Who doesn't like a good deal and that too in India where taxation puts the wine prices to sky high. Here we discuss wines and brands which offer a good bet in the glass at a price point of 2000 Rs or under. Of course needless to say that there are enough examples of Indian wines which offer fantastic value, but this list if for those who are looking beyond local Indian wines. 

Bordeaux France Cap Royal Superior Rs 1900
Cabernet Sauvignon Chile Apaltagua, Gran Verano RS 1900
Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa MAN Family, OU KALANT Rs 1995
Grenache Syrah France  M Chapoutier Rs 1950
Malbec Argentina Argento Rs 1700
Malbec Argentina Michel Torino Rs 1995
Merlot Chile Monte Pacifico, rapel Valley Rs 1650
Merlot Chile  Maancura Etnia Rs 1795
Merlot Chile Carta Vieja limited release Rs 1896
Montepulciano Italy Pasqua, Abruzzo DOC Rs 1899
Nero D'Avola Italy Sensi Sicilu RS 1889
Pinotage South Africa Cape Elephant Rs 1500
Pinotage South Africa Cape Dreams Rs 1965
Pinot Noir France Le Grand Noir, Rs 1550
Pinot Noir Germany I Heart Rs 1750
Shiraz Australia  Wolf Blass Bilyara Rs 1975
Tempranillo Spain Casa El Unico Calatayud DO Rs 1800
Tempranillo Spain Campo Viejo Rioja Rs 2000

Tempranillo is the key red variety of Spain. Tinto Fino, Tinto Del Toro, Cencibel are  some other names the grape is called in Spain and Aragonez, Tinta Roriz in Portugal. Tempranillo (tem-pra-nee-yo) as a grape variety can make vibrant fruity wines with red fruit notes and can also make oaked wines which develop a tobacco, meaty complexity with age. Labelling terms Crianza, Reserva  & Gran Reserva indicate aging in oak in an ascending order.  
Key wine regions for Tempranillo
Spain is Tempranillo and Tempranillo is Spain, however it can also be found in many new world regions including examples from India. In Spain; Rioja, Ribera De Duero and Toro are the key areas but the grape can be found elsewhere including Catalunya, La Mancha etc. While Rioja is known for blending Tempranillo with Grenache and other permitted Grape varieties, Ribera is mostly 100% Tempranillo.

Brands of Tempranillo in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Ribera Del Duero
Portia, Ribera Del Duero Rs 3100
Finca Valdemacuco Roble Rs 3990
Bodegas La Horra, CORIMBO, Ribera Del Duero Rs  5989
Rioja 
Solar Viejo Rioja  Rs  1780
Campo Viejo Rs 2000
Conde Valdemar Rioja Rs  2290
Faustino Crianza Rioja Rs  2299
Viña Pomal Crianza, Rioja Rs 2500
Viña Pomal Reserva, Rioja Rs  3300
Faustino Crianza Rioja Rs  4299
Roda, Sela Rs 5350
Faustino Grand reserva Rs 5899
Roda, Reserva Rs  8173
Roda 1 Reserva Rs 13012
Toro 
Telmo Rodriguez Dehesa Gago DO Toro Rs 3630
Bodegas Maurodos, Prima, Toro Rs  4989
Bodegas Maurodos, San Romans, Toro Rs 11252
Others 
Santana Rs 1490
Finca Vieja La Mancha Rs 1695
Casa El Unico Calatayud DO Rs 1800
Finca Vieja Crianza La Mancha Rs 1895
Bodegas Mauro, Tudela Del Duero Rs ​ 10574

Prosecco is a sparkling wine made from the grape Glera. It is a refreshing and easy drinking style of bubbly available at different sugar levels from very dry to medium sweet styles. It is a sparkling which suits most palates and hence is the highest selling sparkling wine in the world. As per a an article published by Forbes last year, 2.5 Billion bottles are produced each year around the world of which 660 million come from Italy which puts it on top of the country table and of that 435 Million bottles are Prosecco. 
Prosecco from Australia? 
Prosecco DOC the regional classification was formed in 2009 , prior to this Prosecco was the name of the grape used to make the sparkling wine. Prosecco is made in the North Eastern part of Italy and is named after the region.  In 2009  after the DOC the new nomenclature of the grape was Glera however Prosecco as a grape was being grown outside Italy too, especially Australia for around two decades. Australia first planted in the grape in the 90s and were making sparkling wine which became popular leading to multiple brands of the same. Australia and Italy continue to be at loggerheads on this issue, so whilst Australian Prosecco won't be found selling in the European Union don't be surprised if you if find one in India! 

Brands of Prosecco in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Just Roberto Rs 1850
Treviso Rs 1959
Bolla  Rs 2100
Martini Rs 2300 
Cavicchioli Extra Dry Rs 2500
Zonin,  Special Cuvee Brut Rs 2500
Torresella Extra Dry Rs 2500
Luna Argenta Rs 2700
Villa Sandi Asolo Superiore DOCG Rs 2780
Villa Callapiano Rs 2799
Pasqua Audrey Hepburn  Frizzante Rs 2799
Bisol, BELSTAR Cult Rs 2885
Carpene Malvolti Rs 2990
Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG Rs 3200
Sensi 18k Gold Rs 3960

Franciacorta: 
The other Italian sparkling wine of high repute we have in India is Franciacorta, a style of sparkling with secondary fermentation in the bottle just like Champagne. It was first made after the mid 1900s and continues to be made in the region the bubbly takes its name from. The grape primarily are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 
Ca'del Bosco Cuvee Prestige DOCG Franciacorta Brut Rs 11900

Syrah in France or Shiraz elsewhere is a bold and full bodied wine known for its predominant black pepper aromas along side the black fruit notes whilst hotter climate Shiraz also exudes chocolate notes and has lush fruit.  It can take oak well and can make wines which can age. India produces commendable shiraz wines too. 
Key wine regions for Shiraz
 Rhone valley in France is the go-to for the grape, its sub regions for Syrah wines include Cote Rotie, Hermitage etc where they blend in a touch of Viognier a perfumed white grape. In relative cooler regions outside of France like the Sonoma in the USA and Yarra in Australia the grape is still addressed as Syrah to indicate the style of wine making. The warmer climates like Barossa and Mclaren Vale in Australia call it Shiraz. 
Shiraz & Food Pairing
A spice laden Shiraz wine is a great combination with spicy Indian food is what we often hear in the Indian scene but it certainly must be considered with a big pinch of salt. A shiraz comes from moderate to hot climates and is high in alcohol, alcohol can take make spice levels in the food hit the roof  and set once palate on fire, of course not literally. 

Brands of Shiraz in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Australia
Outback Jack Rs 1475
Bush Ballad Rs 1590
Wolf Blass Bilyara  Rs 1975
Yellow Tail Rs 2095
Metal Label Black Rs 2670
Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Rs 2700
Peter Lehmann Barossa Rs 4500
Geoff Hardy Petaringa Rs 5400
Peter Lehmann " Stonewell " Rs 12950
Chile
Concha Y Toro 'Frontera' Rs 1590
Carta Vieja limited release Rs 1896
France
Paul Jaboulet  Rs 2300
Delas Rs 2495
Domaine Les Alexandrins Rs 3145
M. Chapoutier, Les Meysonniers AOC, Crozes-Hermitage Rs 4500
Domaine Les Alexandrins St. Joseph Rs 6756
Italy
Achelo Cortona DOC Rs 3582
South Africa
Two Oceans Rs 1590
MAN Family, SKAAPVELKD Rs 1995
Cape Dreams Robertson Valley Rs 2065
Nederburg , The Wine Master's Rs 2450
Thelema, Stellenbosch Rs 4720

One international black grape India has taken affinity to is the Malbec. Malbec also called Cot in France is a grape which make medium to full bodied wines with bold tannins. It exudes aromas of black fruits and sweet spice including cloves and can blend in oak beautifully. French example can bring in earthy, meaty notes. 
Key wine regions for Malbec
Cot has its origins in south west France particularly in the region of Cahors. It was the forerunner grape in the French wine scene and also dominated Bordeaux till the mid 19th century. After phylloxera a vine disease hit Europe, half of the Malbec plantations in Bordeaux were lost and a frost that followed decimated the grape. Malbec was replaced by the by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot then and are the key in Bordeaux blends today, Malbec is allowed too.  During the mid 19th Malbec plantations were taken to Argentina by a Frenchman Miguel Pouget who was invited to give a push Argentine wine industry and he planted them in Mendoza, today its the holy grail of the grape. Argentina has 76000 acres of the grape with France coming second at 13000 acres. 

