Merivale raises a glass to Master Sommelier Franck Moreau
05.12.2011
Merivale’s group sommelier Franck Moreau has become one of the first Australians to be awarded the ‘Master Sommelier’ title, the highest internationally recognised accolade for sommeliers.
Only 192 sommeliers around the world are recognised as Master Sommeliers. The qualification process involves the infamous Master Sommelier Diploma Exam which is undertaken in three sections: taste, theory, and practical service. Sommeliers must receive passing scores in each category to earn the title of Master Sommelier.
The prestigious accolade means that Franck will now have the letters ‘MS’ at the end of his professional title and is a clear indication to customers and the industry that he has reached the highest level of proficiency in wine knowledge officially attainable.
Commenting on the accolade, Franck said: “I’m very proud to be awarded the Master Sommelier title. To be grouped with the best of the best in the industry is very humbling. I am excited to share my knowledge with my staff and customers and to assist others who are working toward this prestigious title.”
Franck was awarded ‘Sommelier of the Year’ at the 2010 SMH Good Food Guide Awards and by Australia’s Gourmet Traveller in 2011. In addition, Franck competed and won the inaugural ‘Best Sommelier of Australia’ in October, meaning he will go on to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific competition in South Korea in May 2012.
Hailing from Mâcon in France’s Burgundy region, Franck has been with Merivale since 2005, overseeing wine service for Merivale Group’s extensive restaurant and bar portfolio including three hatted est. as well as Felix and Uccello, both one hat restaurants. He is also responsible for sourcing new suppliers, importing exclusive wine from Europe for Merivale restaurants and developing staff training programs for the group, including wine and spirit service. He oversees the group’s wine lists and imparts his comprehensive wine knowledge to Merivale’s team of top sommeliers.
-ENDS-
For further media information or images contact PR Manager, Merivale 02 9240 3000.
About Merivale
Originally a fashion house, Merivale, owned by the Hemmes family has been established in Australia for over 45 years. The Hemmes family are developing and operating pioneers within the hospitality industry, owning a portfolio of restaurants, bars, pubs and hotels in Sydney. Justin Hemmes is the Chief Executive Officer of Merivale.