Essi Avellani (born 1975/1976) is a Finnish sparkling wine expert, wine writer and wine competition judge.
In 2006, she became the first Finn to be awarded the qualification Master of Wine. [1] [2]
Avellani was born in 1975/1976. [3]
She holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration. [1] While studying for the degree, she became interested in wine working at a Finnish owned château in Bordeaux. [4] She is the editor of FINE magazine which she co-founded, releasing the first edition in March 2007. [1] [5] Since 2013, she has updated the Christie's World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine with Tom Stevenson. In his review of the 2019 edition, author Jamie Goode described Avellani's palate as "acclaimed," having a preference for purity and wine produced in an anaerobic environment. He notes she penalises wines with signs of oxidisation or "quirks." [6] Stevenson has described her as "the most naturally gifted Champagne taster I have seen." [7]
As of 2015 she had taught a popular wine tasting course in Tampere for eight years. [8]
Avellani has worked as a judge in the Decanter World Wine Awards, and since 2014 has been one of three judges in the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. [9] [10]
Essi Avellani (born 1975/1976) is a Finnish sparkling wine expert, wine writer and wine competition judge.
In 2006, she became the first Finn to be awarded the qualification Master of Wine. [1] [2]
Avellani was born in 1975/1976. [3]
She holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration. [1] While studying for the degree, she became interested in wine working at a Finnish owned château in Bordeaux. [4] She is the editor of FINE magazine which she co-founded, releasing the first edition in March 2007. [1] [5] Since 2013, she has updated the Christie's World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine with Tom Stevenson. In his review of the 2019 edition, author Jamie Goode described Avellani's palate as "acclaimed," having a preference for purity and wine produced in an anaerobic environment. He notes she penalises wines with signs of oxidisation or "quirks." [6] Stevenson has described her as "the most naturally gifted Champagne taster I have seen." [7]
As of 2015 she had taught a popular wine tasting course in Tampere for eight years. [8]
Avellani has worked as a judge in the Decanter World Wine Awards, and since 2014 has been one of three judges in the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. [9] [10]