Brands of Malbec in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Argentina
Argento Rs 1700
Trapiche Rs 1770
Trapiche Oak Cask Rs 1880
MTB Rs 1986
Michel Torino Coleccion Rs 1995
Zuccardi Santa Julia Rs 2099
Mythic Mountain Rs 2100
Pampas del sur 'Reserve' Rs 2300
Zuccardi "Serie A"   Rs 3295 
Dominio del Plata, CRIOS Rs 3650
Terrazas Reserva Rs 4676
Dominio del Plata, BEN MARCO Rs 5350
Mythic Block Rs 5900
Zuccardi Concreto  Rs 7900
Chile
Carta Vieja limited release  Rs 1896
France
Comte  Tolosan Je Suis A Boire Cot Rs 2050
South Africa
Stonecross Rs 2160

Pinot Grigio is a wine that pleases all palates, so when in doubt open a grigio! A grape known for citrus, floral and stone fruit notes with refreshing acidity and is usually not heavy on the pocket. Most of us Indians have been loving the wines too. Pinot Gris same as the Grigio but is a riper style of wine with relatively less acidity and tropical notes. They can be sweet wines too. 
Key wine regions for Pinot Grigio
Italy, predominantly the North East region of Tre-Venezie comprising Veneto,  Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol is the go to for the grape. The Pinot Gris style is popular in the Alsace region of France and parts of New Zealand.
Pinot Grigio & Food Pairing:
It is a easy going wine that can start your evening with salted nuts on the side or can be the companion to your quick salad or sushi for lunch. Aglio Olio pasta, grilled fish with lemon butter, Herb tossed vegetables are some dishes the wine is very happy with. 

Brands of Pinot Grigio in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Argentina
Trapiche Rs 1770
Argento Rs 1850
Italy
Golden Sparrow Rs  1750
Folonari Rs 1850
Pasqua Rs 1990
Sensi Collezione Rs 1999
Torresella, Veneto Rs 2000
Fantini, Sicily Rs 2290
Villa Sandi Rs 2350
Zonin, Friuli Aquileia Rs 2450
Alois Lageder Riff, Venezie Rs 2490
Colterenzio, Lumo Rs 2880
Santa Margherita Valdadige, Veneto Rs 2950
Masianco Rs 3750

​Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of black grapes and grown globally. Cabernet is characterized by deep purple colour when young with high level of tannins gaining garnet tinges and mellowed tannins with age while cedar wood and tobacco notes are added to the Blackfruit aromas. These wines can age in bottles for decades because of its body, acidity, abundant flavor and tannins. Please note, whenever one speaks of age-worthy wines for any grape, it only refers to say 1% of the wines, the other 99% are meant for early consumption. 
Key wine regions for Cabernet Sauvignon
It is most popular for its age worthy wines from Bordeaux. The most classic Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Medoc or Pessac-Leognan sub-district of Graves. Chilean and Californian Cabernets are riper (more fruit driven) and soft. Australian Cabernet shows a hint of eucalyptus, and Coonawarra region is known for its big and bold wines. Tuscan wines, the “Super Tuscans” since 1940’s are using Cabernet sauvignon to blend with their Sangiovese to give it structure and body. These blends are marked by their remarkable acidity and flavor profile.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Food pairing
We would stick to continental favourites  of grilled meats and and aubergine lasagna for the vegetarians. We strongly suggest a sublime pairing of cabernet, 6-8 years and upwards to be paired with a hard cheese platter with prunes and nuts. 

Brands of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Argentina
Zuccardi "Q" Rs 4750
​Australia
Geoff Hardy Petaringa Rs 5400
Chile
Carta Vieja Rs 1446
Ventisquero Clásico Rs 1550
Conosur Bicicleta Rs 1650
Antares Rs 1650
Mancura Etnia Rs 1795
De Martino Isla de Maipo Rs 1950
Apaltagua, Gran Verano Rs 1980
Monte Pacifico Reserva Rs 2250
DBR Lafite, Los Vascos Rs 2480
De Martino  "Legado" Rs 3360 
De Martino Single Vineyard "La Cancha"  Rs 5750 
France
Yvon Mau Cabernet Sauvignon IGP Rs 1750
Barton & Guestier  Reserve Rs 1850
Charles Rousseau Rs 2100
South Africa
29 Made for Meat Rs 1970
MAN Family, OU KALANT Rs 1995
Vinologist, Stellenbosch Rs 2592
Thelema, Stellenbosch Rs 5983
USA
Born West Rs 1975
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Estate Grown, Livermore Valley Rs 3500
Cannon Ball Rs 4500
Honig Vineyards, Napa Valley Rs 10843

Pinot Noir is a “delicate darling” amongst grapes as it requires cool climatic conditions to grow, the good part is that it interacts with the terroir and depicts its truest character. Pinot tends to be fruity (strawberry, raspberry notes) and perfumed when young, with supple tannins and with age gains complexity. Because of the overall lack in body most of these wines are meant for early consumption. 
Key wine regions for Pinot Noir
For everything in volume; one could rely on regions like southern France or south eastern Australia but for Pinot you have to turn to Romania. The greatest Pinot Noirs comes from Burgundy. The famous regions are Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée and Corton above Aloxe-Corton. The most looked up to being the Vosne-Romanée, with the world-famous likes of Romanéee-Conti, La Tache command stratospheric prices. Pinot Noir, also known as Spätburgunder in Germany is the most highly regarded red wine. Very few regions can claim to have a real proven affinity with the grape and Germany definitely is the front-runner after France. 
Oregon USA, Marlborough New Zealand, Yarra Valley Australia, Elgin South Africa are some regions whose wines are available in India. 
Pinot Noir & Food pairing
Most wines are easy drinking light reds and go well with simple pasta dishes in tomato sauce, vegetable pizza, grilled tuna, mushrooms pies etc. Indian dishes like paneer kathi roll, beetroot gilawat, butter dal khichdi would pair well too. 

Brands of Pinot Noir in the Indian Market (Mumbai prices)
Burgundy wine 
Bouchard Aîné & Fils Pinot Noir "Les Vandangeurs" Rs 3250
Hautes Cotes De Beaune, Les Alouettes Moillard Rs 3585
Bouchard Pere & Fils Côte de Beaune Villages Rs  3630
Maison Albert Bichot, Bourgogne Rs  4500
Bouchard Pere & Fils Bourgogne 'La Vignée' Rs  4898
Vincent Girardin, Cuvée Saint Vincent, Rs  5550
Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Rs 6031
Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune du Chateau Beaune 1er Cru Rs 8370
Vincent Girardin, VOLNAY 1er Cru "Les Santenots" Rs  12542
Domaine Sylvie Esmonin Vieilles Vignes Gevrey-Chambertin Rs  13135
Domaine Michel Lafarge Volnay Vendanges Selections Rs 13215
Maison Albert Bichot, Pommard Clos Des Ursulines, Domaine Du Pavillon Rs  13250
Vincent Girardin, POMMARD 1er Cru "Les Epenots" Rs  16315
Vincent Girardin, CLOS VOUGEOT Grand Cru Rs  28697

Others from France and around the world
Australia
Geoff Hardy Lakeside Rs 2450
Austria
Heinrich, Burgenland Rs 3985
Chile
Conosur Bicileta Rs 1700
Ventisquero Reserva, Casablanca Valley Rs 2200
France
François Labet 'Ile de Beaute' Corsica Rs 3099
Pascal Jolivet Attitude Rs 3640
Fournier Menetou-Salon AOP Rouge Côtes de Morogue Rs 4895
Germany
Heinz Pfaffman, Pfalz Rs 2700
Italy
Folonari IGT  Rs 1950
Sensi Collezione Rs 2250
Alois Lageder AA Rs 5200
New Zealand
Brancott Estate Rs 2700
Anna’s Way Rs 3295
Allan Scott Single Generations Rs 3875
Saint Clair Rs 3998
Durvillea by Astrolabe Rs 4000
Framingham Rs 6500
Dog Point Rs 7653
South Africa
Karatara, Elgin Rs 3254
USA
Rajat Parr's Salem Wines Co. Oregon Rs 7123
Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills 7123

Riesling is a very aromatic grape variety with naturally high acidity making it a workhorse grape capable of producing wines which are bone dry to luscious sweet wines just like Chenin Blanc. The wines have redolent aromas of flowers, citrus and stone fruits  when young and develops complex notes honey, nuts and petrol like aromas. The acidity also help Riesling to age for a very very long time. 
Some important Riesling regions: 
The go to country for Rieslings is Germany and then followed by France and Austria. Mosel and Rheingau are two regions in Germany, Alsace in France and Wachau and Kremstal in Austria. Each of the countries have their own regulations and labelling requirements. New world countries included Australia, New Zealand and also the USA. Please ensure you confirm the sugar levels in the wines before picking them as sugar levels can range from less than 10 grams of sugar per liter to more than 300. 
Riesling & Food pairing:
All international food pairing guides will guide you to a Riesling for pairing with Indian food as most rieslings have that residual sugar to combat the heat in Indian food. Please remember this works for moderately spiced food only! Sweeter rieslings can pair with a host of desserts range from peach pies to lemon tarts to salty blue cheeses. 

