Vienna, Austria
What to expect of 2018 vintage Austrian wines?

• A very hot year, with one of the earliest harvests in many decades.
• Higher alcohol content, less acidity
• A few minor hailstorms, almost no fungal diseases
• Anticipated harvest volume: 2.6 million hectolitres (compared with the fifteen-year mean volume of 2.4m hl)
• Niederösterreich/Wien: good volume, very good quality
• Burgenland: good volume, very good quality and the possibility of very fine red wines
• Steiermark: very good volume, very good quality

‘For the most part, Austria’s grapevines were able to withstand the enormous heat and lack of moisture that characterised the 2018 vegetation cycle. So we have a very early and very ripe vintage on our hands, one in which persistently high temperatures have led to consistently higher levels of alcohol and lower levels of acidity. Volume will in any event be just above average: we are looking forward to a harvest in the magnitude of some 2.6 million hectolitres’, declared Viticultural Association president Johannes Schmuckenschlager, in reference to the 2018 vintage, which will now reach its climax with one of the earliest harvests in decades. 

(Excerpt from a press release)

Mumbai, India
After being under development for a couple years, we are proud to officially announce the launch of the York Shiraz Viognier 2017. The York Shiraz Viognier is a new world style wine inspired from the blend commonly made in Cote Rotie in the Northern Rhone Valley. The two grape varieties have been co-fermented together along with the skins for 15 days to achieve flavour integration from the beginning of the process. Post alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine has been aged in French oak for 6 months to supplement the varietal fruit characters and structure of the wine. 
The blend of the two varieties is 90% Shiraz & 10% Viognier. The floral, spicy & peach flavours that are natural to the Viognier grape add a new dimension to the powerful & peppery Shiraz especially when fermented together. Apart from being an enjoyable drink on its own, this wine is particularly suited to Indian food.
This wine is priced at an MRP of Rs.750 in Maharashtra & Delhi. It will first be available at the Tasting Room at York Winery followed by release in rest of Maharashtra & Delhi in the coming month.
(Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Folonari wines from the house of Gruppo Italiano Vini were showcased over a relaxed lunch in Bandra. Mr Maurizio Bertacchini their Asia rep who was on the Indian market visit waxed eloquent about the wines and said, 
"Folonari was started  in 1825 and the focus was always to make some good quality wine at an affordable price" . The Pinot Grigio was refreshing and was a good start to the Sunday brunch. The Valpolicella and Pinot held forts and showed good value at their price points. 
Rikshit Parsan of Ace Beveragez the importer of Folonari ensured the glasses were full at all times and the afternoon  extended into early evening!
​(Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai, India
Austrian wines are not very known in India, the reasons are many however once you get a taste of Austrian wines, you wouldn't get enough. Recently Michael Moosbrugger of the iconic wine house Schloss Gobelsburg was in Mumbai to enthrall a select group on the wines from their estate.
Schloss Gobelsburg is the oldest winery in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history back to the 12th century. Since its establishment the winery has been one of the leading producers in the region and throughout Austria. Located in the Danube area 45 min west of Vienna, the winery’s most important varieties are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The estate was run by monks till 1994 before it was taken over by the Moosbruggers in 1996  and since then winery has grown manifolds. Michael who introduced the 'Dynamic celllar' or the 'cellar on wheels' concept was awarded by the Austrian Fine Wine Magazine ‘Falstaff’ ‘Winemaker of the year 2006’, In 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 the winery was awarded by the American ‘Wine & Spirits’ magazine as ‘Top 100 Winery of the year’.
The wines brought to India by Aspri Spirits showcased that evening included Domaine Gobelsburg Kamptal Gruner Veltliner, Schloss Gobelsburg Zweigelt and Schloss Gobelsburg Riesling. The evening was delightful with beautiful wines and conversations with Michael Moosbrugger.

Mumbai, India​
Wine enthusiasts of the city have a reason to rejoice as The Leela Mumbai gets the Great Indian Wine Buffet at Citrus.  This All – You – Can Drink Wine Buffet will feature over thirty Indian wine labels at a very special price of Rs 1090 ++ per person.   
On display will be a selection of some of the finest Indian wines from  esteemed wineries like  Grovers, York, Turning Point, Fratelli, Reveilo and Zampa. If you fancy red wine, take your pick from blends or single varietals  of Cabernet Sauvignon,  Shiraz,  Cabernet Franc , Merlot and the more obscure  Sangiovese and Nero D Avola. White wine lovers can choose from Viognier, Sangiovese Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Grillo and more. 
 
The promotion goes on till 30th September 2017 and is available 7 pm onward. 
( Excerpt from a press release)

Nashik, India
 York a family run winery is proud to officially announce the launch of the York Sparkling Rose Brut Vintage 2015. 'Its been years in the making but as with every other wine of York, we prefer to put our best foot forward and release a product without any compromises. And compromise we have not!' said the young winemaker and owner Kailash Gurnani.

