Essi Avellan
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Essi Avellan (born 1975[1]) is a sparkling wine expert, wine writer and wine competition judge. In 2006, she became the first Finn to be awarded the qualification Master of Wine.[2][3]
Evallan became interested in wine while studying for a Master of Science degree in Business Administration,[2] when she worked at a Finnish owned château in Bordeaux.[4] She was the editor of FINE Champagne magazine between 2007 and 2019, releasing the first edition in March 2007.[2][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 Avellan'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] Avellan 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]