A host of top names have been announced as new regional chairs for the Decanter World Wine Awards in 2014, including Jasper Morris MW for Burgundy and Richard Juhlin on Champagne.
(L-R) New regional chairs Jasper Morris MW, Richard Juhlin, Paolo Basso MS & Isa Bal MS
Morris, author of Inside Burgundy and buyer for Berry Bros & Rudd, takes over the Burgundy regional chair for the 2014 edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).
He is joined by several other new faces, including Richard Juhlin, who will cover Champagne. He is author of six books on the French region and also owner of his namesake Champagne Club.
The DWWA 2014 competition opens for entries on 1 January, with judging week set to begin on 28 April.
Other new regional chairs for 2014 include Paolo Basso, named best sommelier in the world this year, who will oversee entries from Piedmont. Master Sommelier Isa Bal is another new name and will cover the Southern & Eastern Mediterranean region, which is often dominated by Turkey.
Decanter’s publishing director, Sarah Kemp, said, ‘we are thrilled to have on board Richard Juhlin, Jasper Morris MW, Paolo Basso and Isa Bal MS; four world-class authorities on their chosen subjects. They join an unrivalled line-up of internationally recognised wine experts.’
All regional chairs work under the guidance of DWWA chairman Steven Spurrier and guest vice-chair Gerard Basset MS MW.
Last year’s competition garnered 14,362 entries from 61 wine regions. Of those, 9,872 wines went on to win medals and just 32 wines were awarded a coveted International Trophy
The 11th Decanter World Wine Awards opens for entries on Wednesday 1st January 2014.
Written by Decanter.com staff
