Despite the dastardly war-like attack by the terrorists on Mumbai, the IFE-2008 Food and Wine Show at Pragati Maidan Delhi must go on and will open on December 2 where Guided Tastings of wines from Italy, France, California, Australia & New Zealand and South Africa will be organised during the first two days for trade professionals, writes Subhash Arora
A special Tasting auditorium is being created in Hall No.9, where 20-25 pre-registered visitors can enjoy a complimentary guided tasting from these countries. Experts have been designated by the Indian Wine Academy to moderate each tasting, in order to give the delegates an overview of the country and the region.
The wines have been selected in such a way that they represent different regions and hence show the diversity as also the capability to make wine in different styles from the same grape. Although a real boon for all passionate wine lovers for a quick crash course in wines from these regions, it is regretfully reserved for wine professionals who can register at the click or two, as directed at the bottom of the article.
Here are some details of the tastings:
1. Wines of Italy Dec 2 2:00-3:00 pm
The Initial alphabet in the world of wine is B-for Bordeaux, Burgundy. For non Gaullists it is also Barolo and Barbaresco. Not only will you get to taste a 2004 (historic) vintage Barolo from Oddero, there are some exciting wines from other parts as well. For instance Casale del Giglio, near Rome (Lazio Region) has an exciting dessert wine, Aphrodisium. Or how about trying a Moscato based Asti docg sparkling wine from Mondoro- part of the monolithic Campari group?
It is rather unfortunate that most people in India do not appreciate the difference between a Chianti (a simple and much maligned Tuscan wine, in its basic cheap form- quaffable when made by reputed producers or in its Riserva avatar) and Chianti Classico. More concentrated, mineral, long ageing Chianti Classico from the designated and very protected area of Chianti Classico, is absolutely delicious with or without food for we Indians, especially when the tannins are mellowed down after 3-4 years of ageing. After 2001, the best vintage has been 2004-some believe it is the best vintage this decade.
We have flown two labels from the top producers of this great Tuscan heritage- Castello di Ama 2004 and Fontodi Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 2004. Both the houses are the 'First Growths' and will tickle your sensory powers. These wines are available only for the Guided Tasting and not at the stand of Chianti Classico where you can still sample dozens of wines from other producers- guaranteed to change your perception about these jewels of Tuscany.
There will be some more wines from different areas- adding to 8 wines from Italy- the king of wines from authoctonous (indegenous) varieities of grapes.
This session will be moderated by Subhash Arora, President of Indian Wine Academy and editor of delWine.
2. Wines of France Dec 2 4:00-5:00 pm
No matter how our Italian friends feel, Burgundy (Bourgogne) is difficult to be displaced from its global top position due to the feminine and mystical (sometimes magical) wines. Known for its Chablis, White Bourgogne and red Pinot Noir, we shall have all wines represented at this tasting. The regional appellations vary from the generic, village, to Premier Cru with Grand Cru at the pinnacle.
Grand Cru Chablis from Chateau Grenouilles 2005, a special cuvee of Pouilly Fuissé (premium Bourgogne white) from a boutique winery Boutinot and a Premier/Grand Cru red will complete the repertoire from the seductive region. We have also organized diverse wines, like Rosé from Anjou in Loire Valley Rosé d' Anjou Domaine des Iris 2007 and Rasteau Domaine de Pisan 2006 from the Rhone neighbourhood.
This session moderated by Laurent Guiraud, the French General Manager of Ramola Bacchan's Manré restaurant in Saket will take you through the diverse regions of France with a tasting of 7-8 wines.
4. Wines of Australia and New Zealand Dec 3 2 :30-3 :30 pm
If the first day at the Show is dedicated to the Old World, the next day will be dedicated to the new World- California , South Africa and of course Australia (where Barossa is the big B) and New Zealand.
Here are the wines to be tasted:
Moderator: Michael Carter (Australia)
1 Yarraman Estate Chardonnay 2004
2 Penmara Reserve MCP 2006
3 1847 Fine Wine Pappy's Paddock Shiraz 2005
4 Hartz Barn Barossa Mail Box Merlot 2006
Moderator: Puneet Dhall New Zealand
5. Summerhouse NV Blanc de Blancs
6. Waimea Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2003
7. Lowburn Ferry Pinot Noir 2007
8. Unison Syrah 2006
Michael Carter is the affable Australian Trade Commissioner who will take us through the Hunter Valley Chardonnay and then the 3 reds. Penmara MCP does not indicate that they are Male Chauvinist Pigs (nobody ever says that about Aussies!), but is a blend of Merlot, cabernet and Petit Verdot which as you know, is a Bordeaux Blend- the New World Big B, in a manner of speaking.
Puneet Dhall sounds Indian but he is a sommelier who lives in NZ and represents several interesting wineries of that country. The interest in NZ wines has been waxing in India too. NZ recorded another growth month in October, despite the meltdown and you might be able to reason why, after this tasting.
The Tastings are open to the wine professionals (hotel and restaurant personnel, importers, distributors, retailers, producers, wine journalists and other related trade people)
If you would like to avail of an excellent opportunity not only to learn about diverse wines but enjoy the taste too, attend these sessions on a First-Come First Served basis. You may register at Info@indianwineacademy.com
There are several other exciting Tastings. Here is the complete schedule:
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