Renowned taster and World's Best Sommelier winner Gerard Basset MW MS has been appointed as Decanter's Burgundy correspondent.
Image: Gerard Basset MW MS was named Decanter Man of the Year in 2013
Gerard Basset is currently guest vice-chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards and vice-chair of the Decanter Asia Wine Awards.
He qualified as a chef and sommelier in his native France before moving to England in the mid-1980s, where he embarked on a career as a sommelier.
Basset said he was ‘very excited’ about the role
He has won many awards and accolades during his distinguished career.
In addition to being named Decanter Man of the Year in 2013, he holds the prestigious title of Best Sommelier in the World 2010, and is the only person in the world to simultaneously be a Master Sommelier, Master of Wine and hold a wine MBA.
Basset has been awarded Best Sommelier in the UK several times, as well as Best International Sommelier for French Wines in 1992 and Best Sommelier of Europe in 1996.
Decanter publishing director Sarah Kemp said ‘Gerard is one of the world’s greatest tasters and we are delighted that he will cover this classic region for Decanter. He is held in universal respect and he strengthens Decanter’s team of world authorities.’
Speaking about his appointment, Basset said ‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining Decanter as Burgundy correspondent. It is an immense honour for me and Burgundy is such a fascinating wine region that it is a great privilege to be appointed to this role.’
Currently running Hotel TerraVina in England’s New Forest with his wife Nina, Basset previously co-founded the Hotel du Vin, which was sold in 2004 after having successfully opened six additional hotels.
In 2011 he received an OBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
Basset will take up his position with Decanter in November.
Written by Decanter staff