Brands of Riesling in the Indian market with their Mumbai pricing
Australia:
Peter Lehmann Portrait Eden Valley Rs 3750
Peter Lehmann " Wigan " Rs 5250
Austria:
Domaene Gobelsburg Urgestein Rs 3495
Jurtschitsch Kamptal Rs 4600
F.X. Pichler Wachau Loibner Steinertal Smaragd Rs 9560
France:
Famille Hugel AOC Alsace Rs 4690
Famille Hugel Grossi Laüe Rs 15000
Germany:
Black Tower Rs 1790
Dienhard Green label Rs 1900
Bex Nahe Rs 2666
Selbach Incline Rs 2950
St. Urbans-Hof, QbA,  "OLD VINES" Rs 3596
Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Rs 3596
Gunderloch Rheinhessen Fritz's Riesling Dry Rs 3900
Donnhoff,  Trocken (dry) Rs 3985
Schloss Lieser Mosel Feinherb Rs 4730
Kesselstatt, Piesport GOLDTRÖPFCHEN Rs 4950
Villa Wolf Forster Pechstein Pfalz GG Rs 5197
Müller-Catoir Pfalz Gimmeldingen  Kabinett Rs 6670
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese Rs 15069
New Zealand
Framingham Classic Rs 4900
Europe
I heart Riesling Rs 1750

Champagne is the best known sparkling wine,it is so popular that it is synonymous with any sparkling wine made across the world, but legally it can only be made in the Champagne region of France using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in bottles. Champagne is the most tightly regulated of sparkling  wines and below are some highlights that matter to the consumer:
Champagne Highlights :
- Made in Champagne, France
- Grapes Used: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot  Muenier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane. The first three grapes account for 99% of the total grapes. 
​- Secondary bottle fermentation and minimum time spent maturating on lees is 15 months for non-vintage Champagne and three years for vintage Champagne. Lees are the dead yeast cells responsible for the biscuit or toasty notes in a traditional method sparkling wine like a champagne.
- Vintage Champagnes can use grapes from one year and is done only in exceptional year as the champagne house deems fit.  Most of them are Non Vintage, meaning a blend of wines from different year.
- Most Champagnes are meant to be drunk once bought but for Vintage ones which can stay for extended periods. 
- Blanc De Blanc Champagnes are made from white grapes like Chardonnay and Blanc De Noir is made from either of the two black grapes, the Pinot Noir or Meunier. 
- Brut on a bottle indicates the sugar levels in the bottle. It is less than 12gms of Sugar per liter of Champage. Extra Brut is less than 6 gms. Just for comparison, a cola has around 120 gms. 
- When it comes to Champagne and Food pairing, we say "when in doubt open a Champagne." . Nonetheless on top of the classic pairing come Oysters and from the Indian perspective we will stick to salted nuts, cheese canapes, and no-heat Indian kebabs like the Chicken reshmi kebab, Broccoli Malai tikka etc. 

Brands of Champagne in the Indian market with their Mumbai pricing
​G H Mumm Rs 6300
Besserat de Bellefon Grande Tradition Brut Rs 7200
Drappier Carte d'Or Brut Rs 7500
Phillipe Gonet, BLANC de BLANC BRUT Rs 7853
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve NV Rs 7950
Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut Rs 7999
Moet Chandon Brut Rs 8163
Louis Roederer Brut Rs 8200
Chartogne-Taillet Brut Saint Anne Rs 8360
Vueuve Cliquot Rs 8750
Moet Chandon Ice Rs 8900
Jacquesson Cuvee No. 742 Rs 9900
Besserat de Bellefon Cuvée des Moines Sec Rs 9999
Billecart-Salmon, BRUT RESERVE Rs 10778
Laherte Freres Les Empreintes Rs 11699
Agrapart File Mineral Rs 17990
Krug Grand Cuvee Brut Rs 23662
Dom Perignon Vintage 2008  ​Rs 26723
BB Cuvee 1843 Rs 48000
Rose:
Leherte Freres Rose NV Rs 6800
Besserat de Bellefon Cuvée des Moines Rose Brut Rs 7200
Besserat de Bellefon Grande Tradition Rose Brut Rs 8299
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose NV Rs 9990
Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rosé Rs 13500
Pol Roger Brut Rose Rs 16400
Billecart-Salmon, BRUT ROSE Rs 17399

Bordeaux is the crowning glory of the wine world. Home to names such as Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Pétrus etc. ,  it is a region which has more than 120000 Hectares of land dedicated to viticulture, spread over sub-regions of  Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-Deux Mers and other satellites. 
Bordeaux wines can be red, white, roses and also sparkling. They are always a blend of different grapes varieties to hedge against climatic variations. Bordeaux is not about consistency in wines each year but is about  the best possible blend or expression possible given the grape growing conditions that year or vintage. 
Grapes or Cepage:
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenere  
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Gris, Merlot Blanc 
The first 3 grapes in each of the above form more than 95% of the total cultivation. Starting 2021 the following grapes will be allowed too. 
Red: Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, Arinarnoa
White: Alvarinho, Liliorila
Bordeaux Left and Right Banks:
Bordeaux is divided into two, by the river Gironde, into the famous Left Bank and Right Bank. The upper Left Bank regions (Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Pessac-Léognan) specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends. White wine dominates the southern Left Bank with Graves producing Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauternes / Barsac specializing in sweet wines. The popular Right Bank regions Pomerol and St. Emillion, are famous for their Merlot dominance. (Read more about Single varietal Merlots from other parts of the world here)

Brands  of Bordeaux Wines  in the Indian market with their Mumbai pricing
RED WINES:
Cap Royal Bordeaux Superior Rs 1900
Early Dark Gerard Arbeau Rs 2200
L’Esprit de Bacchus Rs 2250
Premius Rs 2305
Esprit de Bacchus Bordeaux Superior Rs 2450
Beau Rivage Bordeaux Superieur  Rs 2504
Chateau Goumin Rs 2580
DBR Lafite, Légende Rs 2750
DBR Lafite, Réserve Spéciale Rs 2750
Château De Fontenille Rs 2770
Chateau Bonnet Rs 2830
Chateau Timberlay Bordeaux Superior Rs 2990
Michel Lynch Rs 3099
Chateau de Paranchere Rouge AOC Bordeaux Superieur Rs 3450
Barton & Guestier Passeport Saint Emilion Rs 3660
DBR Lafite, Réserve Spéciale Médoc Rs 3790
Chateau Timberlay Cuvee Prestige Rs 4200
Chateau Tour De Segur St Emillion Rs 4260
Chateau Coucheroy Pessac Leognan Rs 4470
Chateau de Paranchere Cuvee Raphael Rs 4500
Clarendelle Rs 4983
Thunevin, BAD BOY Rs 5588
DBR Lafite, Réserve Spéciale Pauillac Rs 7500
Chateau la Louviere Grand Cru Pessac Leognan Rs 8299
Le Baron de Brane,  Château Brane-Cantenac 2014 Rs 9796
Château Poujeaux, Moulis 2014 Rs 10073
Thunevin, Virginie di Valandraud 2014 Rs 11596
Château Sociando Mallet 2014 Rs 11643
Les Pagodes de Château Cos d'Estournel 2011 Rs 13320
Château Phélan Ségur 2012 Rs 13952
Château Haut Condissas Médoc 2010 Rs 15870
Château Kirwan, 3eme Grand Cru Classé, Margaux 2011 Rs 16537
Château Lagrange, 3eme Grand Cru Classé 2017 Rs 16593
Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis 2009 Rs 21030
Château Rauzan Ségla, 2eme Grand Cru Classé, Margaux 2018 Rs 28711
Canon La Gaffeliere St. Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe 2005 Rs 41000
Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2006 ​Rs 63920
White Wine: 
Please click the Bordeaux selection 
​Super Tuscan -Bordeaux Blends
Tenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole IGT Toscana Rs 8560
La Brancaia ILATRAIA, Rs 11921
Guado Al Tasso Rs 24950

