Talking Wine

What bottle of wine did you
open to celebrate your title?

Not just one … We started with Les Cintres – a wonderful single site champagne by Philipponnat. We then clinked our glasses with a matured Corton-Charlemagne by Bonneau du Martray and also with a classical Chateauneuf-du-Pape of the Beaucastel domaine. I don’t drink such wine legends on a daily basis usually … What does it take to be a good sommelier? A good sommelier is primarily a good host. Kindness, specialised knowledge, charm, and a great sense of humour are essential competencies for the job. In short, we are team players, coaches, entertainers, salesmen, and sensory assessment experts. That’s why this job is such fun.

Your biggest wine moment so far? When I was still in training in Cologne, I had the opportunity to participate in a Riesling vertical tasting with wines of the iconic Egon Müller wine-growing estate on River Saar. Some of the wines we tasted there were twice or even three times my age. A truly spine-tingling experience.

Who is the most impressive vintner in your opinion? I find it hard to name just one. I am most impressed by producers who not only convey their passion for their wines, but also a humble attitude towards nature. Producers who embark on the adventure of creating a genuinely great wine with what their vineyard has to offer year after year. Hardly any other trade is as hazardous or as dependent on external circumstances on which you have little or no influence.

Which wine should we drink at least once in our lives? A «must-have» wine is a matter of taste, I think, and a personal thing. I find it exciting if people try various wines produced in their year of birth. Regardless of how well such wines do in any vintage ratings or profiles, they may mirror a person’s development, or his or her growing maturity, if you like.

The best wine for under 15 Swiss francs? Well, that would not be a Swiss wine, unfortunately. As cultivation areas are limited and estates tend to be small, there are not many local wines you could get for under 15 Swiss francs. The best idea is to go for the entry wines of producers from regions with relatively large production volumes.

Are there any wine-growing regions that currently offer particularly good value for money? South Africa at the moment, and Spain. But there are German wines that – despite increasing price levels – offer high quality for relatively little money.

What is special about Swiss wines? They combine an incredible diversity in terroirs, types of grape, and wine styles on – compared to other regions – tiny cultivating areas. Switzerland is a small but excellent playing field which offers fascinating products. Unfortunately, the country’s small size also means that its wines are little-known internationally.

What about the wines on your own doorstep, the Lake Zurich region? Our local wines are usually crisp, fresh, and fruity – ideal for summer. Top-quality products can easily be stored for a couple of years. And the region boasts its «own» variety: Räuschling is grown almost exclusively in this area.