1) – What is your story?
I’ve worked in Burgundy and London (respectively in Le Montrachet and Petrus restaurants, both Michelin starred), then I worked at Quay restaurant in Sydney as Assistant Head Sommelier, then took over the position of Head Sommelier at the Five Fields (one *) in London.
2) – One element that pushes you within, through your passion as a wine athlete?
The pleasure that I have to share new discoveries with guests and staff in the wine world.
3) – What does Viticulture represent for you?
Without a good effort in the vineyard, you can’t succeed in making good wine.
4) – What Classification would you give to theses 4 elements?
This seems like an easy question!
1°Type of viticulture / 2° Oenologic approach / 3° Type of Vinification / 4° Commercial approach
5) – Sulphur, Is it a real question on its own or just a part of the process?
It became a real debate with the trend of natural wines but often people are poorly informed about Sulphur. What is really important is the final result in your glass, with a bit or completely without SO2.
6) – What have you tasted or heard of, as being exciting lately about Portuguese wines?
I love the wines from Filipa Pato and also the wines from Dirk Niepoort which are totally off the beaten track.
7) – What would you like to discover about wine in Portugal?
New winemakers, new trends and also the new generation of Portuguese sommeliers!
8) – How or by which means you would like to discover Portuguese Wines?
Masterclasses or books are great, but it is true that the best way is to travel through the vineyards of a country and meet other people from the wine industry.
9) – Is there any region in Portugal that interests you particularly?
I would love to go to Alentejo!
10) – Do you have any advice or demand for Portuguese Winemakers?
Probably more communication as the very talented but small producers are not very well known outside the country.
11) – Your best souvenir of a Portuguese wine?
A vintage port tasting of my vintage (1991) from Dirk Niepoort on a terrace, overlooking the Douro Valley.
Bonus: Man => translator of Terroirs or Wine inventor?
Most definitely the first one!
