The 14th edition of the prestigious international wine competition - the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - was held in Maastricht between 29th April and 1st May this year.

Over 220 experts from around the world were invited to the NH Hoteles at the MECC centre.  For the first time and due to a large number of samples present, five tasters from the Czech Republic attended (in alphabetical order they were Helena Baker, John Baker, Lubos Barta, Ivana Kovarikova and Libor Sevcik).  Tastings took place over three days from 8.00 a.m. till about 1 p.m.  Each committee tastes approx 50 samples per day from Spiegelau glasses.  In addition three juries in a separate space evaluated spirits. As ever the service of the young sommeliers from the Hotel School Academy at Liege, Belgium was immaculate.  In the original competition in 1994 only 861 samples were recorded.  This time a total of 5735 wines and spirits were represented.  Even from still exotic locations like Phillipines, Bolivia, Barbados and Holland! 

Dinners were hosted by wines of Chile, Mexico, including pisco and tequila tastings, as well as ICEP and Amorim who presented Portuguese wines, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur and FEDEJEREZ who included a Sherry tasting.  Champagne Saint Gall, Acqua Panna mineral water and Amorim were the main partners.    

17 medals were awarded to the wines of the Czech Republic this year.