ASK ALAIN
purveyor of fine wines

Alain Bras Biography
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ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES
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Lecturing on Wine for the past 20 years; amongst them for Wine Board
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The Best Sommelier in Ireland in 1996 & 1997
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Sopexa World’s Best Sommelier Competition finished 4th for Ireland in 1997
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The Sopexa Award for Best Sommelier of French Wines and Spirits
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The Jameson Best Wine List in 2000
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Sommelier of the Year in Ireland in 2001
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Woodford Bourne Most Stylish Sommelier of the Year 2003
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The Ruinart Best Sommelier in Ireland 2004
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Semi- Final Certified for Ireland “Best Sommelier in the World”
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Adare Manor, Adare, Co. Limerick as restaurant manager.
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“Sheen Falls Lodge”, Kenmare, Co. Kerry. Started as Restaurant
Manager and moved on to become Chef Sommelier
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Taught in the Shannon College of Catering and Management
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Lecturing for the Wine Board
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Competition in Athens, Greece, 2004


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How many different wines do you stock?About 1000 different wines.
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What is your favourite wine in the shop?I am not a creature of habits. I am constantly evolving and I am very curious. The classics are always a pleasure to re-visit... I love them all!
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Do you buy wine from private individuals?We import about 15% of our stock. We also buy from certified importers. We have an approved quality record.
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Do you organise events?We often travel for wine presentations, wine classes of all levels and seminars. This knowledge is shared at wine tasting events we hold here in Kenmare and world-wide.
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What is the oldest bottle of wine you stock?A 1958 Rivesaltes from the French Catalan region.
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What are your opening hours?From 8.30am until 6pm - 7 days a week in the summer and 6 days a week in the winter.