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Sydney Sommelier, Franck Moreau wins Marc and Eva Besen Perpetual Trophy

Announcement posted by TarraWarra Estate 17 Oct 2011

2011 Best Sommelier of Australia

Marc Besen AO, Eva Besen AO and TarraWarra Estate extend their congratulations to the winner of the Best Sommelier of Australia award, Franck Moreau, who took home the inaugural Marc and Eva Besen Perpetual Trophy, at last night’s Sommeliers Australia ball.

The Merivale Group’s Head Sommelier, Mr Moreau, won the competition based on a grueling assessment of wine knowledge, sensory analysis and a practical execution of service and skill.

Mr Moreau was closely challenged by fellow finalists, Grossi Group’s Mark Protheroe and Quay Restaurant’s Daniel Wegener, for the coveted title.

TarraWarra Estate’s Winemaker, Clare Halloran presented the trophy to Mr Moreau on behalf of Mr and Mrs Besen.

“Marc and Eva Besen, the owners and founders of TarraWarra Estate, have been very supportive and enthusiastic patrons of the Melbourne and Australian dining scene for a number of decades and have watched the level of service and professionalism grow over that time,” said Clare.

“They were very excited to be able to donate the trophy and commissioned Australia’s leading gold and silversmith, Professor Robert Baines to produce this handcrafted prize to the value of $10,000.”

Mr and Mrs Besen and TarraWarra Estate are proud to support the Best Sommelier of Australia competition, to not only highlight the exceptional service and knowledge standards across the Australian food and wine industry, but to also inspire future talent to pursue higher service levels.

The Best Sommelier of Australia competition attracted sommeliers from across the country from some of the nation’s top awarded restaurants such as Attica, Rockpool and E’cco.

The award was judged by Sommeliers Australia President Ben Edwards,Rockpool's Head Sommelier andSommeliers Australia Vice-President David Lawler, The Wine Guide'sDan Sims and Wine Manager of The Prince Hospitality Group, Chris Crawford.

Ends.