Winners Will Travel to Region in September 2019
New York, NY – <April 8, 2019> The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) announces the inaugural ‘Languedoc Wines National Sommelier Challenge’ for 2019. Challenge events will take place in four U.S. cities in early June and culminate in a trip to the region for winners of the Challenge, in September. Select cities include: New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. One winner from each event will participate in a trip to the region to further their knowledge and connection to Languedoc. More information on the Challenge, and registration, can be found at https://languedocadventure.com/events/national-sommelier-challenge-2019/.
The CIVL has established this Challenge in recognition of the importance of education to the on-premise community, and its effect on sales and placements for the category. The Challenge will test knowledge of the region and its wines through a written exam and a blind tasting portion. The events will also offer an opportunity to taste Languedoc AOC wines currently available in each market.
“Through our activities in the U.S. market, we have heard sommeliers express a need for greater education on the Languedoc region; it is underrepresented in many recognized curricula”, says Miren de Lorgeril, President of the CIVL. “Languedoc wines have so many stories to tell and are well positioned for wine lists and by the glass offerings”, she continues. “The Languedoc Wines National Sommelier Challenge will cultivate ambassadors for the region and reward continued service excellence.”
Languedoc is the largest wine region in France offering an incredible diversity of wines and wine styles. The region is a leader in organic viticulture in France, accounting for over 30% of total production, as well as production of rosé wines. In fact, Languedoc surpasses Provence in volume of rosé wines produced. At the top end of the spectrum, the Crus du Languedoc wines represent the highest quality the region has to offer. Languedoc AOC wines have consistently shown exceptional growth in the U.S. market, further reinforcing the need for today’s sommeliers and buyers to have a strong understanding of this important category.
About the CIVL
The Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc (CIVL) is the trade council representing the entire AOP wine sector of Languedoc, as well as the IGP sector. It is responsible for organizing the promotion of Languedoc AOPs within France and in all export markets. The CIVL seeks to broaden the exposure of Languedoc wines in the United States to make the public aware of the quality, variety and incredible value they have to offer.
