The first Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Swiss wine competition, overseen by the Échanson Nadim Arfan, took place during the Soleure Chapitre organised by the Bailli Gilbert Ernst and his committee.

This competition was the result of a collaborative effort by all of Switzerland’s Vice-Échansons. The goal of this competition is to promote the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) and to honour winemakers and all their hard work.

The event was held at the Arte Hotel, where the Vice-Échansons met to blind taste a wine from each region. For this first event, the focus was on the “Pinot Noir” grape variety. The Vice-Échansons tasted wines from 10 different regions, scoring them on their colour, smell and taste.

The winner of the competition was announced during the Gala Evening held on the same day.
A tasting of the winning wine will be organised during the next Bailliage of Switzerland Chapitre, in the presence of its winemaker. At this event, they will receive a certificate, as well as OMGD and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs labels for their bottles.

This year, it was the Aargau region that won, with a Pinot Noir from Wehrli Weinbau AG (www.wehrli-weinbau.ch).

This new experience was hugely instructive for the Vice-Échansons, as well as being very popular with members of the Chaîne, which means that it will be returning.

The second event will take place during the Chapitre in Horn next year. This time Chardonnay will take centre stage for the competition.

Drink up, and vive la Chaîne!

Nadim Arfan
Échanson