Merlot pronounced "Mer Low" is a crowd-pleaser, this red grape varietal make wines which are elegant and approachable and breaks ice with consumers instantly. The wines have moderate tannins and are known for their plum, prunes, fruit cake notes etc. depending on the region they come from. The grape is believed to take its name from the French 'Merle' meaning the blackbird.
Some important Merlot regions:
Best known for its  role in Bordeaux blends, Merlot has been planted for centuries in Bordeaux's cooler wine regions of Pomerol, St-Emilion and inland vineyards of Entre-Deux-Mers as it ripens early. Single varietal Merlot wines were not really appreciated until they reached the American shores. American, Californian hot climate Merlots are known for their smooth texture and plum cake aromas. Chilean Merlot coming from a relatively moderate climate is fruitier. There are examples of good quality Merlot in Italy, in the Veneto and notably in Tuscany where it has been blended for famous examples. Outside Europe, Merlot is yet to reach its glory. Better suited to the cool climate of New Zealand and other new world countries, it still has to ground to cover. 
​Merlot &  Food pairing:
Most Merlot expressions of the fruity and easy drinking kinds will pair with popular dishes like pizzas, pasta in tomato sauce, grilled chicken or a meaty fish like tuna, Mushroom risotto, young semi-hard or hard cheese with some fruit coulis etc. You can pair it with mildly spiced Indian dishes ranging from the classic Paneer tikka, dal vada, Amritsari macchi, Chicken malai seekh etc. 

Brands  of Merlot  in the Indian market with their Mumbai pricing
Australia:
Jacob's Creek Classic Rs 1500
​Yellow Tail Rs 2095
Chile:
Carta Vieja Rs 1446
Concha Y Toro 'Frontera' Rs1590
Conosur Merlot Tocurnal Rs 1650
Monte Pacífico, Rapel Valley Rs 1650
Mancura Etnia Rs 1795
Carta Vieja limited release Rs 1896
Concha Y Toro Reserva 'Casillero del Diablo' Rs 2150
France:
Yvon Mau Merlot IGP Rs 1720
Barton & Guestier Reserve Rs 1850
Domaine Montrose Rs 2099
Charles Rousseau Rs 2100
Italy:
Giacondi Casa Rs 1199
Zonin Ventiterre Rs 1590
Folonari  Rs 1600
Pasqua  delle Venezie IGT Rs 1770
Sensi Collezione Rs 1980
Torresella IGT, Veneto Rs 2000
Villa Sandi DOC Rs 2200
Cont'ugo Bolgheri DOC Rs 9950
New Zealand:
Allan Scott Estate Bottled Rs 2495
South Africa:
MAN Family, JAN FISKAAL Rs 1995
Niel Joubert Rs 2100
USA
Grove Ridge Rs 2200

Chenin blanc is a grape which is very popular in India and grows in Nashik too. Brands like Reveilo and Grover are doing a great job with the grape and the Indian consumer is loving it. Chenin blanc is a grape which is naturally high in acidity and can be made in zero sugar to very sweet style of wines and also sparkling. The flavours range from floral to apples to tropical like pineapple. 
Chenin Blanc Wine regions:
The classic wine regions for chenin is the Loire valley in France comprising villages like Anjou, Vouvray, Saumur and Touraine making varied styles of the grape. Outside of France, South Africa has made a mark for their easy drinking , no fuss, tropical chenin blancs just like India. 
Chenin Blanc and food pairing:
Most Chenins in India come with some hint of sugar in the wine and mouth watering acidity making it a great accompaniment to mildly spice food, Indian too. The ones in India are easy drinking wine and all it needs is a bowl of classic salted wafers. 

Brands of Chenin Blanc in the Indian Market (Mumbai pricing)
South Africa
Cape Elephant Rs 1500
Cape Zebra Rs 1650
Cape Dreams Rs 1965
MAN Family, REE RUN STEEN Rs 1995
Stonecross Rs 2160
USA
Dry Creek Sonoma Rs 2945

Sauvignon Blanc is a very juicy and aromatic grape variety with refreshing acidity and is great for the Indian weather. Elderflower, bell pepper, passion fruit,  gooseberry, grass are the notes attributed to a Sauvignon Blanc. They are meant for youthful consumption and in most cases are un-oaked. 
Some important Sauvignon Blanc regions:
 The most famous Sauvignon comes from the Sancerre and Pouilly Fume from the Loire valley in France. Bordeaux whites also use Sauvignon but blend it with Semillon, which has a heavier body. Marlborough at the north of New Zealand's South Island is the answer from the new world to the Loire and makes bold, fruit driven wines. The Adelaide Hills and such cool parts of New South Wales are well suited to Sauvignon Blanc. California in the USA particular Napa valley is know for "Fume Blanc" an oaked style. 
Sauvignon Blanc &  Food pairing:
The acidity and aromatic freshness in a Sauvignon blanc makes it perfect to pair with most  salads, pan seared fish like a sole, fried goat cheese and a fresh cheese platter with nuts and fresh fruits.  You can pair it with Indian appetizers like malai chicken tikka, masala papad, dahi kebab etc. 

Brands  of sauvignon blanc  in the Indian market with Mumbai pricing
Argentina
Trapiche Rs 1770
Australia
Metal Label  Padthaway Rs 2525
Petaringa Adelaide Hills Rs 4500
Austria
Sattlerhoff, Sudsteiermark Rs 2988
Chile
Carta Vieja Rs 1446
Ventisquero Clásico Rs 1550
Luis Felipe Edwards Rs 1600
Antares Rs 1650
Mancura Etnia Rs 1795
Isla de Maipo  Rs 1950
DBR Lafite, Los Vascos Rs 2480
Bordeaux
Premius  Rs 2150
Esprit de Bacchus  Rs 2250
Esprit de Bacchus Moelleux Rs 2250
Chateau Goumin, Entre Deux Mers AOC Rs 2399
DBR Lafite, Légende  Rs 2750
DBR Lafite, Réserve Spéciale  Rs 2750
Château De Fontenille, Entre Deux Mers AOC  Rs 2770
Chateau Bonnet, Entre Deux Mers AOC Rs 2779
Chateau Timberlay Rs 2990
Michel Lynch AOC  Rs 3099 
Chateau de Paranchere Blanc  Rs 3450
Clarendelle Rs 4983
Sparkling - Premius Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rs 2720
Sparkling - Robert Giraud Cremant De Bordeaux Rs 2450
France Others:
Early Dark Gaillac Rs 1975
Charles Rousseau Rs 2100
Pascal Jolivet Attitude Rs 3000
Fournier Cuvée 'Les Deux Cailloux' Pouilly-Fumé Blanc AOP Rs 5195
Fournier Cuvée 'Les Belles Vignes' Sancerre Blanc AOP Rs 5395
New Zealand (Marlborough) 
Allan Scott Estate Bottled  Rs 2495
Brancott Estate Rs 2500
Durvillea by Astrolabe Rs 2900
Anna’s Way  Rs 2995
Allan Scott Generations  Rs 3395
Saint Clair Rs 3776
Schubert  Selection Rs 3860
Dog Point Rs 4258
Framingham Rs 4900
Dog Point, Section 94 Rs 5885
Cloudy Bay Rs 8750
South Africa
Niel Joubert  Rs 1895
MAN Family, WARRELWIND Rs 1995
Stonecross  Rs 2160
Nederburg , The Wine Master's Reserve Rs 2450
Vinologist Rs 2592
Thelema, SUTHERLAND Rs 2905
USA
Dry Creek Fume Blanc Sonoma Rs 2950
Honig Vineyards, Napa Valley Rs 4453

Indian Sommeliers are making our country proud by excelling in different part of the world.  Some of them even find the time from their tannic schedules to post on Instagram and inspiring the world to drink wine or for people to pursue the profession. Here the instagram accounts of Indian Somms to follow. We considered accounts that had activity on them insterspersed with wine inspiration once in a while if not always. Follow them, Seek advice, Drink better, Work better !

If you still aren't following us on Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/thehappyhigh/
Find out more about our wine courses and our  Bartending Academy by clicking on the links.

The world of wines begins with some 8-10 grapes and most wine list comprise of these because they are global and move off the shelf easily. However, because of the brand value these grapes carry, they automatically command a price which may necessarily not offer value. As a wine enthusiast it is advisable to look beyond to broaden your wine horizon and also save money as the lesser known varieties can offer super value. Here are a 10 not so known grape varieties that are available in India.  Sante!
 
