In the cellar of… Angélique Taormina, head sommelier

By Laurence Gounel 

In this interview, Angélique Taormina, head sommelier and co-owner of the Restaurant Teritoria Ambroisie in Saint-Didier-de-la-Tour, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, reveals all the secrets of her wine cellar.

How did you become a sommelier?

Until 2007, my husband and I cooked together. We wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the dining experience, and when I took on that role, I naturally became interested in wine service. I studied grape varieties and I began to understand how wine could echo the flavours in our dishes. But it was my encounters with winemakers, and the conversations we shared, that truly guided me. I discovered that many of them were deeply thoughtful about how best to express and promote their terroir.

What is your philosophy on wine cellars?

My cellar is evolving, just like our kitchen with its blind menu. I inherited a fairly extensive wine list, featuring many old vintages. To balance it, I’ve added a selection of wines that are ready to drink now, wines that aren’t driven by trends. I also enjoy introducing little-known wines by the glass.

I’ve recently started developing an Italian wine list, which means a great deal to me. I also hope to dedicate part of the list to female winemakers. This takes time, as there are still very few, and their work is so refined that production is often limited. Finally, I’ve built a wonderful champagne list with around forty labels. Champagne was my first introduction to wine. I only feature bottles from independent producers, some of which pair beautifully with an entire meal.

What makes a good sommelier?

It’s someone who stays humble and listens, someone who engages in dialogue to understand their customer. That’s what I strive to do: understand who I’m speaking to, and how far I can go. I’m lucky to have a loyal clientele who trust me, and I’m committed to always surprising them. I want every visit to feel like a unique experience.

What is your best memory of being a sommelier?

The first time I was handed the wine list and told, “Choose whatever you like,” I took it as a sign of trust, respect, and affection. It gave me just enough confidence to feel legitimate. I selected some fine bottles and ” took a stroll” through the terroirs. And in the end, I experienced it all through their eyes…

A female winemaker who has impressed you?

One woman I can’t wait to meet is Dominique Hauvette, I love her wines. Based in the Alpilles, she crafted the 2017 Coraline vintage: a powerful wine, full of character and remarkable finesse. It’s like an iron fist in a velvet glove. The tannins are smooth, yet the wine has both depth and subtlety.

Discover Restaurant Ambroisie, a gem of the Teritoria community, where hospitality and commitment shine through in every dish. Located in Saint-Didier-de-la-Tour, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Ambroisie embodies the spirit of Teritoria, where gastronomy meets environmental respect, craftsmanship, and support for emerging talent. Join us for an unforgettable culinary experience that will rekindle your love for the world, and see why Teritoria is your guide to meaningful, sustainable, and discovery-rich hospitality.

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