Name:
Paolo Saccone
I am:
Head Sommelier, Mimi’s
What inspired me to become a sommelier:
In my teens I was working as a pizza chef in the evening and studying hospitality during the day in Milan. It included attending Sommelier lessons with Giuseppe Vaccarini. This is where I discovered my passion to distinguish flavours and fragrances with confidence as well as my love for food and wine matching. My hunger for knowledge and travel brought me closer to wine and to discover the Sommelier world.
What I love about my profession:
The fact that a guest leaves the wine choice in your hands, for me, is the most exciting thing. Once they taste it, the reaction when they look at you and say ‘That’s amazing I have never tasted something like this’ with the smile on their faces, this is what I love the most.
My greatest professional achievement is:
My greatest professional achievement is gaining the Court of Master Sommelier Advanced Certification and placing N.2 in Italy in the Best Sommelier Competition in 2018 run by ASPI.
My favourite food and beverage match is:
I’m a big lover of the Nebbiolo grape and I have always loved Barolo. It is a perfect match with truffle and local dishes from Piedmont.
What I hope to get out of competing in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020…
I hope to get through this competition to be able to participate in the 2021 Best Sommelier of Asia and Oceania representing Australia. It is important for me to continue staying motivated, and relevant by competing.
 

 

Paolo’s position in the Best Sommelier of Australia 2020 Top 12 is proudly sponsored by Voyager Estate.