Economist turned oenophile gives tasting advice
People seeking to expand their appreciation of chateau Mouton Rothschild and Romanee-Conti may wish to heed the advice of the UK's first Amateur Sommelier of the Year.
Former Treasury economist Daniel Brown, 32, emerged victorious out of hundreds of hopefuls aiming for the Wine Guild of the UK's new award, Bloomberg reports.
The University of Bath graduate spent eight years at the Treasury and has served as a government advisor, but it is only now that he has been officially recognised for his taste in fine wine.
"A lot of people would feel daunted by the huge spectrum of geographies and grape varieties and producers," Mr Brown told the news provider.
"Frankly, you can pick up that knowledge over time. Much more important is understanding how to taste wine."
This involves developing a basic vocabulary for the pursuit and a technique in tasting - as well as finding a good merchant prepared to make recommendations, he said.
Mr Brown may well be turning his attention to California over the next week, where the 2010 World Cup of Wine is currently in full swing.