Unnoticed by most people, there has been a mini revolution going on in the banquet wines served in metros where the French table wines ruling the roost for decades are slowly being edged out by the Argentine label Malambo- which is quite drinkable at a banquet and does not burn a hole in the pocket, writes Subhash Arora.
Looking at and drinking the Argentine wine Malambo at the banquets for the last one year, one is reminded of the super-star of yesteryears- Amitabh Bachhan who acted as Mogambo, the don. Retailing at Rs.745 in Delhi and Rs. 600 at Gurgaon, the wine is a good retail value although the best deal is available in Chandigarh where it is available at less than Rs. 550. This price comes close to the price of Indian wines and makes a very competitive substitute for the ubiquitous French table wines that have thus far been served at the banquets exploiting their French pedigree.
Molambo is the entry level wine is the collaboration of a UK company and the well known Argentine producer Catena Zapata which does not like to lend its name on the bottle like our home- fermented Samara from Sula, for strategic reasons. But, as the saying goes, if you have to drink a cheap and inexpensive wine, it is best to stick to a known producer who makes quality wines as well. Hopefully, the skills and philosophy of the winemaker help keep the quality of the inexpensive wine under check as well.
Molambo white is a blend of Chenin Chardonnay which is simple yet quite fruity and crisp while the red is a blend of Shiraz and Malbec and is slightly spicy with berry flavours, though nothing great in the after-taste or the persistence on the back palate or the complexity of the wine.
The importer Ace Beveragez has perhaps worked out a great deal with the hotels who gladly serve it along with spirits at an all inclusive rate. But, it is likely to be soon replaced with Argento, a notch better quality and yet costing the same for the banquets, thanks to the intricate excise policy of the Delhi government. Ace has neither confirmed nor denied the step though Malambo will continue to be available at attractive prices in Retail.
Subhash Arora
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