Clément Sommier (BSB’20) reaches the final of the “Meilleur Jeune Sommelier de France” competition
Fresh out of school and of MSc Wine Management classes, Clément Sommier saw his projects thwarted by the health crisis. An unexpected break he turned into an opportunity to prepare for the competition.
Coping with the situation
Wine lovers may recognise the name Sommier* but few know – until now – the first name Clément.
Passionate and determined to launch an international career in the world of wine, Clément chose to join BSB’s Master in Management in 2018 with the specific objective to attend the MSc Wine Management and thus obtain a dual specialised degree.
Clement’s story was supposed to continue in South Africa to start with, and then all over the world, but the pandemic suddenly turned everything upside down.
How to cope with such a turn of events?
Since his childhood and the tastings he enjoyed with his family, in the vineyards during temporary jobs, through SWSB courses and many visits to cellars and vineyards organised as part of the MSc Wine Management – or simply with a few classmates -, Clément has acquired solid knowledge and does not intend to stop there. He therefore sets himself a challenge: to compete for the title of “Meilleur Jeune Sommelier de France”.
Striving for success
Fuelled with motivation, Clément studied his classics, his historical and technical knowledge, and went back to and deepened his courses – in particular those of Steve Charters – and his preparation for the WSET diplomas, obtained within the framework of the MSc.
And this work paid off. Upon selection, 11 candidates out of 120, including Clément, were selected to participate in the semi-finals and finals which will be organised in Normandy, under the direction of David Biraud (Best Young Sommelier of France 1998), as soon as the context allows it.
Last rehearsals then before this great event for Clément whose objectives are to assert his skills, gain credibility as a young professional and – currently looking for a job – boost his CV and find where to write the next chapter of his career.
* Clement’s father, his mentor and unfailing support, is none other than Fabrice Sommier, Head Sommelier at the gastronomic Restaurant*** Georges Blanc, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Sommelier 2007, Master of Port 2010 and President of the 104th Tastevinage at Château du Clos de Vougeot in 2019.