Jeno Del Turco of two-star restaurant Le Chalet de la Forêt in Ukkel (Brussels) has been voted best sommelier or wine steward of Belgium. "Unbelievable, a nice recognition of our profession," says Del Turco. The second and third places were snatched by two women. That too is a first.
The election of Best Sommelier of Belgium has been organised since 1963 and this year was staged at the Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel in Antwerp. Fourteen candidates, who had survived the pre-selections, were allowed to make their appearance. All are professionals, who had to prove their knowledge of wine with a number of theoretical and practical tests.
After the final selection, three candidates remained: Jeno Del Turco (Le Chalet de la Forêt, Ukkel), Margaux Balemans (Sanglier des Ardennes, Durbuy) and Charlotte Crul (Cuines 33, Knokke). In the end, Del Turco emerged victorious and can now call himself Belgium's best sommelier.
"This is incredible, great recognition of our profession," says an elated Del Turco. "This is a dream I never thought would come true."
"Women take power"
On stage, beside Del Turco, were two women, which is a first. "At the international level, women are quietly taking over power," says Kris Lismont of the Belgian Sommeliers’ Guild. "Women are good tasters."
"But a competition like this also motivates young people; not only at star level, but also in wine bars we need good sommeliers, to serve the right wine to the right people. It’s allowed to happen in a relaxed way these days, but it has to be done professionally," says Lismont. "The sommelier really has an important task; he can add an extra touch to the restaurant experience."