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Bibendum's Bruno Murciano wins Spain's national 'Sommelier of the Year 2008' title - 30/10/2008

On Wednesday 22nd October, after the most gruelling of competitions in Malaga, Bibendum's own Bruno Murciano was named Spain's Sommelier of the Year. This follows up the second place he achieved last year and confirms him as one of Spanish wine's hottest young prospects.

Much like the FA Cup, the national final was the culmination of a long and wide-ranging process, starting with 300 hopefuls several months ago. The three day event started off with a blind tasting test, service tasks and a long written paper on the world of gastronomy, covering topics such as history, olive oil, salt, meat, and of course wine.

The following day, the 17 national finalists were whittled down to 3 grand finalists in front of a packed auditorium and were presented with their final 30 minute challenge. Now just try and get your head around all this:

- Commented blind tasting of 2 wines (5 mins)

- Recognition of 5 products in a blind tasting (5 mins)

- Carte Erronee (wine list mistakes) of 12 wines (5 mins)

- Service of a table of 6 customers with food and wine matching and service of a sparkling wine (10 mins)

- Decanting and service of a red wine (5 mins)

With all the coolness of Fernando Torres, Bruno stepped up and fired home. "The theory test was very hard but the practical was a pleasure. It was a great experience to be up there in front of a big crowd and against the clock. Tiring though too!"

An illustrious judging panel comprising members of the Worldwide Sommelier Association, journalists and top chefs placed Bruno at the top of a list representing more Michelin stars than you can shake a ladle at (Celler Can Roca 2*, Atrio 2*, Subijana 3* etc.). And the reward for all this? Bruno now moves forward to represent Spain in the 2009 European and 2010 World Championships. Is that a Mexican wave coming our way...?