|
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.  Imported Red Wines under 2000 Rs with Mumbai Maharashtra pricingBordeaux 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
0 Comments
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 Forbes article published 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! 
Prosecco in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)Just Roberto – Rs 1850 FranciacortaThe 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 alongside 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 ShirazRhone 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 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 PairingA 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 one’s palate on fire, of course not literally. 
Shiraz in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)AustraliaOutback Jack – Rs 1475 ChileConcha Y Toro “Frontera” – Rs 1590 FrancePaul Jaboulet – Rs 2300 ItalyAchelo Cortona DOC – Rs 3582 South AfricaTwo Oceans – Rs 1590 One international black grape India has taken affinity to is the Malbec. Malbec also called Cot in France is a grape which makes 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 MalbecCot 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 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and are the key in Bordeaux blends today, Malbec is allowed too. During the mid 19th century Malbec plantations were taken to Argentina by a Frenchman Miguel Pouget who was invited to give a push to the Argentine wine industry and he planted them in Mendoza, today it’s the holy grail of the grape. Argentina has 76,000 acres of the grape with France coming second at 13,000 acres. 
Malbec in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)ArgentinaArgento – Rs 1700 ChileCarta Vieja limited release – Rs 1896 FranceComte Tolosan Je Suis A Boire Cot – Rs 2050 South AfricaStonecross – Rs 2160 Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris – The Easy White Wine ChoicePinot Grigio is a wine that pleases all palates — when in doubt, open a Grigio. It is known for citrus, floral and stone fruit notes with refreshing acidity and is usually light on the pocket. The same grape as Pinot Gris shows a riper style with lower acidity and more tropical fruit notes, sometimes slightly sweet. Key Wine RegionsThe benchmark for Pinot Grigio is North-East Italy — especially Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige. The richer Pinot Gris style is found in Alsace (France) and parts of New Zealand. Food Pairing StyleA very versatile wine — perfect with salted snacks, salads, sushi, grilled fish with lemon butter, and herb-based dishes. Think of it as a start-your-evening wine — light, refreshing and easygoing. 
Brands of Pinot Grigio in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)ArgentinaTrapiche — Rs 1770 ItalyGolden Sparrow — Rs 1750 Cabernet Sauvignon – The King of Black GrapesCabernet Sauvignon is the king of black grapes and grown globally. It is known for deep purple colour when young, high tannins, and black fruit aromas that evolve into cedar wood and tobacco notes with age. These wines can age for decades due to their body, acidity, structure and tannins. However, it is important to note that only a small percentage of wines are truly age-worthy — most are meant for early consumption. Key Wine RegionsThe finest expressions come from Bordeaux, especially Médoc and Pessac-Léognan in Graves. Chile and California produce riper, fruit-forward and softer styles of Cabernet Sauvignon. Australian Cabernet, particularly from Coonawarra, is known for its bold structure with a hint of eucalyptus. In Tuscany, Cabernet is used in Super Tuscan blends with Sangiovese to add structure and depth. Food Pairing StyleCabernet Sauvignon pairs best with grilled meats and rich vegetarian dishes like aubergine lasagna. Aged Cabernet (6–8 years and above) pairs beautifully with hard cheeses, prunes and nuts. 
Brands of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)ArgentinaZuccardi “Q” — Rs 4750 AustraliaGeoff Hardy Petaringa — Rs 5400 ChileCarta Vieja — Rs 1446 FranceYvon Mau Cabernet Sauvignon IGP — Rs 1750 South Africa29 Made for Meat — Rs 1970 USABorn West — Rs 1975 Pinot Noir – The Delicate Darling of GrapesPinot Noir is a “delicate darling” amongst grapes as it requires cool climatic conditions to grow. The advantage is that it interacts deeply with terroir and expresses its truest character. Pinot tends to be fruity (strawberry, raspberry notes) and perfumed when young, with supple tannins. With age, it develops greater complexity. Most Pinot Noir wines are meant for early consumption due to their lighter body. Key Wine RegionsThe greatest Pinot Noir comes from Burgundy, France — especially Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée and Corton above Aloxe-Corton. Vosne-Romanée is among the most revered, home to legendary wines such as Romanée-Conti and La Tâche, which command stratospheric prices. Pinot Noir is also known as Spätburgunder in Germany, where it is highly regarded after France. Other notable regions available in India include Oregon (USA), Marlborough (New Zealand), Yarra Valley (Australia), and Elgin (South Africa). Food Pairing StylePinot Noir is a light-bodied red that pairs well with simple pasta in tomato sauce, vegetable pizza, grilled tuna, and mushroom pies. Indian pairings such as paneer kathi roll, beetroot gilawat, and butter dal khichdi also work beautifully. 
