Inside look: Judging an int’l wine competition
This is for all those who believe that I have a cushy job. Well, I do, but it comes with its own share of responsibilities. Judging wines blind for a competition is quiet a task and has one main fear at…
Australian McGuigan Wines X Gigglewater
Curated an elegant, cosy evening with McGuigan Wines. Based out of Hunter Valley in Australia, McGuigan is among the world’s most awarded wineries including ‘International Winemaker of the Year’ an unprecedented 4 times. The Black Label Shiraz (the most selling…
Gigglewater’s Festive Gift Guide
It’s that time of the year again when the dry fruits and silver bowls come rolling in. I’ve been gifted enough almonds and raisins to last a lifetime. It really wouldn’t hurt to switch up our gifts a little. So…
VIDEO: Great imported red wines < Rs.2000
‘What wine can I buy to drink at home? Nothing too expensive’, ‘I’m going to a party, tell me a wine I can carry?’, ‘It’s a friend’s birthday, he likes reds, what wine can I buy him?’ … these, and umpteen…
The Brave New Face of Indian wines
Even while some Indian wineries are still working towards understanding viticulture and perfecting their winemaking, there are others that are experimenting with grapes, vinification styles, and techniques. It isn’t about creating the most iconic wine, that’s something only time will…
Nine Gems at Fratelli’s ‘Taste of the World’
Apart from being one of the most bankable wine producers in India, Fratelli also runs an import arm which brings in wines from around the world. Their annual ‘Taste of the World’ event introduces trade-folk to the latest in their portfolio….
The Hunt for India’s Best Sommelier
When sommelier Magandeep Singh started working with wine in India, he was sometimes mistaken for being Somalian. Cut to 12 years later and now when he introduces himself as a professional wine taster, the response often is ‘Oh! You’re a Sommelier.’…
Grover’s pride: INSIGNIA
I spent the weekend in Bangalore at the Grover Zampa winery to attend the launch of their latest wine – INSIGNIA, which by all accounts is the most premium wine in India today. Made by winemaker, Karishma Grover, Insignia is…
Video: The Best Indian Red Wines
I’m often asked to suggest quality Indian red wines and so here’s a list that covers the best of the lot. I hope this guide helps with all your future wine buying escapades and party capers. A little caveat: the…
A Sip In Time
A couple of months ago Verve India asked me to recount a few of my most memorable glasses in my travels so far. It was a beautiful exercise to reminisce about all the lovely elixirs I’ve shared with beloved friends, family, and colleagues….
Why you should be a #Winelover
If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram you’ve probably noticed a lot of my posts end with the hashtag #winelover. For those of you who don’t know why, let me introduce you to the Winelover community. It’s a…
Video: Bubblies for the festive season
I love my bubblies and their uncanny knack for disappearing from my glass so quickly. There’s just something about sparkling wine, don’t you think? The minute you say bubbly you think celebration. And with a slew of festivities approaching –…
VIDEO: 5 ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR WINE VOCAB
Tannins, Vintage, Terroir, Rosé, and Varietal – 5 words that should be part of your wine vocabulary. Learn how to use them in two and a half minutes. And leave me suggestions for other words you are curious about.
VIDEO: 4 steps to tasting wine like a pro
Being in a room surrounded by wine snobs can be intimidating. The first step to tasting like a pro is looking the part. Here are 4 simple steps that’ll get you there.
Why bother with the 4 Ss of wine tasting?
It’s been a while since I did a wine post for beginners and so here we are, back tracking a bit to see what the art or science, if you want to call it that, of wine tasting is all…