Contest Alert: #MyDevaux Champagne
I’m not one for diamonds and chocolate but Champagne I can rarely say no to. Champagne has been in the news a lot over the last few days. The region was recently confirmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now…
What are you doing this Negroni Week?
If you asked me for a list of my top 5 cocktails, the Negroni would be on it. There are many reasons why I love this classic Italian cocktail but perhaps the most relevant is that it is by far the…
Microbrew Mania in India
The funny thing about life is that nobody is happy with what they are. Street food wants to be upmarket, gastronomy desires demystification, wine craves friendliness, and beer, oh lovely beer, yearns complexity and nuance. For those of us partaking…
New in the market: York Sparkling Cuvée Brut
There’s a new bubbly in town folks. And this one’s from York. I’ve always liked the personality of York’s wines. Clean and well-made, they convey honesty and hard work. The Gurnani brothers – Kailash (winemaker) and Ravi, run the…
All Tapped Out!
Tomorrow (November 2nd) I hope all roads in Mumbai lead to Wodehouse Gymkhana which will host Tapped. If you don’t know what Tapped is or haven’t planned on visiting, shame on you. Tapped is Mumbai’s first craft beer festival. A…
New in the market: Myra Reserve Wines
It is always a treat to taste a wine for the first time. (Well, almost always.) There is suspense, apprehensions, expectations, and most of all, curiosity. I must admit that I’ve had my share of times when tasting Indian wines…
Barrel-Aged Cocktails: hit or miss?
My introduction to barrel-aged cocktails came early last year. The process, I was told, involved pre-mixing a cocktail in large quantities and ageing it in an oak barrel (like the ones used for whiskies and wine). Once out, the cocktails would…
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…
For a little sweet something
Looking to buy an Indian dessert wine? This might help. Most people may be inclined to think that it is easier to evaluate a dessert wine – to extract notes and nuances in something sweet –, but not too long…
Argentinean Malbecs with Wine Park
It is always a pleasure to be invited to a Wine Park tasting. It is often an opportunity to learn from and interact with wine makers and owners. On other occasions it breeds discussions on wine trends in the Indian…
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…
What’s Brewing in Mumbai?
I’ve been asking that question for long, and now there’s reason to be excited. As of a week ago, Mumbai’s first commercial craft brewers finally acquired permission to brew. How awesome is that! Get familiar with the trio behind the…
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…
Kala Ghoda Wine Festival 2013
A quick round up of what you need to know about the 3rd Kala Ghoda Wine Festival. When: Friday & Saturday – 8th and 9th February, 2013 What time: 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm Where: Royal Oaks Banquets, K. Dubash Marg,…