Last week witnessed the final of the annual International Blind Wine Tasting Match, held at Maison Pol Roger. This year the Oxford University Blind Wine tasting team, who were victorious against Cambridge University in the 59^th annual match, faced tough competition against SKEMA LILLE, the French victors. Both teams had trained rigorously in preparation for the match all with the aim of achieving the highly coveted title of International Blind Wine Tasting Match winners.  

The match is held under strict exam conditions, teams are pared back to just three people and the wines are exclusively of French origin. Each contestant has just 40 minutes to taste, analyse and try to identify 6 white wines, including both sweet and dessert wines, followed by a short break for 20 minutes before a further 40 minute session with 6 red wines.

 This year proved to be the year of the Brits, with Oxford storming to victory. Ren Lim, who was the best taster at the Oxbridge match, once again proved his skill and was awarded the best taster for a second time.

The match was the finale of a wonderful trip out to Maison Pol Roger, where both teams enjoyed a tour of the cellars, vineyards and, most importantly, an excellent selection of Pol Roger champagnes.

Congratulations to the Oxford team; we are already looking forward to next year’s competition!

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