White Wines:
Caricante:
Hailing from Sicily this is the main hero in Etna DOC wines made 800 meters above sea level on volcanic soils. It produces a very lean and crisp wine with green fruits notes. Mt Etna is still an active volcano by the way which make this wine even more interesting.
Caricante brands in India: Scalunera Etna Bianco

Vermentino:
Hailing from Sardinia; Italy, the Vermentino is quite an aromatic grape variety and offers refreshing notes of pears and citrus with floral undertones. It’s also called Rolle in France and brings out very value driven wines from South-eastern France.
Vermentino brands in India:  Marius by Chapoutier, France, Bibi Graetz Casamatta, Italy, Metal, Australia.

Gruner Veltliner:
The Austrian specialty with bracing acidity, the GruVee is a wine meant for ageing. A high yielding variety it can be spicy & peppery or can be laden with stone fruits depending from where it comes from. It accounts for over 28% of Austrian wine acreage.
Gruner Veltliner brands in India: Domaene Gobelsburg, Weingut Jurtschitsch

Albarino:
Albarino in Spain or Alvarinho in Portugal is a grape known to produce wines with refreshing acidity and citrus notes with some stone fruit and tropical melon creeping in with ripeness. The grape is also a part of Vinho Verde blends from Portugal.
Albarino brands in India: Bodegas Paco & Lola from Rias Baixas; Spain

Torrontes:
The most famous white grape from Salta, Argentina. This is one is very perfumed with balanced acidity couple with stone fruit notes. Indian palates will love this.
Torrontes brands in India:  Crios, Zuccardi Santa Julia
 
Red Wine:
Corvina:
This north eastern Italian grape make is the main hero in the world-famous blends of Valpolicella and Bardolino. It can also be available as a 100% with a very good potential to age. It makes light to medium bodied wines with refreshing acidity, red fruit notes with cherry lingering. It is the same grape used to make our favourite Amarone Della Valpolicella.
Corvina brands in India: Zenato, Tedeschi, Zonin, Folonari, Pasqua, Tenuta Saint Antonio

Garnacha
A thin-skinned paradox which requires a lot of sun to ripen to give out a lot of lovely strawberry and red fruit noted but the acidity gets it caught on the wrong side, it’s low. Thus Grenache in most cases is a blend with Syrah for the balance and also GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blends . The classic region for Grenache is southern Rhone, Priorat in Spain where it is called Garnacha and now Australia too, mainly Barossa is getting very popular.
Garnacha brands in India :  
Rhone and South West France Blends: Famille Perrin, M Chapoutier, Daronton, Le Grand Noir GSM.
Spain: Prima by Bodegas Maurodos, Castello De Monseran
Australia & India: Rolfbinder;Oz, Source by Sula Grenache Rose, Chapel Hill 100% Grenache; Oz, 

Monastrell:
Monastrell in Spain or Mourvedre in France is a grape which yields a full-bodied red with black fruit, spices and herbs. It can see oak and makes wine which are a mouthful. It is the ‘M’ in the GSM blends.
Monastrell brands in India: Eco Bodegas Fuerza; Spain, Fairview Caldera GSM,

Montepulciano:
This Italian grape is the 2nd largest varietal planted in Italy. It yields medium bodied red wines which are black fruit driven with sweet spice and supple tannins. The most famous Montepulciano wines come from Abruzzo.
Montepulciano brands in India: Sirente, Folonari, Pasqua,

Nero D’Avola:
Lush black fruit, licorice and the ripeness is alluring in this Sicilian variety which is not as known. It makes medium to full bodied fruit driven wines. Surprisingly we also have an Indian version of Nero D’Avola made in India by Reveilo wines.
Nero D’Avola brands in India: Donnafugata Sedara, Pieno Sud

Hotel management careers ? Beverage is the choice for most. The beverage industry is alluring to many from the outside and as beverage professionals we can confirm that it is as much from the inside however passion is the driving force to stay put in the industry. As a fresh hotel management graduate or as a student of hospitality, many are quite disillusioned as to what the industry has to offer based on their industrial training experiences or influenced by colleagues. For them they know that the hardships in hotels and restaurants are not their cup of tea however they do not know where to go to!  Through this article we are highlighting career paths in beverages for hotel management students however we would like to reinstate that hardships are everywhere and passion is the key. There is no easy way out

1)Bartender: The more glamorous term is mixologist and even more is the Bar Chef doing the round these days! An experienced bartender with 4-6 years of experience can get over Rs 50000 a month in bars and a skilled bartender is always in demand.  Don’t shy away from taking your first job as a assistant barman in a very good bar , the first few years are the foundation of a glorious career which could take your to various countries.  The Happy High bartending academy offers a full time 6 week bartending course. Check details here.

2)Sommelier:  Translates to a wine waiter in English, the Sommelier’s role in India is still nascent and taking shape. The role initially would involve stacking of bottles, serving on the floor and as the career progresses once is also responsible for buying and P&Ls.  A lot of Indian sommeliers are making their presence felt in the Middle East and South Asia and countries like Maldives and Seychelles.  The minimum requirement to get on the floor knowledgeably is through a WSET ( Wine and Spirit Education trust) lev 2 qualification or a CMS ( Court of Master Sommeliers)  both of which cost Over Rs 32000.For those who don’t want to spend as much as want to test the wine industry , The Happy High has an introductory course focusing on wine tasting technique for Rs 5500.

3)Wine Salesman:  Which hotelier doesn’t like Sunday day offs! This job will give you 9 hr work days and a better work life balance. The flipside is the sales pressure and the hardships on the field be it summers, winters or rains and outside an air conditioned environment. A wine sales fresher could start at Rs 15000 and move up the ladder with experience. A wine tasting course will certainly help the aspirant with more jargons and move him/her ahead of the class in interviews.

4)Brand Ambassador: After having been in career option 1 or 2 as above for long, could be 6-8 years opportunities to be a brand ambassador for a liquor co or an import co come around once in a while. This job role entails one to be the educator and the spokesperson for the brand and offers a good work life balance and decent money many a time going to a lac plus. The downside of this role could be monotony and then inability to go back to the rigours of hotel or bar operations thus reducing your job options.
​
5)Beverage Journalist: For those who can paint with words a beverage journalist role could be your gateway to the world! Beverage journalists often get opportunities to travel to different wine and spirit regions around the world on invitation and taste the best of luxury. The flipside is the relatively less pay the profession offers. A wine course will help you with this ,  but the command over language and a crash course in journalism could help further. 

​Mumbai, India
Come 2019 and we look to yet another vintage for the Indian wine industry with a hope of favourable conditions! 80% of the wine is made in the vineyard and the remainder in the winery with an able wine maker at the helm. Each year the conditions in the vineyard differ and the winemaker uses all the experience to make the best possible wine given the vintage. Here are the Indian red wines from 2018 which left  an impression on  us last year.
 
Reveilo Shiraz reserve  - Rs 1245
From the family-owned co, this wine aged in new oak barrel showcased intense ripe fruit with sweetness from the oak. A slight touch of smoke and sweetness makes this wine alluring for the Indian palate.
 
Krsma Cabernet Sauvignon – Rs 1500
It  is certainly one if India’s best wine export. This red has the strenghth, the balance and the finesse to woo the seasoned as much as the newbie’s palate. It is currently available in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
 
Chene by Grover Zampa – Rs 1850
This tempranillo –Shiraz blend from Nashik sees the oak barrel for over a year and certainly needs decanting of atleast 30 minutes before you drink it. And yes, Chene means Oak in French. One of the best wines in India.
 
Sula Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon – Rs 1850
A French oak aged Cabernet made with grapes from select pockets of Dindori, Nashik is one of the most exclusive from the Sula portfolio. Rasa takes its name from the initials of Rajeev Samant, they say.
 
Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz – Rs 1095
Dindori is one of the most revered plots in the Nashik viticulture scene and the the Shiraz from Sula has been a workhorse produce a good wine with Oak nuances at a avery good price point.
 
Vijay Amritraj  Shiraz Cabernet Viognier – Rs 1395
Named after the Tennis great, the VA red impresses with its depth and elegance. This award winning wine going by its name is an absolute Ace.
 
Reveilo Sangiovese – Rs 745
Reveilo with its Italian winemaking connection  launched the Sangiovese; a Tuscan grape variety back in 2010 an it has been popular amongst patrons for its easy drinking style with a refreshing acidity and fruit. 

