OCTOBER 2023 ASI MAGAZINE
Sören Polonius is a well-known figure in the world of Sommellerie, currently serving as the Wine Director at the prestigious Adam/Albin group of restaurants in Sweden, and co-director of the ASI Education & Exam Committees. Polonius brings a wealth of experience and expertise to curate exceptional wine lists that perfectly complement the culinary offerings at these renowned establishments. Beyond his role with Adam/Albin, Soren is also the founder of "Swesomm," the Swedish national sommelier team. His visionary leadership and dedication have not only elevated the art of wine service but have also played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting sommelier talent on a national scale in Sweden.
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Deal on Decanting: Sommelier coach Sören Polonius shares his tips
ASI: As sommeliers, particularly young sommeliers, the idea of decanting an expensive vintage wine can be intimidating. Do you have tips for mentally preparing oneself for the task? Sören Polonius (SP): You should always have respect for every bottle you open. There's a winemaker who put an effort into making that wine good, and sometimes great.
With that said, I recommend trying not to think about the price of the bottle, or how unique it is. That tends to make you nervous when opening the bottle, and being nervous is seldom a good thing. When it comes down to the task, it's just another bottle that you open. Of course, you should always be careful if it demands extra careful handling.
The Deal on Decanting
Sören Polonius
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