Word Wednesday - Sommelier

Oh, how many wine shops and restaurants throw these terms around to make you feel like you are in the presence of greatness! Wine has often been a confusing enough industry: knowing a Barolo from a Brunello or a Barbaresco, but to then ask a guest to take your word for it that you know about something as vast as wine is on a whole different level. So let's look at the word, the profession, and figure it all out (or at least try to):

SOMMELIER: A Sommelier (pronounced /suh-mal-‘yAy), or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, typically working in fine dining, and specializing in all aspects of wine service. They are also responsible for the development of wine lists and overall for the delivery of wine service and training for the other restaurant/hotel/catering staff. Working along with the culinary team, they would pair and suggest wines that will best complement each particular food menu item. It could be argued that the role of a Sommelier in fine dining today is strategically on par with that of the executive chef. Not a simple job but one that can be quite rewarding as well as demanding!

Our experiences have been good and bad with the people who use this title as many Sommeliers have been trained and certified but many have not … Let’s hope those that use the term understand its meaning and can not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk! Just because you feel you know something does not give you permission to call yourself an expert (insert your personal experience with a foolish wine dude or dudette here).

Wine Folly designs a lot of cool posters for the wine lover.

Oh, how many wine shops and restaurants throw these terms around to make you feel like you are in the presence of greatness! Wine has often been a confusing enough industry: knowing a Barolo from a Brunello or a Barbaresco, but to then ask a guest to take your word for it that you know about something as vast as wine is on a whole different level. So let's look at the word, the profession, and figure it all out (or at least try to):

CERTIFIED SOMMELIER: Very simple; certified means an individual has been trained and successfully completed the first two courses and passed the appropriate exams though the Court of Master Sommeliers. Those folks are Certified Sommeliers whose duties are outlined above and are at the top of their game! All together there are four courses/certifications that one can attain: Introductory Sommelier (Level I); Certified Sommelier (Level II); Advanced Sommelier (Level III); & Master Sommelier (Level IV) - Kansas City's own Doug Frost is one of only 220 people in the world to have passed the MS (Level IV) certification (He also holds the MW: Master of Wine certification as well).

KNOWLEDGEABLE WINE GUY/GAL: There are many of us out there … It has been a profession, a passion and a (very fun) way to always challenge us! For some, the quest is always there. Learning is a non-stop activity in this industry with trade magazines, newsletters, reference books, and of course tasting wine. The hard part is always keeping up with the latest techniques, labels, grapes, blends, laws, etc. It's a rough job but someone has to do it!

NONE OF THE ABOVE: Everyone has entered a liquor store and seen the clerks reading the newspaper or staring in to space but finding wine folks can be a tough chore when Budweiser, PBR or Jack Daniels are the core products of the establishment. Nothing against these spots, but if you are looking for wine, recommendations and knowledge you need to go to place that offers that service to their guests. Some places do have a staff that can assist as they know their products. If you find you are getting a consistent response (or lack there of) at your local liquor store, try a specialty wine shop where you will (most likely) find wine folks!

ON THE BIG SCREEN: Interested in seeing what it takes to become a Master Sommelier? Check out SOMM! The documentary chronicles the lives of four Advanced Sommeliers (Level III) studying for their MS exam! Great insight in to the industry and what it takes to be at the top of the wine world! Be prepared to crack open a bottle or two while you watch: It will clearly get you in the mood!

-- Michael

(Editor's note: Michael is our go to wine guy on The LAB team! He has passed his Level I Introductory Sommelier exam; worked in/owned wine shops and catering companies; teaches wine education classes as well as marketed wines for importers. He knows his stuff but also knows when to seek out others who might know more! And as was stated above: tasting, tasting, tasting always helps you refine your palate!)

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