently within the northern zone of the larger Umpqua Valley AVA.
Currently, the new AVA will compose of just 5 wineries and 39ha under vine.
The sub-region is ideally suited to growing Pinot Noir and similar cool climate varietals, which is due to closer proximity to the Pacific Ocean, whereas the southern Umpqua AVA can ripen Syrah, Cabernet and such warm climate varietals.'
Elkton joins another Umpqua Valley sub-appellation, the Red Hill Douglas County AVA, which was established in 2005.
-
New Denomination For Côtes de Provence in 2013
The INAO have recently validated a new geographical denomination to be used in the Côtes de Provence Appellation.
12 Communes will be entitled to use the denomination "Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu"
This will be the fourth denomination approved within the Appellation and will join the three others- St. Victoire, Frejus, & La Londe in producing Red & Rosé wines only.
December - 2012
First Scholarship from Traditionsweingüter Österreich awarded
Twenty five candidates from around the world attended the Introductory course and Certified Sommeliers examination held at the Restaurant Brunnauer im Magazin, Salzburg from 14 - 16th November
Steve Breitzke, Sommelier at the Sofitel in Vienna was awarded the Traditionsweingüter scholarship for achieving the highest overall score in the combined examinations
The award was presented at the awards ceremony by Mr Michael Moosbrugger Chairman of the Traditionsweingüter Association which among other things is responsible for the development of the Erste Lage classification of single vineyard sites throughout Austria
In winning the scholarship Steve will receive financial support from the association to continue his studies at advanced level
After the course a number of candidates were able to participate in a two day wine tour to the Wachau, Kamptal & Weinviertel regions organised by the Austrian Sommelier Association.
The tour included in depth tastings with wine producers from the regions and visits to vineyards and cellars.
The Court of Master Sommeliers and the Austrian Sommeliers Association are working to make Austria an annual venue for courses and examinations in the future.
November - 2012
New Introductory & Certified examination dates in South Korea
The Court of Master Sommeliers will be running an Introductory Course and examination together with a Certified Sommelier examination in Seoul South Korea during September 2013
The dates are: Introductory course: 10- 12September 2013
Certified Sommelier examination 12th September 2013
Full details available from Moonsong Bang moon@winevision.kr
-
New Sonoma AVA
A new AVA in Sonoma has been approved
Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA overlaps portions of Alexander Valley, Northern Sonoma, and the southern portions of Mendocino County.
The original name for the AVA, Pine Mountain-Mayacamas, was changed after protests from the Napa Valley Vintners..
November - 2011
Proposals to create Sub districts within Penedes DO
The Penedes region of Spain is preparing for changes to its appellation system.
A campaign by the producers to demarcate the region into five or six sub-zones, with emphasis on promoting some superior sub-regions within the generic appellation.
There are two chains of mountains and a valley in the middle of Penedès, resulting in different microclimates and varying soil compositions - all these differences make five or six distinct areas which give different wines.’ Vines grow from sea level up to to 800m.
The proposed sub-regions are Penedès–Garraf, Ordal, Alt Penedes, Central Valley A and Central Valley B. A sixth sub-zone is still being decided upon.
A study to establish the boundaries for each sub-zone, is being conducted before submitting proposals to the Penedès Wine Council.this could take two years to implement.
October - 2011
Grand Cru status for Quarts de Chaume
Quarts de Chaume is to become the Loire Valley's first Grand Cru
The proposal has recently been approved by the INAO
Also approved was the creation of Coteaux du Layon Premiere Cru Chaume
The regulations will require Quarts de Chaume to limit yields to 20hl / ha with a minimum potential alcohol level of 18.5%
Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume. 25hl/ha with 16.5% potential alcohol
There will be no chaptalisation permitted for either wine.
October - 2011
New AOC regulations for Beaujolais
Although Beaujolais producers have had the right label their wines Bourgogne since 1937, it has been a source of dispute between the two regions.
. 43 communes have lost the right to call their white wines AOC Bourgogne Blanc and will instead have to label whites AOC Beaujolais Blanc,. (42 communes have retained the right to label their wines AOC Bourgogne Blanc)
INAO based their decisions on which communes should be included on grounds of terroir and longevity.
Beaujolais cru villages have not been affected. Nine of the ten Beaujolais Crus ( except Regnié, because it only became a Cru in 1988) will retain the right to use the label AOC Bourgogne, with the restriction that if the wine contains more than 30% of Gamay, the label must be AOC Bourgogne Gamay (new AOC)
AOC Coteaux Bourguignon.
A new AOC Coteaux Bourguignon, will replace the existing AOC Bourgogne Grande Ordinaire over the next five years. This appellation will be open to both Burgundy and Beaujolais producers.
October - 2011
Pommard producers apply to create Gand Cru's
The union of producers in Pommard will apply to the French appellation authority INAO to promote the premier cru Rugiens and Epenots appellations to grand cru.
Since April this year, a geography and viticulture specialist has been working with Pommard vintners to produce a report to show how both Rugiens (just under 13 hectares) and Epenots (27 hectares) should be considered grand cru based on history, terroir and price.
One difficulty are distinctions between Rugiens Bas and Rugiens Haut and between Grands- and Petits-Epenots.
Pommard has 27 premier crus and its total vineyards total approx 320 hectares.
August - 2011
Machine Harvesting ban in Burgundy Grand Cru Monopoles
Machine harvesting will be banned in Burgundy's five grands crus monopoles from the 2011 vintage, with a complete ban across all grand cru vineyards expected by 2014
The change will come into effect during the upcoming harvest
While the law change only concerns the five grands crus monopoles, which already hand harvest 100% of their fruit, it is hoped this sets a precedent for the rest of Burgundy’s grands crus producers.
The aim is to eradicate machine harvesters in all grands crus by 2014.
The five grands crus monopoles have also reduced the maximum yield per hectare. And has also tightened the requirement that a varietal wine must contain 85% of the stated variety to 95%.
August - 2011