New in the market: Chêne Grande Reserve 2010
Last night was the launch of a new red wine reserve from Grover Zampa Vineyards – the Chêne Grande Reserve 2010. The wine is a blend of Tempranillo (60%) and Syrah (40%) grapes grown on the slopes of the winery’s Igatpuri (in…
Chandon Estate – Now in India!
This has been a long time coming and it’s finally here. The world’s ‘go-to’ Champagne, Moët & Chandon, is listed right on top of the most prestigious wine lists around the world as also in India. So when you have…
Welcoming the SETTE 2010
A few days ago I was at a wine tasting different from the usual. I’ve come to hate any event that claims to be a ‘wine and food pairing’. In the many I’ve attended in Mumbai over the last few…
At the beginning: CMB 2013
As fancy as judging international wine competitions may sound, I’m now realizing that there’s a lot more to it than see-sip-spit. Tomorrow will be my first experience on the jury of an international wine award. The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles…
World Malbec Day
So it’s World Malbec Day today and I asked Sommelier Magandeep Singh for a quick introduction to the purple grape. Here it is: Malbec is one of my favourite grapes and I sincerely believe that it needs to find its…
Scotch Malt Whisky Society launch in India
Last week the well-known association for malt lovers, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society was launched in Mumbai. The SMWS was set up in 1983 and now operates in 19 countries with over 26,000 malt-loving members. Ashwin Deo (founder of Turning…
Mumbai Wine Fest 2013 Round up
The fourth edition of the Mumbai Wine Fest was held at Radio Club on the 5th and 6th of January. As far as ambiance goes, this wine fair on the pier takes the cake every year. When I entered late…
New in the market: Smirnoff Espresso
A new flavoured vodka was launched in Mumbai earlier this month – Smirnoff Espresso. I haven’t had a chance to taste it yet, but from what I’ve heard, most vodka drinkers have loved it. According to the brand, “Smirnoff Espresso…
Riedel’s Cobra Verde decanter in India
Riedel Crystal, the 250 year old European brand credited with revolutionizing wine specific glassware, has launched a new decanter. Christened the ‘Cobra Verde’, the new launch celebrates the 55th anniversary of the opening of the Riedel headquarters in Kufstein, Austria,…
Chivas Regal Limited Edition by Rohit Bal
A new limited edition Chivas Regal packaging was unveiled recently, this one the brainchild of fashion designer and Chivas brand ambassador, Rohit Bal. The pack has his signature motifs of the lotus and peacock, accentuating ‘the essence of the brand which stands for…
Armageddon: World’s Strongest Beer (for now)
It’s always fun to see brewers try to one-up each other in their efforts to brew ‘The World’s Strongest Beer’. A heady title, that, and the latest to claim it is ARMAGEDDON. Scottish Brewery Brewmeister’s Armageddon beer has an incredible…