The society’s ninth international competition held in Copenhagen, which celebrates the expertise of young wine and spirit professionals throughout the world, also saw Jane Lopes from the US taking second place and Tanguy Martin from the Hotel Terravina in the New Forest in the UK coming third.

Finalists had to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in an hour-long written test on wine and production, a practical exhibition of service skills and finally a blind taste assessment of four wine varieties. The three top candidates then competed to show their skills in decanting, serving champagne, wine list correction and a quick fire test of knowledge.

Souliere impressed with the judges with his passion and understanding of flavour profiles, and he was particularly commended for his service skills which were described as “practically flawless”.

Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs UK, commented: “The outstanding calibre of our young sommeliers continues to leave us utterly inspired. Competitions such as these not only serve to improve understanding and appreciation of the dedication it requires to excel at this level, but also to remind us that such prowess can come to us at an incredibly young age.

“Talent like this should be nurtured appropriately – developing it is crucial to our industry. It is our hope that we can continue to help inspire and produce outstanding sommeliers who add so much to the front of house service in our finer restaurants.”

Souliere’s prize also includes €1,000, a Cordon Bleu wine scholarship, Laurent Perrier champagne and a champagne sabre.