Anders Enkvist | anders@sommibiza.com
They say once you have experienced the magic of Ibiza, the island will always pull you back in. And SOMM Wine Shop & Distribution owner Anders Enkvist’s story is a near-perfect example of this popular adage.
Visiting for the first time in 1989, Anders witnessed the glory days of Acid House and the emergence of the world-famous Balearic sound on the island. Such was the impact of this trip that, back at home, he immersed himself into the Swedish electronic music scene, starting a 20-year DJ career that saw him touring all over the world. A true foodie at heart, frequent gigs in Paris encouraged Anders to explore France’s renowned wine regions - and it was there that he discovered his appreciation of fine grapes.
Deciding to focus on his growing passion for wine, in 2006 Anders enrolled in the sommelier program at the University of Culinary Arts in Sweden. There, he was trained by some of the leading names in the Swedish hospitality industry including 2007 Sommelier World Champion, Andreas Larsson. Studying alongside another former world champion, Arvid Rosengren, it was an inspiring time. Anders further honed his skills by working at several highly awarded restaurants in his hometown, Gothenburg, and graduated in 2008 with a prestigious Penfolds Scholarship to his name.
After working for some of Sweden’s leading import and distribution companies, Anders accepted a job offer in the Maldives that can only be described as every wine lover’s wildest dream! As Key Account Manager and Corporate Sommelier for fine wine distributor Navean, he spent 2.5 years hopping between tiny tropical islands and European vineyards. Joining Decanter Wine Holdings, he was transferred to Sri Lanka to help develop the new market that had opened after the end of the civil war.
Despite his success in Asia, Ibiza remained on Anders’ mind. Using his holidays to revisit the island, he witnessed the culinary scene gain momentum thanks to an influx of luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. The idea for SOMM was born…
With a little black book full of valuable connections, Anders began to curate a varied and unique offering for both distribution and retail. The cosmopolitan village of Santa Gertrudis - already an established foodie hotspot - was the natural choice for becoming SOMM’s island base.
Photo: Danyel Van Kleef
Cruz Liljegren
Cruz Liljegren has been Anders Enkvists right hand in this project since it’s inception. Cruz started his wine career in 2007 selling the then hyped 2005 Bordeaux vintage as a wine shop clerk in Stockholm, Sweden. Cruz has a 36 months long Sommelier education under his belt and also lived a year in Burgundy to learn the intricacies of the wine business. To this day the wines of Burgundy holds a special place in his heart.
Cruz completed his Masters degree in Wine Business in 2014 from the university of Dijon. His latest job in the wine business prior to SOMM Ibiza was as Head Sommelier at Niyama, a five star resort in the Maldives. This was also where he met Anders for the first time. Due to the fact that Cruz held a position as Wine Writer (covering the wines of Spain) for a wine magazine he has built up a condensible contact net over his more than 150 winey visits across Spain. His winery connections built up in his wine brokerage `Iberian Aesthetics´ has been of key importance in building the SOMM portfolio of wineries.
HOW WE SELECT OUR WINES
At SOMM we pick our wine producers with the outmost of care. We see ourselves as a talent scout in wines, hand selecting the very finest we know. All the wines we work with are chosen by a team of sommeliers and expert consultants. Together we have more than 20 years of experience in the world of wine.
In the last 20 years many things have changed in the wine world. Brands that was once important are now forgotten. Classic wine regions have found competition from newer areas. Natural wines are increasing in popularity and reputation. Among the most significant changes is the effect of global warming on our vineyards. Too much heat during the growing season and you end up with wines that taste cooked, with little freshness and high alcohols. This is not the type of wines we sell.
At SOMM we like to look towards the future and have already started to isolate what vineyards is benefiting from increasing temperatures. The global average shows that the 13 first years of the millennium where among the 14 hottest since measuring started. This puts pressure on warm wine making countries such as Spain. As a general rule (according to our own measurements) the temperature in Spanish vineyards is decreasing with 0,6 degrees per 100 meters increase in elevation.
Therefore we have actively search out wines that come from altitudes of 650-1000 meters above sea level. We have noticed that the cold nights at these altitudes conserve the important acidity in the grapes. As a result our wines have a freshness and intensity of flavour that is uncommon in wines from warmer regions. The strong ultraviolet light at high altitudes also has a a positive impact on the polyphenols in the grape skins, giving smoother tannins as a result. Finally the stronger winds decrease problems with mould and pests making organic viticulture easy.
Growing vines on high altitude vineyards is nothing new. The thin soils on higher altitudes gives wines with more concentration and flavour. The Romans discovered it more that 2000 years ago, the Cistercians monks in Burgundy made it a central in their wine making philosophy. In the booming years after WW2 more and more vineyard where planted in flat fertile soils to maximise yields, this was detrimental to wine quality. The major wine trend of our times is that we are drinking less, but better. Quality over quantity is once again a priority for many consumers. At SOMM we champion high altitude wines as a response to this trend. We promise that you will taste the difference.
/ Anders Enkvist and team
OPENING HOURS:
MONDAY - SATURDAY
10.00 - 14.00
16.00 - 19.00
Carrer Venda de Llatzer 9, 07814, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Ibiza
(Behind Wild Beets | Detrás de Wild Beets)
Shop: +34 971 197 213
Email: info@sommibiza.com