Pinot Noir Wines in India (Mumbai Prices)Pinot Noir is a delicate red grape known for its light body, red fruit character, and elegance. It is one of the most terroir-sensitive grapes, meaning it expresses the region it comes from more clearly than most varieties. Because of its structure, most Pinot Noir wines are meant for early to medium-term consumption. Burgundy (France) – The BenchmarkBouchard Aîné & Fils Pinot Noir “Les Vendangeurs” – Rs 3250 Pinot Noir from Around the WorldAustralia: Geoff Hardy Lakeside – Rs 2450 Riesling – The Aromatic High-Acidity White WineRiesling is one of the most aromatic white grape varieties, known for its naturally high acidity. It can produce wines ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet, similar in versatility to Chenin Blanc. Young Rieslings show floral, citrus and stone fruit aromas, while aged examples develop complex notes of honey, nuts and petroleum. Its high acidity also gives it excellent ageing potential. Key Riesling RegionsGermany is the benchmark country for Riesling, followed by France and Austria. In Germany, Mosel and Rheingau are the most important regions, while Alsace in France and Wachau and Kremstal in Austria produce highly regarded styles. New World producers in Australia, New Zealand and the USA also produce excellent Rieslings, often with a focus on purity and fruit expression. Sugar levels vary widely in Riesling—from bone dry styles with under 10g/L to intensely sweet wines exceeding 300g/L. Always check the label before selecting a bottle. Riesling & Food PairingRiesling is widely recommended for Indian food pairing, especially off-dry styles that balance spice with residual sugar. It works best with moderately spiced dishes. Sweeter Rieslings pair well with desserts like peach pie, lemon tart, and even salty blue cheeses. 
Riesling Wines in India (Mumbai Prices)Riesling in India spans from light, crisp entry-level wines to premium single vineyard and aged German expressions. Below is a curated list of Riesling wines available in the Indian market. AustraliaPeter Lehmann Portrait Eden Valley – Rs 3750 AustriaDomäne Gobelsburg Urgestein – Rs 3495 FranceFamille Hugel AOC Alsace – Rs 4690 GermanyBlack Tower – Rs 1790 New ZealandFramingham Classic – Rs 4900 Europe (General Listing)I Heart Riesling – Rs 1750 Champagne – The World’s Most Famous Sparkling WineChampagne is the most recognised sparkling wine in the world and is often used as a generic term for sparkling wines. However, legally it can only be produced in the Champagne region of France using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. Champagne Highlights• Made exclusively in Champagne, France Champagne & Food PairingChampagne is one of the most versatile food wines. A classic rule is: when in doubt, open Champagne. Traditional pairings include oysters, but in an Indian context it works beautifully with salted nuts, cheese canapés, chicken reshmi kebabs, and broccoli malai tikka. 
Champagne Brands in India (Mumbai Prices)A curated list of Champagne brands available in the Indian market, ranging from entry-level prestige houses to luxury and ultra-premium cuvées. Brut ChampagneG H Mumm – Rs 6300 Rosé ChampagneLaherte Frères Rosé NV – Rs 6800 Bordeaux – The Crowning Glory of the Wine WorldBordeaux is home to some of the most iconic wine estates in the world, including Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Pétrus. With over 120,000 hectares under vine, Bordeaux spans key sub-regions such as Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, and Entre-Deux-Mers. It is a region defined by blending rather than single varietal expression. Bordeaux wines vary each year depending on vintage conditions. The goal is not uniformity but the best possible expression of that harvest through blending. Bordeaux Cépages (Grape Varieties)Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenère The first three grapes in each category account for over 95% of total plantings. From 2021 onwards, new varieties such as Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, Arinarnoa (reds) and Alvarinho, Liliorila (whites) have also been permitted. Left Bank vs Right BankBordeaux is divided by the Gironde estuary into the Left Bank and Right Bank. The Left Bank (Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pessac-Léognan) is known for Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blends. Graves produces elegant Sauvignon Blanc whites, while Sauternes and Barsac are famous for sweet wines. The Right Bank (Pomerol and Saint-Émilion) is dominated by Merlot-based blends, known for their softness and approachability. 