Mumbai, India
The Sirt Food Diet a book released in 2016 talks about a diet comprising food that activate Sirtuins. Sirtuins are proteins in the body which regulate metabolism and red wine is a part of the diet, it is speculated that singer Adele lost oodles by following the Sirt! Here are some pointers on wine and health.
Red Wine and Reservatrol
Red wine is often hailed as a healthy drink and that is true. Red wine contains the polyphone Reservatrol which is also found in peanuts and some berries and this reservatrol is what make the difference.  As per a paper from the Oregon State University, Reservatrol which is found in grape skins is an antioxidant which absorbs free radicals and is known to help prevent coronary artery disease by increasing HDL Cholesterol (good cholesterol), helps mitigate risk of type 2 diabetes and help ease depression.
So is white wine not healthy?
Indeed it is, Tyrosols and Hyroxytyrosols both found in white wines are as per a research by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry have been found to have similar effects on the improving cardiovascular health.  A research says that European whites are found to be richer in both the antioxidants as mentioned above.
Wine and Weight!
On an average Cola has around 100 gms of sugar in a liter, packed juices over 100 gms and all dry wines less than 10 gms of sugar which make is around 2gms per glass that is less than half a tea-spoon as opposed to 5-6 in a serving of the above. Wine certainly doesn’t give you as many calories as other sugary drinks and sweet cocktails! Now speaking of role of wine in weight loss?  Harvard Medical School endorses the Mediterranean diet for a healthy lifestyle which includes moderate wine consumption for long term benefits. As a per a co-authored study by researchers from three American universities , red wine helps burns fat , it is good news for people with weight issues.
Last words, moderate wine drinking constitute about 250 ml of 12% v/v  wine per day for men and around 175 ml for ladies and anything over that will start another battle of keep your liver alive. Remember, one liver! 

Mumbai, India
‘Country roads, take me home, to the place, I belong…. ’continuously played on my mind as we drove through sharp turns and hairpin bends in the region of Priorat, a 2 hour drive; down south from Barcelona. Priorat a wine region is like that buried treasure which was excavated and is now hogging the lime light and rightly so.  I was on my first trip this summer only to leave happy high with my teeth stained with the big and bold reds. Not to forget my lunch with Alvaro Palacios at his winery in Gratallops drinking L’Ermita the most expensive wine from Spain and this one the 2014, going at a cool  800-1000 Euros a bottle. 

​Priorat lies in Tarragona, Southern Catalonia and it is flanked by Mont Sant mountain range in the North, the Figuera and the LLoar peaks in the west, Mollo mountains in the east and the south opens up to river Siurana. The region has a total area of around 17629 hectares of which only 1900 hectares is worked on by 576 grape growers. The terrer (terroir in French) with the highlight of Licorella, an easily breakable slate which forms the top soil is what the regions basks in. One of the only two DoCa s (highest ranked wine region) in Spain, Priorat’s wine making history actively began in the 12th century when the monks of the Carthusian order established their Priory in Scala Dei and ruled over seven villages, giving the region its name. These monks brought the knowledge of viticulture from the time in Provence France.  Priorat wine continued to get popular and were exported all across Europe till Phylloxera struck in the 19th century. Vineyards were lost, the rugged terrain was then planted with nut trees, the region got depopulated and poverty beckoned! The good times are here and the region has seen a renaissance in the last 20 years. It being awarded the DoCa in 2006 was a major boost to the sheer quality of wines the terroir can produce. 

​95% of the wines made in the region are red with Garnacha or Grenache and Carinena or Carignan being the forerunners. Carignan gives wine body, coupled with astringency and high pigmentation and Garnacha is more suitable for fine, aromatic wines which are full bodied, have little colour and which are easily affected by oxygen. It is a popular grape variety for making “vins rancis” and “generosos” or old wines made using the solera method like in Jérez. In the last few years, other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah have been introduced and have yielded good results.  I witnessed it on tasting the Le Tercera 2014 from the house of Alvarez Duran of Porrera.
Priorat is divided into 12 villages and each with a different topography climatic influences and they are recognized by the term ‘Vi de Vila’ (village wines) and the rare ‘Vi de Finca’ (Single vineyard wine). The villages being, Bellmunt, Scaladei, Gratallops, El Lloars, El Morera, Poboleda, Porrera, Torroja, Villela Alta, Villela Baixa, Falset and Molar. Even ‘Torres’ a brand that is synonymous to Spanish wines in India have their winery in El Lloar and their Perpetual 2014 impressed. 

Albeit the differences in the meso-climates, one of the few elements  that helps the region to ripen the big reds and retain the flavours is the long ripening season caused by the diurnal temperature variance of more than 25 degree Celsius with night temperatures dropping to 12 and the morning racing to 40. The second being the bush-trained viticulture happening on tortuous and rocky terrain based on schist soils with many vineyards going at an incline of 60 degrees and hence the need of terracing. And lastly the low yield which can be as low as 300 Gms a vine is a result of old vines and poor soils thus yielding concentrated fruit and commanding a price.
​
I really hope to see Priorat wines in India soon, but price could be a deterrent.  A certain ray of hope is Torres banking on its brand awareness to create a category.  Until then on your next visit to Barcelona, take a day trip to Priorat amidst the ravines, rivers, steep vineyards and a lot of wines.  If not for anything else, Spain better retain Catalunya for the mighty Priorat! 

15 REDS from Priorat to try -
La Tercera 2014 – Alvarez Duran – Porrera
Finca  Dofi 2014 – Alvaro Palacios – Gratallops
Petit Mas Sinen 2013 – Cellar Burgos Porta – Poboleda
1270 a vuit 2009 – Celler Hidalgo Albert – Poboleda
Los Torrents 2012 – Celler Pasanau – La Morera de Montsant
Porrera Vi de Vila 2014 - Celler Vall Llach – Porrera
Font de la Figuera 2014 – Clos Figueras – Gratallops
Clos Galena – Clos Galena – El Molar
Ferrer Bobet 2014 – Ferrer Bobet – Falset
GV5 2010 – Gratavinum – Gratallops
Mas Mallola – Marco Abella – Porrera
Cirerets 2014 – Mas Alta – La Vilella Alta
Doix 2013 – Mas Doix – Poboleda
L’expressio Del Priorat 2016 – Vinitum – Poboleda
Les Brugueres 2014 - La Conreria – Escaladei 

Mumbai, India
I may have already stirred up a hornet’s nest with the title!  With only 4% of Californian wine production, Napa provided 27% of economic impact.  One of the smallest ‘world class’ wine regions of the world, Napa is 8 kms broad and 48 kms long and around 58 kms from the coast. The highest vineyard areas like the Howell Mountain are around 750m above sea level; however 85% of the plantation is on the valley floor. 45000 acres in all which is 1/6th of that of Bordeaux!  The tipping point for the Napa or the American wine industry came in with one historic event on 24th May 1976 wherein Californian reds and whites were pitched against top Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and the American trounced in both reds and whites; Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in the Red and Chateau Montelena with its Chardonnay.  I was fortunate to partake in their 40th anniversary celebration week, of course with tasting of their winner blend. 

​What makes Napa Special?
Cabernet Sauvignon it is, Cabernet forms 12% of California’s production but 40% of Napa’s and yielding 55% revenues.  The others are Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petite-Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir. Needless to say the soils and the diversity play a role in the final nuance of the wines, it is also the weather. Napa has a Mediterranean climate, less than 2% of the world land mass has it where most of the rain occurs in winter giving it a dry warm growing season with diurnal temperature shifts leading to big and bold grapes.  After all of these nature’s endowments the onus thoroughly lies on the keeper’s of the industry to come together make wine which is consistent and high in quality and Napa vintners are just managing to do that.  Lastly, the role of wine tourism and hospitality in the regions as a subset of marketing can’t be ignored one bit.  As Robert Mondavi once said, ‘We want to raise the art of living well.’  Try booking a room in Napa and you shall know. 

​Napa AVAs
Napa Valley was the first AVA to be recognized in California in 1981 and since then 16 nested AVAs have been identified.  The Northern most Calistoga, Diamond and Spring mountain districts and the Howell mountains, Rutherford, Oakville and St Helena on the valley floor and Chiles valley district up in the Vaca ranges.  And further South are the Yountville, Stag’s Leap District and the Oak Knoll regions. The Mt Vedeer, Atlas Peak lie in the Mayacamas and the Vaca ranges respectively.  Coombvilles, Tiny Wild Horse Valley and Los Carneros lie in the southern reaches, the Carneros regions also extends in to Sonoma and is known for its Pinot Noirs due to the Maritime influence. The AVAs define regions but unlike the European PDO’s they give a free hand to the winery to express creativity and experiment.  For instance The Paraduxx, a Zinfandel blend in 1994 from Duckhorn vineyards a Merlot powerhouse created quite a stir. Proprietary red wine they call it. 

