Details Written by Secret Sommelier Secret Sommelier Published: 29 January 2019 29 January 2019

Whether giving a master class to an enchanted audience of budding wine professionals or advising the world of fashion of what wines pair well with leading designer labels, Gerard combined good humour and expertise, making the experience of wine and gastronomy all the more pleasurable.

Gerard Basset, Master of Wine & Master Sommelier, was an unassuming towering figure in the world of wine. Scooping up the top awards including World’s Best Sommelier. Establishments such as Hotel Du Vin and TerraVina that he was part of, evolved as expressions of his excellence.

Chaine des Rotisseurs GB announce the Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy

The British branch of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the international gastronomic society across 80 countries worldwide, has announced a new award for its Young Sommelier Competition taking place in March, in honour of a much-loved member of the organisation.

Nina Basset to present the trophy at Dorchester Hotel Event

The Gerard Basset Tasting Trophy will be given to the sommelier, aged 30 or under, scoring the highest marks in the blind tasting and food matching sections of the testing Finals taking place at the Gaggenau showrooms, London, on March 5th. The results – and the Trophy title – will be announced at a glittering Awards Dinner at The Dorchester on Friday, March 22nd. The trophy itself will be presented by Gerard’s widow Nina.

Gerard: A close friend and committed member of the Chaîne

‘Gerard was not only a close personal friend, but also highly-committed professional member of the Chaîne, who gave so much of his time to head up the judging panels year after year, and also mentor so many young sommeliers as they honed their skills’, explains Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

‘Therefore, it is fitting to establish a trophy in his name, to perpetuate his memory – and to honour his extraordinary tasting ability throughout his unique career. Gerard chaired the Young Sommelier judging panel for the past 11 years, ever since its inauguration in 2008, and was a legend to us all. He will be very sadly missed.’

Great Britain's international success

The winner of the Young Sommelier UK title goes on to compete in the Chaîne’s International Finals in Seoul, South Korea in September, pitted against talented sommeliers from many other countries across the world. Great Britain has experienced unprecedented success in this global competition, taking first or second place in 8 out of 10 years – due in no small part to Gerard Basset’s enthusiastic support and encouragement.

Watch Gerard pairing wine and fasion:

For more information visit https://www.chaine.co.uk/