Print Hall is delighted to introduce Carles Aymerich, who has been appointed to the role of Head Sommelier.

Carles won the title of Best Sommelier of Spain in 2009, representing the country as one of 12 finalists the following year at the World’s Best Sommelier Competition, held in Santiago, Chile.

Carles has just arrived from Spain, where he held the position of Head Sommelier at El Celler De Can Roca – a family owned restaurant in Girona, Catalonia. The restaurant is currently sitting at No. 2 on the San Pellegrino and Aqua Panna Top 50 restaurants of the World list (2014), having reached the lauded No. 1 spot in 2013. Can Roca has been present on the list for almost a decade. Carles has worked at the acclaimed restaurant for seven years.

The restaurant was established in 1986, and is known for one of the most cosmopolitan wine lists in Spain – its 2,800 strong wine list is split in three and guarded closely – wheeled around the restaurant on trolleys and not permitted to leave the venue nor be published on the website.

In Barcelona, Carles taught at ESHOB (Escola Superior d’Hostaleria de Barcelona) and CETT (Escola d’Hosteleria i Turisme) on the subjects of wine and food pairing, wine service and international wine regions.

In 2014 Carles travelled twice to Mexico on behalf of the regulatory council of Ribera del Duero to lecture in gastronomic universities and promote the ancient and famous wine region.

Over 20 years in the industry has seen Carles move from bellboy to silver service waiter to Maitre’D and his experience in gastronomy extends to restaurants in Davos, Switzerland and London, UK, as well as upon the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth II.

Since 2003 he has focused on advancing in the role of sommelier. Throughout his many years of expertly pouring and pairing, he has acquired skills and experience beyond any qualifications, and is up there with the best sommeliers in the world.

Carles lives and breathes his profession, and is eager to absorb all there is to know about New World wines, starting with Print Hall’s impressive wine list. When he is not on the restaurant floor, Carles is constantly developing his palate, visiting wineries and industry events, writing for his wine blog, cooking and of course spending time with his wife and two children.

The Print Hall team is excited about the addition of such a well-versed professional to the award-winning dining room.