After 193 years or being the beverage of choice for the elites, fashion folks, French or francophiles, and really, anybody who just wants to drink crisp mineral water, evian has finally launched sparkling water. However, far from being something simple, evian Sparkling prides itself in its delicate effervescence and a clean mineral aftertaste — in short, not too bubbly lest you bloat or salty that stuns the palette.
Here, Mohamad Fazil (an award-winning sommelier, fyi) takes us through what makes evian Sparkling that damn delicious. Hint: it’s so good that even 1-GROUP’s concepts stock it.
Hi Fazil, how’s it going?
I am well and excited that things are getting back to normal in Singapore!
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For first-time interviewees, I usually like to ask them to pitch themselves in 10 words or less so if you could humour me.
A sommelier who loves to dance and crack stupid jokes!
What actually makes a good sommelier in your opinion? I’m assuming it’s equal parts cache and charm…
Humility is by far the biggest part of a good sommelier apart from the knowledge and ability to present. Paying it forward for the industry is also something a good sommelier should strive to do. The past two years have been difficult, and some people have lost their jobs, hence looking out for each other is very important.
Elevating the most elegant dishes and even revealing the notes of complex wine bouquets, evian Sparkling is sold in 330ml or 750ml glass bottles.
So you dabble in wines but…you’re doing something for evian…
Yes! When evian reached out to me to taste their new sparkling water, I had to take on the opportunity to represent the internationally recognised brand and test my skills outside of the wine world. Surprisingly, some people did not know that evian has always been a still water since 1826.
evian has prided itself on the untouched water they bottle from the French Alps. It starts as snow and rain and travels for fifteen years through layers of glacial rocks where it becomes naturally filtered and enriched with a unique blend of naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes.
This year, evian is finally “Now with Sparkles” with the launch of their sparkling water. With its unique mineral composition, and low levels of sodium that makes it a soft, delicate, and refined sparkling water, this was an opportunity for me to be part of their new chapter.
How does evian Sparkling become something more than just sparkling water?
Yes, although some may say sparkling water is just water with bubbles, there’s more to it than meets the eye (or mouth). Water has texture, weight, mineral content, mouthfeel, and finish, so it’s important to be selective when choosing the type of water to accompany your meal. Some waters pair better with heavier food versus lighter food based on their mineral composition and taste profile. Furthermore, the added textural element of sparkling water also makes it more complex.
You can say that evian Sparkling pairs perfectly with plates with sophisticated aromas, delicately seasoned dishes, and complex wines.
A quick Google search has led me to the discovery that there’s such a thing as a white wine spritzer. Can you recommend some to drink with evian Sparkling then?
There are many drinks that can pair with evian Sparkling because of its versatility as a neutral beverage as well as the refreshing, crisp, and pure taste it offers. Try experimenting to make an Aperol Spritz, or pair botanical gins with lime and sparkling water, whiskeys for a refreshing highball, or mix and match vodka with fresh juices like watermelon.
Anything that requires a base of carbonated water can be elevated by the refined bubbles found in evian sparkling!
Apparently, you’ve been exposed to the different variations of water too during your sommelier training. Is there some kind of funny story you have?
In 2014 when I won the title of the Best Sommelier at the Singapore National Sommelier Competition, there was a candidate who didn’t see the water jugs prepped for the practical exam due to his nervousness.
He went straight to the evian bottles and used them to fill his ice buckets instead. Everyone, including the judges had a good laugh after. That story is one we always talk about when we have sommelier gatherings and have a good laugh over.
Just out of curiosity again, how do you feel about orange wines?
Love it when it is well made i.e Lucy Margaux, Radikon, etc. Most are just jumping on the wagon to be called natural but it’s sometimes an excuse for bad winemaking. Choose your natural wine wisely.
Lastly, another question I like to ask a lot. Do you know the most played song on your Spotify last year?
Holiday by Scorpions!
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2022 issue!
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