Raymond Blanc's two Michelin-starred Manoir aux Quat' Saisons has won the European final of the Roussillon Dessert Trophy 2009.
Anne Coquelin, first commis pastry chef and 24-year-old assistant chef sommelier Thibaut Panas fought off tough competition from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Holland to take the crown with their creation of Manjari Chocolate Sable Breton with Black Provençal Fig dessert, matched with a biodynamic Rivesaltes Caricia 2005 from Domaine Gérard Gauby.
Now in its seventh year, the Wines of Roussillon Dessert Trophy tasks a sommelier and pastry chef team with the challenge of creating the perfect dessert - this year's theme was chocolate - and Roussillon Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) combination, choosing from AOC Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru, Maury, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Rivesaltes.
Points are awarded on the balance of the dessert and wine match, the quality of the explanation given on the pairing, the flavour combinations and originality and quality of the dessert.