Interview With A Sommelier – Marius Dumitru

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, Lombardy, Italy, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, his name is Marius Dumitru, let’s find out about his life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“My name is Marius, I am 35 years old, I have been working in the restaurant industry since I was 16 years old and my passion for the world of wine has always been relevant. Like many others, I started from the most humble roles and slowly improved myself by studying, traveling and taking professional courses.

Over time I have achieved important results in my career such as having won a Michelin star and later having confirmed it in other places and I have recently been included among the 50 best sommeliers in Italian catering.

Also this year I became a sake sommelier with the internationally recognized SSA (Sake Sommelier Association) Obviously, these awards are just an input to continue studying and improving oneself.”

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

“My first experience with sparkling wine was many years ago, when I still didn’t know anything about wine. It was not a good experience, it was a low quality wine and the impact was not the best. Over time, having had teachers by my side, they made me passionate and today I can’t imagine starting a meal without a glass of sparkling wine.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I was working in a place where there were a lot of wines, but I didn’t know them, I didn’t drink them and so I started to ask my manager to tell me about them and explain them to me so that I could better advise the customers.

The answer was negative and he told me that I had to do it myself, so I committed myself and I delved into an incredible subject that made me discover flavors, places and history.”

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

“Clientele needs to be guided, especially in front of impressive wine lists, and that storytelling is the most important part. The customer is not interested in the PH of the soil, the exposure of the vineyard, I know whether or not a wine has made malolactic fermentation. The customer has to take home a story and we sommeliers are, as I always say, that Sing wine story.”

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

“I risk being obvious but Champagne has an extraordinary charm on me, it always strikes me how each grape variety changes according to the type of soil it touches, how a blend or a late disgorgement can change a product.

I expect interesting things from England, given the similarity of the land with Champagne, we’ll see.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“As I often tell those who work with me, being a sommelier is not just about getting to know grape varieties, areas and techniques. But traveling, making connections with people, understanding the essence of a place and transferring it to others. It is a job that opens the mind to new possibilities and creativity.”

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

“I have always shared the best wines within the family during dinners or lunches. There’s no better place to drink great wines than with family or close friends.”

Thank you, Marius Dumitru, 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 Marius Dumitru. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.