Interview With A Sommelier – Felipe Motta

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 from Brazil, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Felipe Motta, let’s find out about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“I’ve been a Sommelier for approximately 10 years. I took over one of the Perim Supermarket Network’s cellars for 9 years, in Vila Velha in the State of Espírito Santo, ending the cycle this year. And I’m currently starting a new cycle at INOVE, a wine and spirits store in Praia da Costa/ES. I have always been curious about this comprehensive world of wines, in 2013 I took my first step by taking the wine course at Vitória Expo Vinhos, and between 2014 – 2020, I qualified in several courses, tastings and training, such as: course Professional Sommelier (Faculdade Novo Milênio), Wset level 1, Advanced courses at the Feira Expo Vinhos in almost every year, Training and tastings with Brazilian Sommeliers/enologists (Lídio Carraro, Pizzato, Aurora, Miolo, Pericó, Perini, Salton, Casa Valduga, Cave Geisse and Chandon).”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“It was at a friend’s wedding party, I don’t remember exactly what year it was, however, I tasted the Sparkling Cave Geisse Blanc de Blancs, using a traditional method and 100% Chardonnay, in Brazil, it is acclaimed as a beautiful sparkling wine by the metric of its quality. In the gallery of those I’ve tried, there are some Cavas, Proseccos and Champagnes, however, Brazilian sparkling wines are often part of my daily life.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“My passion began between 2011 and 2012, when I was still packing my purchases at the supermarket, talking to several people who passed by at the checkout and noticing a certain passion when they commented on this beloved drink, in addition to the tastings that took place in the aisle on Fridays, and observed the people who consumed the wines in an analytical and pleasurable way, expressing different sensations between them. That was when in 2013 I asked for the opportunity to join as an assistant to the Sommeliers at the time. Sometime later I left the company, and returned as a Sommelier there, which I assumed for the next 9 years.”

During Your Time As A Sommelier, What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learnt?

“One thing I learned, and which I consider very important in my professional development, was the ability to probe my client, managing to memorize the personal tastes of dozens of people. Of course, I try to implement new developments in the world of wine, always with the main objective of pleasing as much as possible, and receiving feedback that increases the accuracy of other services, building customer loyalty.”

What Sparkling Wine Producing Countries or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“I’m a big fan of Brazilian sparkling wines, it’s no wonder that it has been gaining international recognition and the production capacity and diversity have grown exponentially in recent years. The South of Brazil enjoys greater prominence, but the Northeast also gained its space.”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“In the company of my wife, we opened a Casa Valduga Brut Nature sparkling wine, it was our wedding anniversary and of course, it marked that happy moment.”

Thank you, Felipe, 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 Felipe Motta. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.