Houston sommelier wins competition
David Keck, a recently ordained Master Sommelier, has assembled a dream team of young sommeliers at his wine bar, Camerata at Paulie’s. The latest accolade for the popular Montrose spot comes courtesy of Rachel DelRocco, the newly crowned Texsom Best Sommelier for 2016.
A 30-year-old New Jersey native who made her way to Houston via Austin’s vibrant food and wine scene, DelRocco triumphed in the 11-year-old Dallas-based competition, a featured part of what has become one of the country’s most respected gatherings of consumers, educators and industry professionals.
The 25 contestants from across the state were tested in theory, tasting skills and service in a competition designed to mirror the minefield Keck had to make his way through in May to become one of fewer than 250 Master Sommeliers worldwide.
“I didn’t feel 100 percent about any of the three parts,” said DelRocco, who celebrates her one-year anniversary at Camerata in September. “But it seems I did better on all of them than I thought I did. I was nervous all day but tried to stay as even keel as I could.”
Keck, who helps organize the competition but swore he couldn’t possibly have rigged it, was understandably delighted.
“Rachel embodies exactly what a sommelier should be,” he said. “She’s humble, kind, serviceoriented and works hard at her craft.”
The only previous champion from Houston was Kim Wallace, then at Brennan’s, who won the first Texsom competition in 2005.