Sommelier of the Month (UK): Michael Trenga
July's Sommelier of the Month
Our Sommelier of the Month for July 2018 is Michael Trenga, Head Sommelier at The Waterside Inn. Michael has very kindly answered a selection of questions which are below along with his response.
How did you get into the wine industry?
My step dad was the Executive Chef at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, my mum also worked at The Carlton in the house keeping department and my brother is a pastry chef so it was natural for me to work in the hospitality industry.
Why do you enjoy using Riedel glassware within your restaurant?
To me, there is nothing better than Riedel when it comes to glassware!
What reactions do you get from customers when you serve their wines in different varietal specific glasses?
They definitely think that they are in for a treat. A lot of our customers know their wines so they expect and appreciate that we use the right glass for the wine they choose.
Have your guests been impressed with our new range of Performance stemware?
Absolutely, their reaction was immediate, these glasses are la crème de la crème, they are so elegant and they allow the wine to breathe so nicely!
What has been your greatest wine experience to date?
It was back in 2011, I and my wife drank a bottle of Cheval Blanc 1961, the wine was 50 years old then. It was just magic, the wine was still very fresh and fruity and the tannins were so silky, it was truly out this world!
What has been your biggest wine faux pas?
It was back in the 90’s and I was working at The Canteen Restaurant in Chelsea harbour, it was owned by the actor Sir Michael Caine.
On that day, I opened a bottle of Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot, the bottle slipped off my hand, it fell flat on the floor and splashed rather ferociously all the guest around! Probably the most embarrassing moment of all my career!