Sommelier competition accused of being “Eurocentric”
Credit: CAPS
Wine enthusiasts, professionals and eager viewers tuned in to “Canada’s Top Sommelier competition” on Tuesday, October 19, live streamed from the Penticton Lakeside Resort, hosted in partnership by Wine Growers BC and the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.
Three finalists were chosen based on exams written the day prior:
Pier-Alexis Soulière, MS, Quebec
Matthew Landry, sommelier, British Columbia
Emily Pearce, sommelier, Ontario
Competitors were instructed to pick a number to determine order.
To make the already grueling tasks even more challenging, all participants were expected to compete in a second language. This practice is standard in larger competitions globally as outlined by the International Sommelier Association regulations. This is to account for competitors hailing from myriad countries.
Soulière competed first.
Soulière’s experience was evident from the get go. Effortless, even when making the odd mistake, he remained un-phased and confident.
Landry competed next, opting for French as his second language. Though he remained upbeat and humourous throughout, his struggle with speaking French was apparent.
Pearce competed last. Prior to her time commencing, she made the following statement, “ I am fully aware of the current ASI regulations around language. I am choosing to complete the competition in English which is my mother tongue. It is my sincere belief that the current international regulation of second language is biased, non inclusive and Eurocentric. I do realize this may result in a deduction of points. However, I ask the judges to evaluate me on my professionalism and skills as a sommelier, rather than my socioeconomic or geopolitical status.”
Pearce’s performance, though completed in English, was one of a confident and versed sommelier.
The judges deliberated, and the winner was announced later that evening at Poplar Grove Winery, located on the Naramata Bench: Soulière was awarded the title of Canada’s Top Sommelier, with Landry finishing in second and Pearce winning third place.
