Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition, now in its eighth year, is set to showcase the culinary and oenological prowess of the finalists as they vie for the coveted title of Gosset Matchmaker 2023.
The live final event will take place on Monday September 18th at Cord by Le Cordon Bleu, where five talented chef and sommelier teams will go head-to-head, creating gastronomic masterpieces that pair in perfect harmony with Gosset Grande Rosé, this year’s featured champagne.
The competition not only underscores the significance of wine and food pairing but also highlights the essential collaboration between sommeliers and chefs in creating unforgettable dining experiences. The finalists, carefully selected through a rigorous competition, all have less than five years of experience as a chef or sommelier, ensuring every team will have an equal chance to win.
Vlad Crisan (Sommelier) and Amjad (AJ) Shehata (Chef) are representing Ham Yard Hotel and Fallow Restaurant in London. This junior team hails from different restaurants, uniting their skills for a dynamic collaboration.
Matilda Tsappis (Sommelier) and Tom Tsappis (Chef) from Killecrankie House Hotel in Perthshire. Embarking on a career change, these award-winning owners have under 5 years of experience each, infusing their passion into their culinary journey.
Jiachen Lu (Sommelier) and Gail Li (Chef) from Dinings SW3, London. With high ambitions and notable achievements, this junior team is poised to make their mark in the culinary world.
Jordan Sutton (Sommelier) and Megan Montibert (Chef) from L’Enclume, Cumbria. This powerhouse duo from this 3-star Michelin restaurant is set to deliver an exceptional performance.
Rosie Oswin (Sommelier) and Arron Hassan (Chef) from Rebel restaurant in Newcastle. This junior chef and skilled restaurant manager bring their unique expertise to the table, representing a diverse culinary collaboration.
The shortlist for Gosset Matchmaker 2023 is truly impressive, with an equitable mix of five talented male and female participants, not only from London but regions beyond. The line-up also shows a commitment to culinary sustainability with three environmentally conscious restaurants – Rebel, Fallow and L’Enclume, the latter of which proudly bears a Michelin Green Star.
Matthieu Longuere MS, Wine Director at Le Cordon Bleu London, will be leading an esteemed panel of judges on the day, including Melody Wong, Director of Wine at The Peninsula London; Luciana Berry, Top Chef Brazil winner and a Le Cordon Bleu alumna; Bertrand Verduzier, Global Business Director at Champagne Gosset; and Will Oatley, Managing Director of Louis Latour Agencies. These experts will evaluate the chef’s dishes and wine pairings, considering innovation, teamwork, and their ability to think on their feet.
On top of creating their signature dish with the accompaniment of Gosset Grande Rosé, the finalists must also prepare an impromptu dish with a mystery ingredient, paired with a surprise Gosset Cuvée. This spontaneous challenge aims to highlight their skill in crafting flavours on the fly.
The prize awaiting the winning team is an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to Gosset’s cellars in France and the title of Gosset Matchmaker 2023! At the winery, they will join Cellar Master team, Odilon de Varine and Gabrielle Malagu in sampling and blending wines.
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Notes for editors:
Past Gosset Matchmaker winners include:
2022: Sommelier Sotir Semini and Chef Julien Deschamps for Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
2021: Sommelier Matthew Davison and Chef Adam Eyre for Fischers Baslow Hall
2020: Sommelier Joshua Castle and Chef Myles Donaldson for Noble Rot
2019: Sommelier Oskars Mickans and Chef Piero Italiano for Heritage
2018: Sommelier Vanessa Majella Stoltz and Chef Ian Waller for Forest Side
2017: Sommelier Raphael Laurent Chef Ambra Papa for Petersham Nurseries
2016: Sommelier Elisa Marchini and Chef Riccardo Pozzobon for The Lanesborough
Social media tags: #gossetmatchmakers @louislatouruk @champagnegossetofficiel @lecordonbleulondon @sommelieredit
Gosset Matchmakers is organised by Louis Latour Agencies (Champagne Gosset’s UK agent) in conjunction with Sommelier Edit and Le Cordon Bleu London.
If you wish to attend the final, please let us know. We have a limited number of places available.
For further press and media information please contact Annie or Kate at Limm Communications T: 01635 202528 M: 07747 617690 E: info@limmpr.com