Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011938
Beginning next month, The SOMM Journal will work its way around the country seeking five lucky winners to join us in Portugal as the Wines of Portugal American Sommelier of the Year! To get a sneak peek at what the judges are looking for, we caught up with Master of Wine Sheri Sauter Morano and Eugénio Jardim, who serves as Wines of Portugal's U.S. Ambassador. As judges, what will you be looking for from the Wines of Portugal American Sommelier of the Year contestants? Sheri Sauter Morano: We are looking for contestants who show a real enthu- siasm for the wines of Portugal. They do not need to be experts in the region, but they do need to demonstrate a desire to learn. We are specifically looking for individuals who are active in the trade and demonstrate an aptitude for com- municating about wine in general—people who will want to go out and get others excited about the quality and value coming out of Portugal. Why should sommeliers and wine-buying professionals enter this competition? Eugénio Jardim: Wine professionals are very curious about new and exciting regions, little-known (and sometimes unknown) grape varieties, and new and old winemaking techniques. This competition will afford the participants a chance to observe and discuss that and the many possibilities for utilizing Portuguese wines in their programs. And to top it all off, the winners will be offered a curated experience in Portugal! In your opinion, what makes the wines of Portugal so unique? SM: This category has seen explosive growth in export markets over the past few years and there is huge potential here in the U.S. This is a country actively looking to connect with both the trade and the end-user. Tourism is at an all-time high, so I believe the time is ripe to be talking to consumers about these wines. EJ: The incredible concentration of indigenous varieties not found anywhere else in the world in itself is very exciting. Portuguese wines offer a breath of fresh air with their unique ability to pair with diverse cuisines and their unbeatable price-quality ratio. What is one thing people don't understand yet about Portuguese wines? SM: I think one perception people have is that Portuguese wines are either light white wines for early consumption or super-alcoholic big reds, but there is so much more than that! The styles have really evolved and there have been huge investments in modernizing the wine industry in Portugal. You can find every- thing from organic and natural wines to wines made for extensive aging to those designed for everyday consumption. EJ: Their dry wines come in all different styles with a very specific terroir imprint. They're fresh, clean, and full of energy—the grape varieties may be difficult to pronounce, but they're very easy to enjoy! What is one thing you can only learn about Portuguese wines if you visit Portugal? SM: Visiting Portugal really drives home just how diverse the various regions are, even within a small county. I remember thinking the first time I visited that there was so much more to see, taste, and experience. What once helped define Portugal was its drive to explore and discover the world beyond its borders— today, I think it is our turn to discover what Portugal has to offer! WANT TO WIN YOUR WAY TO PORTUGAL? GET A LEG UP ON THE COMPETITION WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE JUDGES Sheri Sauter Morano, MW Eugénio Jardim