Interview With A Sommelier – Davide Santeramo

The World of Wine is beautifully showcased by an army of talented Sommeliers, who help the consumer discover their next favourite bottle, understand the different regions and pair a delicious meal with the right Glass of Bubbly.

In this feature, I speak with a man who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Davide Santeramo. Now let’s find out a bit about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hi everyone, I would like to introduce myself briefly. My name is Davide Santeramo, I am originally from Cavaria, a small village in the province of Varese in Italy and I have been living in London for a few years now, where I am currently working as a Senior Sommelier at The Ritz London Hotel.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I think what inspired me the most were the people around me. Wine is a passion and it has to be passed from one person to another. The person who first introduced me to the world of wine was Giorgio Scarsella, a good friend of mine and a real leader in the industry. Then it was Gino Nardella MS, who, thanks to his lifelong experience, has given me daily passion, dedication and love for this fascinating world.”

How Often Do You Find Yourself Recommending English Sparkling Wine?

“Personally, I find it very easy to suggest things that I like to do and I love sipping a glass of English Sparkling Wine as an aperitif, one example could be Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014. So every time I get the chance, when I am at work or with friends in London, I try to introduce people to English Bubbles. Stunning!”

In Your Professional Opinion, Out Of Champagne And Prosecco, Which Do You Think Does A Better Job With Complementing A Meal?

“The pairing of wines is always very personal. Certainly, there are dishes that go well with a glass of Champagne and others that go better with a fresh and fruity Prosecco. From a winemaking point of view, and considering the different styles on the market, Champagne could be considered a more refined and complex wine that can also age very well and develop a unique flavour profile, therefore allowing a wider range of dishes with which it can match.”

What Advice Would You Give Aspiring Sommeliers?

“In a few words, I would say: be curious and do not rush, enjoy the journey through this exciting world that combines people, history and culture.”

If You Sat Down For A Quiet Dinner, What Dish And Sparkling Wine Would You Choose To Enjoy Together?

“I would prefer to start my dinner with a glass of English sparkling wine, even better if it is a Blanc de Blancs, or why not a fresh and fruity Prosecco and in this case, it will certainly be more than one glass.

After that, it is important to find a tasty dish on the menu, such as the langoustine served in our Michelin starred restaurant, prepared with cauliflower puree and Cornish baby vegetables, finishing with a creamy sauce à la Nage. I would enjoy an intense, complex yet elegant and refined glass of Champagne with it, such as Cristal 2008 (one of my favourites).

While we are on the subject of sparkling wines, let us finish dinner with a light, delicate dessert, as it could be our lovely pear croustillant, prune and armagnac to go along a glass of aromatic Moscato d’Asti!”

Thank you, Davide Santeramo, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Davide Santeramo. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.