Copa Jerez, which sees teams of chefs and sommeliers build dishes and pairings around Sherry, has announced the judges for its UK finals.
The judges for the Copa Jerez 2021 UK finals are wine writer Sarah Jane Evens MW, who will chair the judging panel, Matthieu Longuere MS, wine director at Le Cordon Bleu London, and chef Anna Haugh, owner of Myrtle Restaurant in London.
The ninth edition of the bi-annual event will once again see teams of chefs and sommeliers from across the UK devise a three-course meal which complements and showcases the versatility of Sherry.
The finals will take place at Cord Restaurant by Le Cordon Bleu in London on Monday 17 May.
The only proviso for teams is that Sherry must feature as the paired wine for each course and as an ingredient in at least one course.
Winners of the UK final will receive a £500 prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Jerez to compete in the international final against teams from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, the United States and Spain.
Commenting on the competition, judge chair Sarah Jane Evans MW, said: “The Copa Jerez is a sensational event – for judges and contestants. The final takes place in the heart of the glorious old city of Jerez. This means there’s the chance to visit a bodega and enjoy a tapa with a glass of Sherry in between the hard work. As such it has to be the most fun destination of any sommelier competition.”
“One of the pleasures of the international final is the way it celebrates the diversity of Sherry. Whatever the course, or ingredient, there’s a Sherry style to match. Copa Jerez acts like a reset or jump-start: it’s a whole new way of looking at the wine, and raises the game.”
Read more:
