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…
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….
Video: Foolproof mulled wine recipe
My fondest Christmas memories are of the family gathered around bountiful tables, exchanging gifts, humming carols and soaking in that heady merriment. Ah the Christmas spirit. Quite literally! So to keep the festivities going, here’s my foolproof recipe for mulled…
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.’…
Krosno Glassware
I have a thing for glassware. Not that I’m prissy about knocking it back from the bottle when the situation requires but I do appreciate a good glass to nurse at the end of my arm – the precision of its lip,…
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…
Douro Dreaming
There are certain wines I feel a strong affinity to and I can’t always explain why. Sometimes it’s been part of an experience I truly cherish, sometimes it’s because of people associated with it whom I love, at other time…
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…
Blue Wine in India?
So the latest wine trend to do the rounds on social media is blue wine. Other than that it clearly belongs to a party sequence of a Star Trek production, what else is there to know about it? The brand everyone’s…
Good news for Gurgaon
So the city has just been rechristened Gurugram. That’s not the good news. That’s terrible news and I sympathise. But if Gurugramites… Gurugramians… citizens of Gurugram (?) are looking for a silver lining to this dark cloud, this is it….
Inside the Chandon India Winery
There’s a new spot to hit up on your next trip to India’s wine country. Say hello to the Chandon India winery. You’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about considering we’ve all been drinking India-made Chandon for a few…
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….