Europe's Best Sommelier '2008

Sofiahotels.net, Erogance media

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, hosts the 39th regular general assembly of Association de la Sommellerie Internationale and the 11th issue of the "Europe's Best Sommelier '2008" competition. The event went on under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Georgi Parvanov.

Early in the morning on the 17th of May 31 sommeliers from Europe took part in Europe's Best Sommelier '2008 competition in Kyoto Hall in Kempinski - Zografski Hotel. They tried two sorts of wines and three types of spirits. The results of the first part of the competition were announced on press conference. Representatives of Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, France, Norway, Finland, Portuguese, Turkey and Sweden went on the competition. During the time of the conference the chairman of Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, Kazayoshi Kogai, said that he is astonished by the quality of the Bulgarian wines.

The final round of "Europe's Best Sommelier '2008" competition took place in the National Theatre "Ivan Vazov" at 14 o'clock on the 19th of May. The winner was announced at the official ceremony. Isa Ball from Turkey took the great prize. Paolo Basso from Switzerland and Eric Zwiebel from France took the second and the third position. The contest was arranged like a spectacular show. Three actors were, played the role of special clients. They were served by the finalists, who had to recognize the sorts of the wines and to prove their qualities. There was а special bottle of wine by Shiraz of Peter Lehmann Wines, Australia for the winner. Golden phiale replicating an item from the Panagyurishte treasures of Ancient Thrace became a symbol of the contest. The ministry of culture gave a permission to use the replica of the phiale as a trophy of the competition. It will be established as a symbol of Association de la Sommellerie Internationale - ASI and will popularize Bulgaria around the World. Isa Bal dedicated his prize to the Balkans.