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Winner of the Cyprus Best Sommelier contest 2009 Vassos Manoli

Vasos Manoli has been crowned the Best Sommelier of Cyprus 2009 and will represent the island in Chile in April for the title of Best Sommelier of the World and in Strasbourg in November for the Best Sommelier of Europe. He currently works as sommelier at Risto La Piazza, Paphos.

Manoli won the accolade during a contest in early December. He was followed by Neofytos Spyrides of Cava Remuage, Paphos and Alissa Gorchinskaya from the Amathus Hotel, Paphos.

Sixteen sommeliers from all over Cyprus participated in the semi final of the contest, which was whittled down to the final three for the final. In front of an audience of about 160 people, the three candidates had to face six practical tests: serving Champagne promptly; recommending beverages to match food on a given menu; decanting and serving a bottle of Tsiakkas Bambatzia 2006; pointing out errors on a wine list; blind-tasting of white and red wine; and identifying five spirits.

During the performance, the finalists were also judged on their attitude, their commercial skills and their foreign language abilities. Along with his trophy, the winner received a replica of the golden mixing cup of Nestor described in Homer’s Iliad and found in Mycenae.

“The competition involves members who are registered to the Cyprus Sommelier association. The judging committee involved members of the press, oenologists and members of the sommeliers’ association. Any applicant could win. It was a close contest,” commented chairman of the technical committee and secretary of the sommeliers association Spyros Stivaros.

Winner Manoli added, “this is only my first goal, I will aim for a top ten spot at the world contest in Chile and a top three spot in the European contest in Strasbourg. I also aim to be more knowledgeable to pass the written tests and to offer service just like a true champion.

“When I was announced as the winner I realised that my dream had come true – I am the champion of Cyprus.”

The contest was followed by a gala dinner during which guests enjoyed Roederer Champagne or Stroumbeli Chardonnay and a five-course menu prepared by the culinary team of the InterContinental with wines Kamanterena Riesling, Oaked Kyperounda Chardonnay, KEO Cellar, ETKOs Commandaria Centurion and Hennessy XO.

WINES OF THE WEEK

A good movie and a glass of wine is the right prescription to unwind after a busy festive week at work. On my day off then I decided to try my new DVD player with a movie that would help me unwind. If I had to choose a place to retire outside Cyprus it would be Provençe. Lately, I find myself dreaming of a small villa, not far from the Mediterranean, with the smell of lavender from the garden. Perhaps it is Christmas that makes us reflect on our past and imagine our future. The choice of the film was not hard and neither was that of the wine.

I started watching (again) Russell Crowe in A Good Year, taking in the delights of his newly-inherited vineyard in Provençe. The glass was filled with a glass of rosé from Côte de Provençe. I looked at the glass, swirled it and smelled it. The real terroir of Provençe was in my glass.

Provençe is a mesmerising land of beaches, mountains, cities, rich history, beautiful art, charming medieval hilltop villages and markets that are dazzling displays of colour. Côte de Provençe is a wide area covering Côte D’Azur (French Riviera) from Marseille to Nice. Soils, grapes and techniques may differ but one thing remains… the sun. Half of France’s production of rosé comes from Provençe and 80 per cent of the wine made in Provençe is rosé.

So, here we are in Provençe, in La Londe-Les-Maures to be exact, overlooking the Mediterranean and the islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros, a few km away from St Tropez. I am not referring to my retirement plans but to Château Les Valentines, where my rosé wine was created.

2008 Château Les Valentines Rosé, Côte de Provençe, abv 13%

This rosé is from the traditional Provençe grape varieties of Cinsault (50%), Grenache (40%), Syrah (5%) and Mourvédre. Delicate, lovely salmon colour, subtle and delicate, the nose is elegant fresh and pure, persistent, with fresh and good fruit balance; hints of cherry, strawberry and cranberry, some anise and a touch of fennel. The mouth is dry and full, round and subtle, the fruit aromas evident with some citrus fruity crispiness and spice to a voluptuous finish. The first food that came to mind was Aubergine Lasagne, then stuffed vegetables or a refreshing Caesar Salad. Its freshness and acidity blends well with Asian cuisine too. Drink now. €15

2008 Château Le Valentines Rosé, Le Caprice de Clémentine, Côtes de Provençe, abv 12.5%

A high quality AOC Côte de Provençe, a blend of Cinsault and Grenache. Slightly more intense pink than the first, its bouquet is very aromatic, exhaling scents of small red fruits such as raspberries and blackcurrants as well as some wild strawberries. In the mouth, there is a perfect balance between vivacity and mellowness. The acidity is there, it is fresh on the palate, full of clean strawberry and red cherry flavours and a touch of zesty citrus. The final taste is very long, leaving a delicate impression of fruitiness. This rosé spells pleasure and easy drinking. An outstanding rosé to enjoy with your Mediterranean buffets, Salade Niçoise, club sandwich, stuffed vegetables, barbecued chicken, spicy Indian cuisine – the list is endless. Do not over-chill. Drink now. €12.50

Les Valentines rosés are imported and distributed by La Maison du Vin