On October 2, 2021, the 20th Défi de Bacchus, the leading student tasting competition, was held in Lyon, organized by Sup’ de Coteaux, the oenology association of emlyon business school. Some fifteen teams made the trip.

Several new features were introduced for this special edition, including a spirits masterclass for participants, hosted by La Maison du Whisky the day before the competition, followed by a buffet featuring local products from Maison Cellerier. Another new feature of the competition is a sensory test in partnership with Editions Jean Lenoir, publishers of Le Nez du Vin, well known to industry professionals. The event closed with a lunch prepared by Anthony Bonnet, star chef at La Cour des Loges. The selection of wines served during the competition and the meal, covering a large part of the French vineyard, was particularly remarkable, thanks to the collaboration of many prestigious wineries. Participants were able to taste a Meursault 1er Cru from Vincent Girardin, a Condrieu parcellaire from Chapoutier, a Château Gazin 2005, a Château Rauzan Ségla 2001, a Château Margaux 2004, a Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru from Jospeph Drouhin, a Hermitage from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, a Château Léoville-Poyferré 2012 or Alsace Grands Crus from Kirrenbourg and Fernand Engel. Numerous other estates were partners, notably in the form of prizes offered to participants.

At the end of a perfectly mastered final pitch, in both form and content, to a jury comprising Mr Bernard Burstchy, Mrs Claire Sorine and chaired by Mr Frédéric Schaaf, the INSA Lyon team finally came out on top. Their prizes include a bottle of Château d’Yquem 2017, a Carillon d’Angelus , a Nuit Saint Georges 1er Cru from Maison Faiveley and a bottle of Château Montrose. The performance of the ENSTA team, which took second place, is also to be commended, as is that of all the participants, whose level impressed the jury. Each team went home with many bottles, their heads and palates filled with unforgettable memories.

This 20th edition was a flawless affair, both in terms of organization and the wines on offer. A big well done to Sup’ de Coteaux for the Défi de Bacchus, which once again establishes itself as one of the leading competitions on the student scene. The next edition is already long overdue.