Find out more about the world-renowned names that make up the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards judging line-up in this Q&A series.
Photo credit: Michael Holst
Arvid Rosengren is the wine director of restaurant group Copenhagen Concepts, which owns and runs eight restaurants in Denmark and London. He was named the Best Sommelier of Europe 2013, writes for Livets Goda, and teaches at sommelier schools in Scandinavia.
Read our interview with Arvid Rosengren below…
☆ Which year or decade do you wish you’d been born in and why?
In terms of wine, I wish I was 20 years older to live through the times when quality of wine was universally on the rise, but you could still pick up some of the greats for affordable prices.
☆ How old were you when you had your first wine ‘moment’ and what was it?
I was 20 years old, and was surprised by a pretty simple Nebbiolo. I just couldn’t grasp how all these lovely aromas could be there at once. I was hooked from there on.
☆ How many bottles do you have in your cellar and what is your most recent addition?
About 200 scattered in various wine cabinets and cellars. I just splurged on some 2011 Château d’Yquem – lots of money but will be worth it in a few decades!
☆ How many years have you been working in the wine industry and what was your first job?
Nine years. I started out in a wine shop selling simple everyday wines but quickly became obsessed and joined the sommelier trade a couple of years later.
☆ Which vintage and region do you wish you’d bought a whole case of wine from?
It might be a sign of the times more than anything but I wish I had a lot more red Burgundy in my cellar. Not too old, I prefer it slightly evolved. Some 2002 perhaps…
☆ In the last 12 months, which grape have you drunk the most of?
Chenin Blanc probably. I’m more of a white wine drinker really, and I love Loire wines – they’re so refreshing, yet serious and versatile.
☆ In the last 12 months, what’s the most exciting region you’ve discovered or re-discovered and why?
Probably Valdeorras in Galicia – the quality potential is huge.
☆ Who’s your wine idol (who has inspired you the most in the wine world)?
On the sommelier side, Gerard Basset without a doubt.
Just off the top of my head for winemakers, I’d love to lock these guys in a winery together and see what comes out: Dirk Niepoort, Katharina Prüm, Cathy Corison, Raul Perez, Eben Sadie, Mercedes López de Heredia and Maria-Teresa Mascarello.
☆ What’s your most memorable wine and food moment?
Although there have been many good combinations, I prefer “simple” food. One of the best experiences I had last year was turbot grilled to marvellous gelatinous perfection with one of the Godellos from Rafa Palacios, the 2011 As Sortes, at Restaurant Elkano in the Spanish Basque Country.
☆ If you could taste/drink any wine in the world what would it be and who would you drink it with?
I’ve yet to taste J.F. Coche-Dury’s Corton-Charlemagne. I’d love to drink that with my girlfriend. She’s not in the business, but she adores his wines above all, and I can never get enough of them for her!
☆ What’s the highest number of wines you’d had on one of your wine lists?
I’ve never counted, but around 2000 references.
☆ What is the oldest bottle of wine you’ve served?
Apart from Madeiras which have been older, I’ve served a 1907 Heidsieck Champagne not long ago. It was one of those bottles that was found in a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea a few years ago. It still had a bit of fizz and was delicious, although quite sweet.
☆ What are you most looking forward to about judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards?
I feel honoured and humbled to be part of such a distinguished team of judges, so most of all I’m looking forward to meeting and talking to them. And hopefully there will be some good wine as well!
For more information on this year’s competition, including how to enter, visit the Decanter World Wine Awards website
Written by Decanter
