Louis Latour Agencies

Gosset Matchmakers 2023 Finalists Announced

22 August 2023

Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition, now in its eighth year, is set to showcase the culinary and oenological prowess of the finalists as they vie for the coveted title of Gosset Matchmaker 2023. The live final event will take place on Monday September 18^th at Cord by Le Cordon Bleu in London, where five talented chef and sommelier teams will go head-to-head, creating gastronomic masterpieces that pair in perfect harmony with Gosset Grande Rosé, this year’s featured champagne.

This competition not only underscores the significance of wine and food pairing but also highlights the essential collaboration between sommeliers and chefs in creating unforgettable dining experiences. The finalists, carefully selected through a rigorous competition, all have less than five years of experience as a chef or sommelier, ensuring every team will have an equal chance to win. 

The shortlist for Gosset Matchmaker 2023 is truly impressive, with an even mix of five male and female participants and candidates from both London and beyond. The inclusion of two environmentally friendly restaurants, Rebel and Fallow, as well as L’Enclume which has a Michelin Green Star, also shows a commitment to culinary sustainability.

Finalists in no particular order:

• Matilda Tsappis (Sommelier) and Tom Tsappis (Chef) from Killecrankie House Hotel in Perthshire. Award-winning taking on a new culinary journey.
• Jordan Sutton (Sommelier) and Megan Montibert (Chef) from L’Enclume, Cumbria. A powerhouse duo from 3-star Michelin restaurant set to deliver an exceptional performance.
• Rosie Oswin (Sommelier) and Arron Hassan (Chef) from Rebel restaurant in Newcastle. This team brings with them diverse expertise and a fusion of culinary talents.
• Vlad Crisan (Sommelier) and Amjad (AJ) Shehata (chef) from the prestigious Ham Yard Hotel and the innovative Fallow Restaurant in London, this dynamic duo have united their distinct skills for a collaboration that promises innovation and excellence.
• Jiachen Lu (sommelier) and Gail Li (chef) from the renowned Dinings SW3 establishment, form a remarkable pair, with noteworthy achievements and aspirations that are set to leave an indelible mark on London’s vibrant culinary landscape. 

Matthieu Longuere MS, Wine Director at Le Cordon Bleu London, will be leading an esteemed panel of judges on the day, including Melody Wong, Director of Wine at The Peninsula London; Luciana Berry, Top Chef Brazil winner and a Le Cordon Bleu alumna; Bertrand Verduzier, Global Business Director at Champagne Gosset; and Will Oatley, Managing Director of Louis Latour Agencies. These experts will evaluate the chef’s dishes and wine pairings, considering innovation, teamwork, and their ability to think on their feet.

On top of creating their signature dish with the accompaniment of Gosset Grande Rosé, the finalists must also prepare an impromptu dish with a mystery ingredient, paired with a surprise Gosset Cuvée. This spontaneous challenge aims to highlight their skill in crafting flavours on the fly.

The prize awaiting the winning team is an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to Gosset's cellars in France and the title of Gosset Matchmaker 2023! At the winery, they will join Cellar Master team, Odilon de Varine and Gabrielle Malagu in sampling and blending wines.

 

2022: Sommelier Sotir Semini and Chef Julien Deschamps for Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

2021: Sommelier Matthew Davison and Chef Adam Eyre for Fischers Baslow Hall

2020: Sommelier Joshua Castle and Chef Myles Donaldson for Noble Rot

2019: Sommelier Oskars Mickans and Chef Piero Italiano for Heritage

2018: Sommelier Vanessa Majella Stoltz and Chef Ian Waller for Forest Side

2017: Sommelier Raphael Laurent Chef Ambra Papa for Petersham Nurseries

2016: Sommelier Elisa Marchini and Chef Riccardo Pozzobon for The Lanesborough