In a recent Q&A with Yohann Jousselin, Head of Fine Wine at Kerry Wines and judge for the China Wine Competition, he offered a refined, structure-driven perspective on how he evaluates wines emphasizing balance, sourcing, and alignment with consumer preferences. As a judge for the China Wine Competition, Yohann brings a wealth of insight shaped by decades of experience. 

Can you tell us a bit about your journey in the wine world? What initially sparked your passion for wine?

Originally from the Loire Valley in France, I embarked on my wine journey at a young age. My commitment to learning and dedication to the craft led to some early milestones—I was awarded World Young Sommelier of the Year in 2009, and then Best Sommelier of England in 2011. At 25, I earned my Master Sommelier diploma, one of the youngest to do so at the time.

In 2013, I moved to Asia to work at Robuchon au Dôme in Macau, managing the world’s largest restaurant wine collection. The following year, I took on the wine program for the Shangri-La Group across South Asia, leading to over 80 recognitions, including Best Wine List of Asia four times. After a year in Sydney as Group Sommelier for Merivale, I returned to Hong Kong in 2023 to join Kerry Wines as Head of Fine Wine.

Are there particular wine styles, varietals, or regions that you are passionate about?

I’m always open to trying wines I’ve never encountered before. That said, the wines I drink most often come from Bordeaux and Burgundy, mostly due to where I’m based. Those regions offer incredible depth and diversity.

What key factors do you consider when selecting a fine wine for your portfolio?

The overall balance and structure during tasting are key for me. But in today’s market, pricing is extremely important, especially when sourcing older wines. The provenance—where and how the wine has been stored—is also a major factor when curating a top-end portfolio.

What role do trends such as sustainability, organic wine production, and natural wines play in your buying decisions?

We certainly look at these aspects, but they’re not major decision drivers for us. Quality and alignment with our customer expectations still take priority in most cases.

How do you approach tasting a wine and evaluating its quality? Are there any particular aspects that tend to stand out to you?

For me, it’s about structure, balance, and precision, along with the wine’s aromatic character and whether its profile reflects its origin. That said, evaluating quality is highly context-specific—it depends a lot on the price point we’re targeting.

What current trends in the global wine industry do you find most exciting or promising?

We’ve seen a strong and growing trend year on year toward smaller, boutique producers from Champagne. These houses are delivering incredible quality and are being increasingly recognized by collectors and drinkers alike.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the wine industry as a sommelier?

It’s an amazing journey if it’s driven the right way. I always encourage junior sommeliers to attend as many tastings as possible, visit estates, and team up with people who share your passion. Surrounding yourself with the right mentors and peers can keep your learning curve sharp. It’s a fantastic role within the F&B world and can lead to stunning opportunities across your career.

Conclusion:

Yohann Jousselin MS brings invaluable expertise and a deeply analytical approach to his role as a judge at the China Wine Competition. His emphasis on structure, provenance, and consumer relevance aligns seamlessly with the competition’s mission to evaluate wines not just by quality, but also by value and market appeal. Yohann’s global perspective and experience in both Western and Asian wine markets enhance the depth and credibility of the judging panel. His involvement reinforces the China Wine Competition's commitment to recognizing wines that truly resonate with both modern consumers and industry professionals.

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