Look back at the 31st edition of the Competition for the Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits in France M. CHAPOUTIER

The 31st edition of the competition for France's Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits M. CHAPOUTIER took place on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 May 2024 in Tain l'Hermitage. Created by Michel Chapoutier in 1993 following a discussion with 2 of his teacher friends at the Tain-l'Hermitage hotel school. At the time, there were no sommelier competitions for apprentices, so in order to challenge them and put them in the spotlight, Michel Chapoutier created this competition, which aims to be a real springboard for its participants.

The M. CHAPOUTIER Competition for the Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits in France is reserved for students from hotel management colleges or CFAs preparing for the "Mention complémentaire Sommellerie" or a "Brevet Professionnel Sommelier". This year, 36 students were selected from 34 schools after an initial selection round at their respective establishments.

Once selected, the 36 participants met again on Thursday 16 May for the semi-final, with a 30-minute tasting test of a white and a red wine. This was followed by a one-hour written test on wine and spirits legislation, professional technology, oenology, knowledge of French vineyards and general knowledge.
On the morning of Friday 17 May, the 6 finalists took part in the final, with a food and wine matching test, including a few questions in English, a decanting test and a tasting test (1 white wine, 1 red wine, 1 liqueur and 1 brandy).

METRO France, Champagne Devaux, Pic and the Lycée Hôtelier de Tain l'Hermitage were partners in this 31st edition of the competition.

Created in 1971, METRO France is now the leading supplier to the French catering industry. Their passion for local produce, cuisine and gastronomy is reflected in their partnerships. Since 2005, METRO France has supported the Concours du Meilleur Elève Sommelier en Vins et Spiritueux de France M. CHAPOUTIER, which highlights the sommelier profession, passionate young students and gastronomy.

Champagne Devaux was founded in 1846 and is now based in a superb manor house in the heart of the Côte des Bar. The wines of Champagne Devaux reflect the singularity of their Champagne terroir and their assertive style. Devaux Champagnes are produced using a very strict selection of plots (perfect exposure, old wines, etc.) with an increasingly sophisticated environmental approach, with almost half of the plots under Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne.

Anne-Sophie Pic's cuisine is as sensitive as it is daring. Her love of nature and produce fuels her culinary inspiration on a daily basis. At the heart of Anne-Sophie Pic's creative process lies a philosophy known as Imprégnation, which is also pursued in the creation of unique food and beverage pairings. Her creative universe is now shared by 8 restaurants in France and abroad.

The Lycée Hôtelier de Tain l'Hermitage trains its students in the hotel, restaurant and service trades. The school strives to provide each student with the support they need to find their own path and give the best of themselves.

This year, Patrick Henriroux, Chef of the gastronomic restaurant La Pyramide in Vienne, 2 stars in the Michelin Guide and 4 toques in Gault & Millau, was the Chef of the competition for France's Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits M. CHAPOUTIER 2024. He composed the menu that will enable the finalists to find the best food and wine pairings.

We were also lucky enough to have Emmanuel Cadieu, Director of Sommellerie at Cheval Blanc Paris, as a sponsor and member of the jury. A former participant and finalist in the MES competition in 2010 and winner of the Vocation Sommelier competition the same year, he supported the students and advised them throughout the competition.

The 6 finalists in this 31st edition of the Competition for the Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits in France M. CHAPOUTIER 2024 were :

- Matéo GOUIN from Ferrandi Campus Saint-Gratien
- Loélie LECLERC from the Lycée Hôtelier de Tain l'Hermitage
- Alyzée MARCHAL from the UFA Storck in Guebwiller
- Ornella MOIOLA from the Lycée des Métiers de l'Hôtellerie et du Tourisme d'Occitanie in Toulouse
- Morgane PETTON, Centre Pierre Cointreau, Angers
- Ugo TANCREDI from Greta CFA Rabelais in Dardilly

Congratulations to Alyzée MARCHAL and her teacher Frédéric SIMON from the UFA Storck in Guebwiller, who won the 31st edition of the competition for France's Best Student Sommelier in Wines and Spirits, Mr CHAPOUTIER.

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