Bordeaux Wines in the Indian Market (Mumbai Pricing)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 with more than 120000 hectares of land dedicated to viticulture, spread across Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers and other satellites. Bordeaux wines can be red, white, rosé and sparkling. They are always blends of different grape varieties to hedge against climatic variations. Bordeaux is not about consistency each year, but about the best possible expression of the vintage. Red WinesCap Royal Bordeaux Supérieur Rs 1900 Early Dark Gerard Arbeau Rs 2200 L’Esprit de Bacchus Rs 2250 Premius Rs 2305 Esprit de Bacchus Bordeaux Supérieur Rs 2450 Beau Rivage Bordeaux Supérieur Rs 2504 Château Goumin Rs 2580 DBR Lafite Légende Rs 2750 DBR Lafite Réserve Spéciale Rs 2750 Château De Fontenille Rs 2770 Château Bonnet Rs 2830 Château Timberlay Bordeaux Supérieur Rs 2990 Michel Lynch Rs 3099 Château de Parenchère Rouge AOC Bordeaux Supérieur Rs 3450 Barton & Guestier Passeport Saint Emilion Rs 3660 DBR Lafite Réserve Spéciale Médoc Rs 3790 Château Timberlay Cuvée Prestige Rs 4200 Château Tour De Segur St Emilion Rs 4260 Château Coucheroy Pessac Léognan Rs 4470 Château de Parenchère Cuvée Raphael Rs 4500 Clarendelle Rs 4983 Thunevin Bad Boy Rs 5588 DBR Lafite Réserve Spéciale Pauillac Rs 7500 Château La Louvière Grand Cru Pessac Léognan Rs 8299 Le Baron de Brane Château Brane-Cantenac 2014 Rs 9796 Château Poujeaux Moulis 2014 Rs 10073 Thunevin Virginie de 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 Margaux 2011 Rs 16537 Château Lagrange Saint Julien 2017 Rs 16593 Château Chasse-Spleen Moulis 2009 Rs 21030 Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux 2018 Rs 28711 Canon La Gaffelière Saint Emilion 2005 Rs 41000 Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2006 Rs 63920 Super Tuscan – Bordeaux BlendsTenuta di Trinoro Le Cupole IGT Toscana Rs 8560 La Brancaia Ilatraia Rs 11921 Guado Al Tasso Rs 24950 Merlot – The Crowd Pleaser RedMerlot (pronounced “Mer Low”) is a crowd-pleasing red grape variety known for producing elegant and approachable wines that instantly connect with consumers. These wines typically have moderate tannins and are known for plum, prune and fruit cake aromas depending on the region of origin. The grape is believed to take its name from the French “Merle” meaning blackbird. Key Wine RegionsMerlot is best known for its role in Bordeaux blends, particularly in Pomerol, Saint-Émilion and Entre-Deux-Mers where it ripens earlier due to cooler conditions. Outside France, Merlot gained popularity in the United States, especially California, where warmer climates produce softer wines with plum and fruit cake notes. Chile produces fruit-forward Merlots in moderate climates, while Italy uses it in blends across Veneto and Tuscany. New Zealand and other cooler New World regions are steadily improving quality expressions. Food PairingMerlot pairs well with pizzas, pasta in tomato sauce, grilled chicken, tuna, mushroom risotto and semi-hard cheeses. In Indian cuisine, it works with dishes like paneer tikka, dal vada, Amritsari macchi and chicken malai seekh. 
Merlot – Brands in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)A selection of Merlot wines available across the Indian retail and import market. AustraliaJacob's Creek Classic — Rs 1500 Yellow Tail — Rs 2095 ChileCarta Vieja — Rs 1446 Concha Y Toro “Frontera” — Rs 1590 Conosur Merlot Tocornal — 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 FranceYvon Mau Merlot IGP — Rs 1720 Barton & Guestier Réserve — Rs 1850 Domaine Montrose — Rs 2099 Charles Rousseau — Rs 2100 ItalyGiacondi 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 ZealandAllan Scott Estate Bottled — Rs 2495 South AfricaMAN Family, Jan Fiskaal — Rs 1995 Niel Joubert — Rs 2100 USAGrove 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. 