​150 years of Napa Valley
1850’s …..
Napa just like Sonoma was established much later than its southern Californian neighbours. George Yount, founder of the Yountville a town now in Napa city was the first to plant commercial vineyards in late 1830s, It was only after the independence of California from Mexico in 1850 and the Gold Rush during the same period that saw San Francisco’s population surge from a meager 200 in 1846 to 36000 by 1852 thus bringing in wine know-how.  The first renaissance came when the vintners got Vitis vinifera vines in the 1860s, until then they were mission vines used by missionaries to make wine for the church.  Charles Krug opened the first commercial winery in 1861; the same was bought by the Mondavi family in 1943. The rail connection then helped Napa ship wines out to Francisco and help get tourists to Napa. You must have heard of Napa Valley wine train as a must do when in Napa!! The industry prospered and evolved. Gustave Niebaum a wealthy Finnish trader in 1879 opened Inglenook a French Chateau style winery and was the first to sell wine in bottles. Inglenook wines attracted global attention and put Napa on the global map for the first time.  The same era Crabb planted 400 grape varieties in the famous To Kalon (means ‘the beautiful’ in Greek) vineyards, today parts of the same are owned by Robert Mondavi winery, Opus One and a wine grower Andy Beckstoffer. 

Phylloxera, Earthquake, the Volstead act, the great depression, world war …..
First phylloxera decimated Napa completely by the 1890s and any hope of recovery was only thrashed  by the San Francisco earthquake which destroyed 30 Mn gallons of wine  and then  the Volstead act  eased the last nail in the coffin ,  brought in the American prohibition which lasted till 1933. The convalescence was during depression and then the world war kept Napa bed-ridden. During this time some wine cos continued the show some with Wine Bricks during prohibition and some by pioneering initiatives post repeal.  Mondavi, George Latour of Beaulieu vineyards and John Daniel of Inglenook led the pack as they formed the Napa Valley association in 1944. 
​
Mondavi, Judgment of Paris ……
In 1965 Robert Mondavi moved away from the family biz to start his own the Robert Mondavi winery in Oakville and ever since he made attention grabbing wines and moreover his marketing techniques, his cellar door hospitality etc made Mondavi the face of California. It only took the aforementioned tasting in Paris also made into a movie, the Bottle Shock to drive home the point for Napa.  There has been no looking back for Napa ever since as they stand at over 500 wineries most of which are family owned and producing fewer than 10000 cases per annum.

Napa is an hour’s drive up north from San Francisco and if you are an oenophile then you better not miss it and  the other way of looking at it as American political commentator and comedian Bill Maher puts it ‘New Rule: The Napa Valley is Disneyland for alcoholics. Be honest, you're not visiting wineries in four days because you're an oenophile, you're doing it because you're a drunk. It's the only place in America where you can pass out in a stranger's house and it's okay, because it's a B&B and you paid for it.’

​‘All the Gold in California ‘ sang the Gatlin bros  in 1979, it was the time when American wines were seeing a renaissance and garnering global confidence with California leading the way just like it does  today. With 90% of US wine production and 90% of US wine exports California is a goldmine contributing over $25 bn in retail sales in the US only, whilst capturing a 60% market share which include foreign and other domestic wines.
California – Back in time.
With 49 of 58 counties growing grapes, 231000 hectares of vineyards, 4100 wineries, wine is certainly a statewide industry for California.  It all started in the 1700s when the Spanish missionaries began growing grapes and making wines for religious services in Southern California and slowly it stretched along the coast northwards till Sonoma. In the 1830’s first Sonoma and then Napa, two top regions of the US wine scene began making wines. 1857 saw the opening of  Beuna Vista in Sonoma and 1861 Charles Krug opened the first commercial winery in Napa. The historic Gold rush led to a 150% growth in vineyard area , it was a result of immigration which in turn got in wine expertise. America was drinking all the way to the 1900’s until prohibition struck and California lost 94% of its vineyards.

​Resurrection began in 1933 post repeal and E&J Gallo, the world’s largest winery today set shop then. The next few decades the industry limped but moved up. Only in the 60’s that it gathered pace as stalwarts like Robert Mondavi showed confidence in the industry and opened a winery in Napa, the first major one to open post prohibition. He led by example and endeavored to name wines by grape varietals which became a new world norm and his oaked Sauvignon blanc which he called the Fume Blanc (smoked white) became synonymous for a Sauvignon.  
Quality wine making had arrived in California and it showed in the momentous ‘Judgment of Paris’. The increased demand 1980s and 90s saw push for quality and of course the number of wineries grew at a rapid pace. In a bid to take control the US government demarcated 50 areas as American Viticultural Area (AVA) based on growing conditions, soil and history. Today there are around 230 AVA’s in the US and around 136 in California. The turn of the millennium saw mushrooming of wineries, from 1000 in late nineties to around 4100 as of today in California and it produces 250 million 9 liter cases of wine. 

California – Geography
With a 1300 km coastline, California boasts of one of the longest coastlines of the world adjacent to a wine growing region. This proximity to the sea is what makes the region special. The cool oceanic breeze helps to cool the inland regions and this influence can well be seen over 25 kms inland, as result the nights are cool and the morning warm thus extending the ripening seasons and yielding good quality fruit.  The warm inland air meeting the ocean breeze is also responsible for the fog which covers many of the regions including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.  Broadly California is divided into 6 macro-growing regions and they are further broken up into AVAs. Below are the 6 regions with some popular AVA’s they comprise

North Coast (54 AVAs)
Mendocino County, Los Carneros, Napa Valley (18 AVAs), Sonoma County (18 AVAs)
Central Coast (41 AVAs)
Livermore Valley, Paso Robles, San Louis Obispo, Santa Barbara (of Sideways fame), San Francisco Bay
Southern California (11 AVAs)
Los Angeles, San Diego, Temecula, Malibu Coast
Inland Valleys (18 AVAs)
Lodi the most famous of the regions and is the fastest growing in the state. It is known for its Zinfandel.
Sierra Foothills (6 AVAs)
Situated inland the region was the epicenter of the Gold Rush. The El Dorado county is known for its Old Vine Zinfandel.
Far North
The northern most region, home to the ‘Lost Coast’. Manton Valley is one of the better known sub-areas. ​

​Wine styles and grapes
California is endowed with 2800 different soil types and varied geography comprising mountains, valleys, deserts, and coasts, and this allows a myriad grape varieties and wine styles. California grows around 110 different grape varieties. In reds Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir lead the pack with Zinfandel being their signature red. In white the kind of whites, Chardonnay rules the roost followed by a surprise, Pinot Grigio and then the Sauvignon Blanc. Riesling and Moscato are gaining feet well too. If you were to stereotype Californian wines, they stand for big and bold reds, opulent and tropical whites and lush and perfumed roses.  

​California is the heart of America’s wine, so if you are anywhere in California you know you are close to wines.  I was one of the 21 million tourists who visit Californian wine country each year, I ended up Happy High.  As late Mr. Robert Mondavi declared, ‘Wine has been a part of civilized life for some seven thousand years. It is the only beverage that feeds the body, soul and spirit of man and at the same time stimulates the mind.’ 
​Cheers! 

Bangkok,Thailand
With Thailand comes to mind beers; Singha and Chang. Did you know that there is a wine culture that began to emerge in Thailand at the turn of the millennium!! And at the forefront of this wine movement is Siam Winery which was found in 1986 by Late Chalerm Yoovidhya. The winery is located 30 miles south of Bangkok and they began with Spy a wine based cooler to kickstart the culture and to familiarize the Thai population who were happy with their beer and their local rice based wine/beer like drink Sato. Siam Winery moved to more serious wine when they started Monsoon Valley wines in 2002 and set-up their vineyards 2 hrs south of their winery in the seaside town of Hua Hin. They currently have around 300 acres planted in there.

Located at 12.5 N, Thailand on paper just like India doesn’t fall in the 30-50 degree belt making it a no-go zone for grape cultivation! These are as they call it new- latitude wines and they are adapting with late ripening, high acid grape varieties which can brave the sun and still shine bright in the bottle. In whites the Siam winery does Colombard, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Muscat and in reds they do Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Dornfelder. They even use local varieties like Pokdum and Malaga blanc and have created hybrids like the very inky Rondo which dyes your teeth but is wonderfully refreshing.