The York Sparkling Rose is a 100% Shiraz sparkling wine. Made in the Traditional Method, this batch has been aged on lees for 18 months and 4 months on cork. A small component of the blend has been matured in oak barrels & it has a residual sugar of 10g/l. Being the first, its a small batch and vintage wine. This wine is priced at an MRP of Rs.1300 in Maharashtra. 'As always, we have stuck to our philosophy of providing the best possible value wine to our consumers in both price & quality.' added Gurnani

The wine will currently go on sale at the Tasting Room of the winery only. Mumbai launch will follow in a  months time whilst Delhi will have to wait.

Mumbai, India
Chandon India announces the launch of Délice – a new sparkling wine variant crafted at the brand’s state-of-the-art winery in Dindori, Nashik. Made with locally-sourced Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, Délice is an irreverent expression that is set to change the manner in which India enjoys its wines. Presenting a sweeter, flavourful taste-profile, Délice can be enjoyed straight up (chilled), on the rocks or with a slice of orange.
Speaking about the launch, Stéphane de Meurville – Managing Director, Moët Hennessy India said, “At Chandon India, our endeavour has been not only to gain share of heart, but also to introduce new consumers to the Chandon world. One way in which we will do this is by reaching out to consumers who currently shy away from the traditional Brut and Rose style of drinking. Délice is our next step towards consolidating this vision. While the Indian market loves its bubbles, there is still a strong affinity for sweeter drinks and cocktails. Délice is the result of 2 years of extensive research and development by our team of winemakers led by Gustavo Agostini. We are very proud of this new product from the house of Chandon India which we believe will resonate with the Indian consumer.”
Delice is available in Mumbai at Rs 1500 and soon will be available in Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru and Srilanka 

Excerpt from a press release

Nashik, India
The country’s most gorgeously situated Gourmet World Music Festival went several notches higher in its 10th edition! The event saw festival goers from across the country at a weekend to remember and this year was an even grander production with even more amazing memories.
The festival this year being a 3 day affair – adding Friday dedicated to Indian artists had also added one more stage – The ‘Tropical Stage’. Friday’s highlights were Nucleya at the Atmasphere Stage and Indian Ocean at the Amphitheatre Stage. Sula’s all new musician talent hunt competition “Rise and Shine” contest winner performed to a thrilled audience at the Tropical Stage.The Bloc Party from the UK made their India debut and rocked the Amphitheatre stage on Day 2, Saturday – while Loco & Jam from Germany performed to a haven of fest-goers at the Atmasphere Stage. The Tropical Stage highlight this day was Peter Schumann’s performance. Amphitheatre Sunday headliner – Infected Mushroom from Israel set the stage on fire! German Jan Blomqvist & Band created magic at the Atmasphere Stage located amidst the vineyards.

Another new addition to the festival this year was the ‘Globe in a Glass’ stall where fest-goers had the opportunity to meet and taste with the people behind various brands from the Sula Selections portfolio. The renowned wine profile Robert Joseph was attending the festival for the first time showcasing his brand Le Grand Noir. Brightening up the weekend even further was the SulaFest Bazaar with a selection of fun and funky items for sales.
Speaking about SulaFest 2017, Cecilia Oldne, Global Brand Ambassador and Vice President - Marketing, Sula says, “Cheers to 10 years! What a beautiful weekend and what an amazing crowd!  See you all next year!”
 ​

​JACOB'S CREEK, the iconic Australian wine brand and India’s highest selling imported wine has been voted Australia’s Most Trusted Wine Brand 2016 by Reader’s Digest in their annual Trusted Brands survey. For the past 16 years, the survey has investigated which brands in Australia have the best reputation among consumers.This year, JACOB'S CREEK has been awarded the winner of the Trusted Brands Survey in the Australian Wine Category, outranking competitors including Penfolds and Wolf Blass.

A well-established independent market research agency is commissioned by Reader’s Digest each year to survey a representative sample of people in Australia. The research investigates their most trusted brands in 65 categories of products and services across a wide range of industries, with over 2,400 people surveyed across Australia annually.Participants communicated what influences their buying decisions and which brands they believe consistently deliver on promises to satisfy their needs, make their lives easier and offer value for money.

Ben Bryant, Chief Winemaker, JACOB’S CREEK, said: “Our wines are crafted to be fresh, elegant and great-tasting with true varietal expression. Being awarded the Most Trusted Australian Wine Brand is testament to the fact that our wines can be trusted to deliver consistent, exceptional quality and we’re very pleased that this has been recognized independently.” 

Mumbai, India
​Sula Selections the import arm of Sula vineyards and the renowned wine clan, Hardys, are all set to, together, announce the launch of the William Hardy wine range in India, the Limestone Coast Chardonnay and the Langhorne Creek Shiraz.
For over 160 years, the Hardy family has been known for its expertise in winemaking world over. Pioneered in the family by William Hardy’s great grandfather, Thomas Hardy, throughout five generations and to this day, the Hardy family has maintained their passion as William remains actively involved in the business. William Hardy beamed, “The Hardys name is synonymous with South Australian winemaking, dating back to 1853, and we wanted this new range to recognise and celebrate the pivotal role the family has played in developing the premium wine regions of the state”.
On the occasion of the launch, Glenn McGrath, Australia’s celebrated cricketer and brand ambassador of Hardys Wines will tour India and launch the wines across Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.
The Limestone Coast Chardonnay and the Langhorne Creek Shiraz are priced in Maharashtra for Rs 2300 each for a 750 ml bottle.