International des Jeunes Sommeliers 2022

Julian Simard Gillis Represents Canada in German y

Cana da ch ose n to H ost I nter nati onal Jeune s So mmel ier Com petitio n in 2024 !

Julian Simard-Gillis

Wiesbaden, Germany was the site of the International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition Final from September 14-17, 2022. Famous for its natural thermal springs, Wiesbaden has attracted many notable historic figures such as Goethe, Wagner, and Brahms. The competition was held in conjunction with a Chapitre of the Bailliage of Germany at the historic host Nassauer Hof which opened in 1813 and has been continuously Michelin-starred since 1979.

The Bailliage of Germany put together an outstanding supporting program for the Competition, showcasing the beautiful Rheingau. The Rheingau is one of 13 designated German wine regions (Weinbaugebiete) producing quality wines (Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein). It was named after the traditional region of Rheingau (meaning “Rhine district”), the wine region is situated in the state of Hesse. The young up-and-coming talents were given the opportunity to network and exchange ideas, all in the presence of members and guests principally from Germany but also from elsewhere in the world who had come to experience this international event.

Competitors at Weingut Fritz Allendorf. The first participants arrived at the Hotel Nassauer Hof for a relaxed welcoming dinner at Landhaus Diedert. Set in a building dating from the 13th century, this family-run hotel/restaurant’s attentive and motivated team was under the aegis of the Diedert family. Early next morning, there was an exciting excursion to the Rheingau vineyards.

Julian (right) samples a white wine.

Among other things, the competitors visited the Weingut Fritz Allendorf with his famous “Allendorf's world of colours” and Schloss Johannisberg. While the Semi-final was being held all day on the Friday, the Bailliage of Germany organized a tour of the famous Eberbach Monastery.

The cellars.

On Friday evening, dinner was at Benner's in the beautiful Kurhaus in Wiesbaden. The team at Benner’s has been welcoming clients under the new name "Benner's Bistronomie" since 2021. It pays homage to the former Käfer's Bistro, and Parisian bistronomy embodies the combination of bistro with honest food and fine dining.

At Landhaus Diedert.

Calgary Vice Enchanson, Llyn Strelau (right).

Julian at first table to right.

Competitors discuss a wine.

On Saturday evening, the final standings were announced at the Awards Ceremony. The 2022 world champion was Elliot Björkman from Sweden. Second place went to South Korea's Kim Minjun and Third Place was awarded to Freddie Johnson representing the Bailliage of Great Britain. The Winner received 2,500 euro, the Runner-up 1,500 euro and Third Place 500 euro.

The Awards. In addition, for the first time this year, two special trophies were awarded: The “Under 25 Trophy” (for the highest scoring competitor under the age of 25 at the conclusion of the Semi-finals) was won by Nyan Htet Niang from Myanmar. The “Tasting Trophy” (for the best blind tasting marks at the conclusion of the Semi-finals) was won by Great Britain’s Freddie Johnson.

The Winners (left to right) Second Place Kim Minjun, South Korea; First Place Elliot Björkman, Sweden; and Third Place Freddie Johnson, Great Britain.

Overall winner Elliot Björkmann stated that “becoming a sommelier wasn’t always a given choice. I started as a runner at Erik´s Gondolen in Stockholm. My interest in wine was sparked when the Sommelier started an internal course for the junior waiters. She made me feel that wine was really fun and that studying wasn’t all bad. Next step was to go to Sommelier school. Unfortunately, Gondolen closed but soon after I found a job at W by Wijnjas then moved to Studio Nian, its sister establishment, as Head Sommelier. I likes the philosophy there that wine is for everyone. We share an unquenchable thirst for drinking the classics but should also enjoy everyday wines.”

Toasting the Chaine.

Julian studied to be a Wine Steward/Sommelier at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie in Québec. A member of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), He has achieved WSET Level 33 and is CMS Certified. Since May 2018 he has been Head Sommelier at the Relais & Chateaux The Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise in Alberta –surrounded by the spectacular Canadian Rockies and arguably the best boutique hotel in Canada. Julian says he lives in the most beautiful place on earth with his fiancé. Nature is their playground. Hiking, skiing, and mountain biking are definitely top activities outside of wine. However, he does love to blind taste with good friends, and it goes without saying, sharing a wonderful meal together is always a pleasure.

Cana da chose n to H ost I nter nati onal Jeune s Sommel ier Competition in 2024 !

A Special Message from Cyndi Grossman, Echanson de Canada

As we reflect on 2022, we are really happy and excited that there was a great momentum of recovery from the last couple of difficult years and a willingness for members to get involved. Attendance was up and spirits were high.

With the help of Joe Scorgie and Linda Robinson we were able to send a Canadian competitor for the International Jeunes Sommelier that was held in Wiesbaden, Germany in September 2022. Coming out of Alberta, Julian Simard-Gillis, is the Head Sommelier of the world renowned The Post Hotel. His resume is as enjoyable to read as a list of fine wines. We owe him a huge thanks and CONGRATULATIONS for competing on behalf of Chaine des Rôtisseurs Canada. This competition is very difficult. With this invaluable year of experience behind him, he is still young enough to try again next year. I would also like to congratulate the new Calgary Vice Enchanson, Llyn Strelau. It is also with great pleasure that Canada has been chosen to host the International Jeunes Sommelier Competition in Val d’Okanagan in 2024. It will be an exciting time for all of us as we welcome Jeune Sommeliers from all over the world to discover the beautiful wines in British Columbia.

With all this momentum and exciting events happening, we would like to reach out to YOU, our membership for volunteers. We welcome you to be part of the camaraderie and success of these events. "Many Hands make light work"

Please feel free to reach out to me directly at cyndi@melleceywinegroup.com or 519 636 3161

Thank you in advance

Viva la Chaine!

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