Interview With A Sommelier – Raquel Egypto

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

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

“Whenever I am asked this question, I answer I don’t know (laughter). My parents taught me to eat meals according to etiquette, using glasses and appropriate cutlery for lunch and dinner. This universe informed me about drinks that are drunk in glasses. In the case of wines. This is how I accessed the magical universe of wine.”

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

“My first time with sparkling wine was on New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro in Copacabana. You know which one. I had French sparkling wine. Extremely dry, notes of brioche bread, buttery, creamy. Like all good, French sparkling wine.”

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

“What surprises me in this wine world is that the yeast, fermentation, along with terroir produce different aromas, flavors and wine experiences. Due to these factors such as terroir (sun, rain, wind), for example, Malbec from the Cahor region in France, is different from Argentine Malbec from the Mendoza region.”

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

“Not because I’m Brazilian, but because my country makes excellent sparkling wines. I really like sparkling wines from the south of Brazil, the Bento Gonçalves region, Nova Pádua and Champagne from France.”

What Advice Would You Give Inspiring Sommeliers?

“The advice I give to sommeliers is to try wines and sparkling wines from different regions and countries. Countries like South Africa have made very good wines. For example, the largest plantation of the Chenin Blanc grape is in South Africa. And there it is blended with Sauvignon Blanc to generate dry wines full of freshness.”

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

“The most memorable place I enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine was at a winery in southern Brazil, where I discovered a landscape with native trees called araucarias. So enjoyed dinner with a harmonizing landscape and sparkling wine.”

This Question was asked on behalf of Champagne Collectors – “What’s The Oldest Vintage Champagne You’ve Tasted?”

“The most vintage sparkling wine I had was a Veuve Clicquot. Wonderful. Barbe-Nicole Ponsardi, today known worldwide as Madame Clicquot or Widow Clicquot. More than centuries on the world market. Veuve Clicquot, entrepreneurial woman. She has my admiration.”

Thank you, Raquel, 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 Raquel Egypto. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.