Meet Your Somm: Quentin Loisel

Leading the charge at The W Santiago, French sommelier Quentin Loisel moved to Chile two years ago. He is preparing to take the Court of Master Sommeliers certified exam in October. 

What was your last pairing recommendation?
Fifteen minutes ago, I paired mille-feuille with aniseed-infused pear pearls and vanilla ice-cream, with  Torres’ Nectaria Botrytis Riesling 2009, served in lab test tubes.

What did you drink last night?
Twelve-year-old Yellow Spot Irish whiskey, with five drops of water while studying maps of  South Africa’s vineyards.

What’s your favourite wine region?
Bordeaux, because I grew up there and the history of everything that happened there up until now – the Roman empire, the English kingdom, Dutch business and help, Irish families, Chinese investment – and it’s fascinating.

If not my own town, Jerez, because the process is genuine. I love the fact that the wines are so different between them and I believe that using adversity (oxidation) as a strength is a priceless life lesson.

What do you love most about your work?
Sharing moments, emotions and pleasure with customers.

What’s he best thing that ever happened to you as a somm?
Being invited to be at the wine service of an iconic Champagne tasting led by one of my gods/role models: Héctor Vergara MS.

If you were a wine, you’d be…
The one that’s the reason for long-time friends to have memories together and make new ones.