Wines of Roussillon dessert competition calls for entries

Sommeliers entering the UK Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy are invited to choose a Roussillon VDN from their own wine list from the following appellations - the Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru, Maury, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Rivesaltes.

The dessert theme for this year's competition is dried fruit and/or honey and teams will have until August 31 to submit their entries.

Devised by the generic body for Wines of Roussillon (CIVR), winners will go on to compete in the Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy European Final, taking place at the Olivier Bajard École Internationale de Pâtisserie in Perpignan.

While in Perpignan for the European final, the victorious chef and sommelier from the UK heat will win a two or three-day trip to visit producers in the region, as well as receiving a selection of Roussillon wines.

Each member of the winning team of the European final will be awarded four cases of 12 bottles of VDN and a one-week stay for two in the Roussillon.

Eric Aracil, export manager at the CIVR in Perpignan, said: "Both roles require a high level of talent and dedication, and an understanding of the crucial dynamic which lies between front of house and the kitchen. It is a pleasure to recognise and reward those who are ambitious and imaginative within their industry, and given the wealth of world-class talent currently coming out of UK restaurants, we can expect to see some really interesting recipes and flavour combinations."

Email civr-focuspr@focuspr.co.uk to request a competition entry form.

• Sommeliers