Chenin Blanc – India’s Favourite Easy White WineChenin Blanc is a grape that is very popular in India and is also grown in Nashik. Brands like Reveilo and Grover are doing a great job with the grape and the Indian consumer is loving it. It is naturally high in acidity and can be made in styles ranging from zero sugar to very sweet wines, including sparkling styles. The flavour profile can range from floral notes to apples and tropical fruits like pineapple. Chenin Blanc Wine RegionsThe classic home of Chenin Blanc is the Loire Valley in France, including villages such as Anjou, Vouvray, Saumur and Touraine, producing a wide range of styles. Outside France, South Africa has made a strong mark with easy-drinking, tropical, no-fuss Chenin Blancs, similar in spirit to emerging Indian expressions. Chenin Blanc & Food PairingMost Chenins in India carry a slight hint of sugar balanced by refreshing acidity, making them ideal with mildly spiced Indian food. Easy drinking styles also work beautifully on their own — or simply with a bowl of salted wafers. Chenin Blanc Brands in the Indian Market (Mumbai Prices)South AfricaCape Elephant Rs 1500 Cape Zebra Rs 1650 Cape Dreams Rs 1965 MAN Family, REE RUN STEEN Rs 1995 Stonecross Rs 2160 USADry Creek Sonoma Rs 2945 Sauvignon Blanc – Fresh, Aromatic & Zesty White WineSauvignon Blanc is a juicy and aromatic grape variety with refreshing acidity, making it ideal for Indian weather. It shows notes of elderflower, bell pepper, passion fruit, gooseberry and grass. These wines are generally made in a youthful, unoaked style to preserve freshness and vibrancy. Key Wine RegionsThe most iconic expressions come from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé (Loire Valley, France). In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is blended with Sémillon to create fuller-bodied white wines. Marlborough (New Zealand) defines the modern New World style with bold fruit-driven character. Cool-climate regions in Australia (Adelaide Hills, parts of New South Wales) also excel with the grape. In the USA, especially Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is often made in an oaked style known as “Fumé Blanc”. Food Pairing StyleThe high acidity and aromatic profile make it perfect with salads, pan-seared fish, goat cheese, and fresh cheese platters with nuts and fruits. Indian pairings include malai chicken tikka, masala papad and dahi kebab. Sauvignon Blanc – Brands in the Indian Market (Mumbai Pricing)ArgentinaTrapiche Rs 1770 AustraliaMetal Label Padthaway Rs 2525 AustriaSattlerhoff, Südsteiermark Rs 2988 ChileCarta Vieja Rs 1446 BordeauxPremius Rs 2150 France (Other Regions)Early Dark Gaillac Rs 1975 New Zealand (Marlborough)Allan Scott Rs 2495 South AfricaNiel Joubert Rs 1895 USADry Creek Fumé Blanc Rs 2950 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 ! (The article is written by Ajit Balgi, WSET Educator, BNIC Cognac Educator, Wine Judge.)
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.  Garden Fresh Veggies/Flowers and Wine Pairing at Cakebread Wine Cellars with Bruce Cakebread 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.  Napa Wine Train  Wine Flight at Bounty Hunter Store in Napa 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.  Opened in 1880 ... 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.  Opened in 1982 .. today the 6th largest player of 9000 + US wineries 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  Fog in San Franciso 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.  The Oldest family owned winery from 1880s which still thrives.. Their Sauvignon Blanc is California's first varietally labelled one 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.  Napa Valley 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.   Suppached Sasomsin (L) and The Happy High's Ajit Balgi 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.   Limited Editions... Our winery tour replete with tastings and a walk around lasted about two hours and it would be a more fruitful visit during harvest time, January- March where one can see the entire winemaking process. They also host vineyard tours in Hua Hin which I understood are touristier with great views from the deck, a Thai restaurant, Elephant rides and more. We couldn’t visit it due to paucity of time. Next time the Hua Hin vineyards and their Chaoya Phrya floating vineyards are on cards! Siam winery not only does local wines but is also a major bottler and importer of various international wines from across the globe. We are glad our first tryst with Thai wines began with such an iconic brand and we hope to see them in India soon, given that India loves their green and red curries. One last trivia to surprise you, we certainly were, the energy drink Red Bull was also founded by the man who founded the Siam winery! To Thai Wines… Chiyo!! Mumbai, India  Austrian Wine Map  Vineyards in Vienna City 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.  Picture Gallery:
https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1585901098337130 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1585529181707655 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1585670025026904 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1584966441763929 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1585322591728314 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1584864561774117 https://www.facebook.com/thehappyhigh/posts/1584462638480976 |
Opinions & Insights on Wine, Spirits, Bartending and Sommelier CultureThe Happy High blog shares perspectives on the evolving world of wine, spirits, bartending, and sommelier culture in India and around the globe. From industry observations and beverage education to bar culture and hospitality trends, this section captures our views from the frontlines of the alcobev industry. 
Categories
All
Archives
May 2026
|
The Happy High is a Mumbai based beverage consulting co founded in 2014 with a vision to raise the bars of the wine and dine scene in the country. Read more.
|
416, Goldcrest Business Park, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai 400086. (visit by appointment only )
+91 99307 71739 [email protected] |
You must be of legal drinking age in your country or region to enter this site.
RSS Feed