Biraud will hold the title of France's top sommelier for two years, but his next target is to bag the world title, currently also held by a Frenchman.
"I hope to achieve this some day, but much later. I have a lot of work to do before then, a lot to learn," he said.
Technological changes and the appearance of new vineyards mean that Biraud needs to continuously hone his skills with wine tastings and regular visits to producers.
But the wines he most wants to taste still elude him, even though they are among the reds stashed in the Crillon's cellar: a Romanee-Conti 1959 worth 15,250 euros (US$13,280) and an equally rare Mouton Rothschild 1945 at 12,958 euros (US$11,280).
"They are both said to be absolutely exquisite. One day I would love to drink them," Biraud said.
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