Interview With A Sommelier – Noémie Favrat

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 woman from, France, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Noémie Favrat, let’s find out about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself & What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“My name is Noemie. I am originally from Evian-Les-Bains in France. I have been working as a sommelier for over 12 years now. I am currently studying for the Court of Masters.

In my last year at hospitality school, I decided to enrol for a Wine Club. I went once a month for a year. I learnt and tasted so much! We finally organised a trip to Beaujolais to celebrate the end of the classes. We spent a few days with winemakers in the vineyard. I loved it and decided to study wine the following year.”

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

“It was after a very busy service. All the sommelier team gathered up in the cellar. As I was a novice, the Head Sommelier gave me a glass and said “This Champagne, you must take your time to taste and appreciate it. You will remember it for a long time.” I took the glass and tasted it. It was amazing! After all this time, I still remember how this 1996 Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs blew my mind.”

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

“Working in a restaurant teaches you how to read your customers. It always amazes me how sometimes bringing an explanation or a story related to an estate, a winemaker, an appellation… can make people change their minds about a specific wine.

The most interesting fact about wine is it touches so many different subjects (history, geography, gastronomy…) that you never stop learning about it. In fact, the more you learn about wine, the less you know.”

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

“It’s the Bugey region very well known for its Bugey Cerdon. It’s a unique sweet sparkling rose made by Ancestral Method from Gamay grapes mainly. It has a special place in my heart because it was my Grandfather’s favourite sparkling wine.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“Wine can be intimidating when we start. Never compare yourself to somebody else. Trust yourself. It doesn’t matter how long it can take to achieve your goal, never give up.”

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

“2 years ago my husband and I were invited to a friend’s house in central London for a New Year’s Eve celebration. We popped a few bottles of Champagne on their rooftop for the occasion watching the fireworks.”

Additional Question asked by Champagne Collectors – What’s the Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?

“I was lucky enough to taste a 1969 Dom Pérignon. It was very complex and had hints of stone fruits, and preserved citrus fruits with subtle notes of brioche and caramel. The palate was bold with delicate bubbles and creamy texture.”

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

Photo Credit belongs to Noémie Favrat, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.