Siam winery’s premium wine brand Monsoon Valley  is run by German Winemaker Kathrin Puff and assisted by Suppached Sasomsin from Thailand who had trained to be a winemaker in France. Suppached led us through a tasting of various varietals from different barrels, barriques and tanks. ‘At Siam we are experimenting and trying to get the best out of what our land has to offer. We export to over 12 countries and people are slowly taking acceptance to our wine which is evident in the honors we are receiving at international wine competitions. The climate here many a times can let you down with ph levels, ripening etc and hence we blend our grapes to showcase great wines. We tasted the crisp Columbard, an aromatic rose, a toasty Shiraz from the casks and many more varietals under trials. The Monsoon Valley has their Classic, Premium and Flagship wines which include Still Sparkling and Fortifies wines. 

Mumbai, India

GruVee as we discussed earlier is the face of the Austrian wine industry however this is where their wine story begins and leads us into some myriad and some surprising finds in the wine hinterlands of Austria. Form Weinviertel in the North to Steiermark or Styria in the south a lot of grape varieties are certainly making Austria proud.  And yes, Vienna the capital of the country is the only world capital to produce significant quantities wine within city limits. Look for the Viennese blend Gemistcher Satz, a blend of grape grown within the regions.  Now let’s take a brief account of popular wines from Austria

Whites: (% of total vineyard area)
Riesling (4.1%): Regions:  Danube, Niederosterreich
Austria alongside France and Germany are known for its perfumed and terroir driven wines.  The late ripening variety gets  help from warm currents from the Pannonian plateau to the east which helps extend the ripening season giving the grapes optimum sugar and phenolic ripeness. Kamptal, Kremstal and Traisental are the DAC’s famed for the variety.
The Happy High Picks:
Malat, Steinbuhel, 2013 Kremstal DAC
Topf, Heilgenstein, 2013, Kamptal DAC Reserve
Preiss, Pletzengraben, 2014, Traisental DAC
Hajszan Neumann, Steinberg, 2013, Wien ( Vienna)

Weissburgunder /Pinot Blanc (4.3%):
A grape which originated in France and is one the noble variety in Alsace is a very easy drinking variety with refreshing acidity with green fruit and floral notes.  Was often mistook as a chardonnay in vineyards, this is grape is taken most seriously in Austria where it can make some dry with depth and some luscious botrytis affected sweet wines.
The Happy High Picks:
Zillinger Johannes, Hohes Eck, 2013 Weinviertel DAC
Waldschutz, Schaflerberg, 2014 Wagram Reserve
Christ, Der Vollmodwein, 2014, Wien (Vienna)

Morillon/ Chardonnay (3.1%) Regions: Steiermark (Styria) and Northern Burgenland
Chardonnay requires no introduction and the adaptability of the grape is a phenomenon. Chardonnay grows across the wine regions and makes both light and crisp to heavy oaked styles of wine. It is called Morillon in Styria.
The Happy High Picks:
Hans Moser, 2012 Leithaberg DAC
Tement, Zieregg, 2005, Sussteiermark (South Styria) Reserve
Manuel Nossing, 2013, Wien Reserve

Sauvignon Blanc (2 %) Region: Steiermark
After France and New Zealand this grape has travelled a bit and showing promise in some of its settlements like Chile and even India. I was surprised to see this grape here in the Southern Styria in its juicy and even oaked avatar.
The Happy High Picks:
Sattlerhof, Kranachberg, 2012  Sudsteiermark
Seher, 2014, Weinviertel DAC

Rose:
Blauer Wildbacher (1.0 %)  Region: Steiermark
This is a Red variety which is known for ‘Schilcher’ wines, rose wine from Steiermark known for its grassy and spicy notes with a long finish. It also is used to make Icewines. The next time you Schilcher you know that it will leave your palate lingering with a Raspberry finish….
The Happy High Picks:
Langmann, 2014 Weststeiermark
Jobstl, Altes Weingarten, 2014 Weststeiermark 

St Laurent (1.7%) Region: Thermenregion and Northern Burgenland
St Laurent or Sankt laurent produces medium to full bodied wines worthy of aging. In some cases it sees oak adding more complexity to the dark Cherry profile and sweet spice profile of the wine.
The Happy High Picks:
Jonhanneshof Reinisch, 2013, Thermenregion
Schneider, 2012, Thermenregion Reserve

Zwiegelt (14.1%)  Regions: Caruntum, Neusiedlersee
This is my favourite of the reds and the most planted red variety in Austria. Created by Dr Fritz Zweigelt, it was created in 1922 and is a cross between Blaufrankisch and St Laurent. It makes fruity light to barrique-aging worthy wines. It is also found in Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Happy High Picks:
Christian Fischer, Gradenthal, 2011, Thermenregion
Karl Brindlmayr, 2011, Niederosterreich Reserve

Blaufrankisch (7%) Region:  North and Mid Burgenland, Eastern Niederosterreich
Another powerhouse grape which originated in Austria, I am yet to come to terms with it due to the spectrum of styles I tasted only very few of which I liked.
The Happy High Picks:
Triebaumer Ernst, Meriental, 2011, Burgenland
Bauer Poltl, Altes Weingebirge, 2011, Burgenland 

Spatburgunder (1.4 %)  Regions: Red wine growing regions
Pinot Noir or Spatburgunder happily grows in the 48 degree latitudinal belt of Austria making refreshing reds to some barrel aged elixirs.
The Happy High Picks:
Uibel, End des Berges 2010 Weinviertel Reserve
Bauer Anton, Feuersbrunn, 2012, Wagram Reserve

Sweet Wines
Lastly the Austrian wine scene is incomplete without the tasting of its illustrious sweet wines. Types of sweet wines being Noble Rot or Botrytis wines most popular from the banks of the Neusiedlersee, Eiswein made from frozen grapes and Schilfwein or straw wine made by drying grapes for a minimum of 4 months.  Mukatel Ottonel, Welschriesling (WR) , Weissburgunder( WB) and Traminer are some popular grape varieties used for the same.
The Happy High Picks:
Heidi Schrock, Spatlese, WR & WB, 2013 Burgenland
Haider, TrockenBeerenauslese, WR & WB, 2012, Burgenland
Ernst Triebaumer, Eiswein, Blend, 2012, Burgenland
Angerhof Tschida, Schilfwein, Muskat Ottonel, 2009 Burgenland

Mumbai,India
Understanding the wine label is more than half the battle won, the other half is more enjoyable; the drinking or to be polite; tasting; at least in the professional scene. When we look at the former, the battle if often attributed to the old world wine making countries , France, Germany, Austria to name a few.  Why? Because with centuries of wine making experience they know what plot is best for what grape, they have strong laws governing their viticultural and vinification process etc and all of this is manifested on the label  with a few terms, it is given that people would know given their legacy, if not  one ought to learn it. Nonetheless with wine going international the big guns are making amends to make their labels more approachable whilst sticking to their regulations. The Austrian wine legacy began in 1 BC when the Romans began their plantations and with those many years of wine making behind them they too have some regulations.  Let’s look at pointers to look for on a label to make our Austrian Wine shopping easy

Regions and DAC(Districtus Austria Controlattus)
Quality wines from Austria come from grapes grown in one of the 25 specific wine growing regions in Austria of which 9 are generic winemaking areas and 16 specific. Again of the 16 we have 9 DACs, DAC is the highest classification and when on the label refer to region typical wines. The 9 Austrian DACs are Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, Weinviertal, Weiner Gemischter Satz, Neusiedlersee, Leithaberg, Mittelburgenland and Eisenburg. Spot these on the label!

Pradikatswein
Based on the sugar content of the grape when harvested, quality wines are classified into the following in an ascending order of sweetness:
Kabinett (dry wine)
Spatlese (dry or sweet wine)
Auslese (dry or sweet wine)
Beerenauslese (Sweet wines here on)
Eiswein
Strohwine/ Schilfwein 
Ausbruch
Trockenbeerenauslese

Sweetness
The sweetness in the final wine is indicated by use of terms as below:
Trocken- Dry
Halbtrocken- Off dry
Lieblich- Medium sweet
Suss- Sweet

Environment, Organic
For those of you who prefer organic and environmentally sustainable produce, look for the below logo on the bottle.

Other labeling terms
Reserve: These wine are rested for at least a year before release, have more than 13% alcohol and can take in oak and botrytis flavors.
Smaragd, Fiederspiel, Steinfeder : Restricted to the area of Wachau, these were coined when there no classification or wines. These terms again indicate the ripeness of the grape when harvested and ultimately shows in the final wine. Steinfeder is the lightest and Smaragd is the heaviest. 

Banderole:
Lastly the most important and the easiest way to identify a quality Austrian wine is the Banderole in the form of their national flag placed on the top of the closure or on the bottle with the registered producer number.

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