Announcing Winners of the Copa Jerez USA Finals

CONTEST
Written By Samantha Spiesman

Three chef-sommeliers from across the country competed for the title of USA Champion of the Copa Jerez National Finals. The winning team from Smyth will go on to compete in the International Finals in Jerez, Spain in 2023.

 

In a closely fought battle held in New York City on December 12 at The Institute of Culinary Education, the chef and sommelier team from Smyth took the 2022 title as the US winners of the national Copa Jerez competition. Widely acknowledged as the ultimate Sherry and food competition, Copa Jerez is held bi-annually and organized by the Sherry Council in Jerez de la Frontera.

USA Champions Executive Chef Luke Feltz and Wine Director Kevin Goldsmith of Smyth (Chicago) competed against two other teams: Chef Andrew Manning and Sommelier Grayum Vickers of Longoven (Richmond, VA) and Chef Taylor Stark and Sommelier Caroline Clark of The Wolf’s Tailor (Denver). The 2022 US winners will now represent the US and compete for the international title at the Grand Final in Jerez in October 2023.

 

From left to right, Senior Trade Commissioner Bruno Fernandez, 2022 Copa Jerez US Finals Winners Chef Luke Feltz & Sommelier Kevin Goldsmith (on the phone held by Christina Chang), of Smyth, And Director of Wines from Spain, Katrin Naelapaa

 

The three teams presented their pairings before a panel of five judges: 2021 USA Copa Jerez Winner Chef Nicolas Lopez of Mercado Little Spain, Wine Educator Scott Carney of Institute of Culinary Education, Chef Alex Raij of Txikito, La Vara, and Saint Julivert Fisherie, Wine Educator and Author Lucas Paya, and StarChefs’ Director of Media Erin Lettera. The winning menu and Sherry pairings:

First Course

Warmed Osetra Caviar, Preserved Green Almond, Walnut Oil paired with Emilio Hidalgo, La Panesa Especial Fino

Second Course

Lobster, Plum Pit, Amazake Chawanmushi paired with El Maestro Sierra Palo Cortado

Third Course

Roasted Potato Ice Cream, Quince, Raspberry paired with Osborne Pedro Ximenez Viejo Rare Sherry

 

2022 Copa Jerez US Finalists Chef Taylor Stark and Sommelier Caroline Clark of The Wolf’s Tailor

2022 Copa Jerez US Finalists Sommelier Grayum Vickers and Chef Andrew Manning of longoven

 
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Samantha Spiesman
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