After tough written tests, three finalists competed in front of an audience and jury in interesting and attractive skills such as champagne opening, wine decanting, wine and hard liquor recognition, discovering mistakes in wine lists, communicating with a demanding guests and so forth.
The winner is again Siniša Lasan, Zagreb-born sommelier of Dubrovnik restaurant Proto. It must be said, well deserved, as Siniša is slowly becoming a world-renowned sommelier, with the best confirmation an invitation to judge the Decanter wine rating.
The second was Darko Lugarić, a sommelier with the Zagreb restaurant Agava; they were also the most represented establishment this year, which speaks for itself.
Third place was taken by Zoran Kozlica, a sommelier of Zagreb restaurant Il Secondo. Zoran was also the most exciting surprise of this competition. His third place is very important – it gives hope there are new people rising, young people who can be counted on. It says this story doesn’t rest only on several already proven enthusiasts.
After winners were announced, Siniša Lasan addressed the audience and I must say his words made me think. First of all, I’ve known Siniša for a long time. We come from the same neighbourhood in Zagreb and to brag a little – when he was starting out, we worked together in my show Vinoteka. He was our first expert sommelier. Therefore, I can recognise talent. It’s been years since, but memories persist.
Siniša opened the question of support by the Croatian Sommelier Club (HSK) to individuals. Siniša was a judge at Decanter and HSK didn’t find it relevant to offer, especially for its younger members, several lectures for Siniša to transfer his knowledge and experience. No such support system for our sommeliers, it’s an issue. To pass the foreign exam they are left on their own, including finances… No one says HSK must finance them, but they could help. Each of their successes abroad is a credit to both the club and school!
But, not to spoil a lovely evening at the Wine Academy, we must celebrate, and leave this topic for a larger story. In the end, let’s thank those who supported this championship: Ilok Cellars, Belje, Vina Šember, Korak, Puhelek Purek, Krauthaker, Mladina, Petrač, Dropuljić… if I left anyone out, my humble apologies.
For the original and more from the G.E.T. Report, click here.
http://www.get4u.hr/hr/manifestacije/lasan-opet-najbolji
