The fourth edition of India Wine Challenge takes place in Mumbai in January next year, including awards for matching with key Indian dishes for the first time and also adding the India Spirits Challenge, a sister competition, according to the Chairman of the competition Robert Joseph.
‘The India Spirits Challenge will quickly become the guide for everyone interested in domestic and international whiskies’, according to Robert who adds, ‘I am also excited about the newly installed award for pairing wine with Indian cuisine for which India is justifiably known for and proud of. Not only will this be a help for diners in India but also for the millions of lovers of Indian cuisine around the world.’
Chairman of India Wine Challenge, he was also co-founder of the International Wine Challenge with Charles Metcalfe. He has been described by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 most influential persons in wine during the 21st century. He has launched Wine Challenges in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Russia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Robert has chaired or judged at wine competitions in Portugal, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Germany where he was a fellow judge at the recently held MundusVini International Wine Competition.
For the wine and food paring competition he has roped in Laurent Chaniac, a French wine consultant to The Cinnamon Club in London where his expertise in matching wines to Indian cuisine has become very popular. He has worked with some of London's finest dining experiences for years, including L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon part of the group holding 25 Michelin stars- The Square, The Stafford Hotel, The Cinnamon Club and The Cinnamon Kitchen.
‘With the introduction of food and wine pairing categories this year, judgments made in Mumbai will be used around the world as the tasters decide on the ideal wines to match with key Indian dishes, helping create the perfect blend of Indian and European heritages’, says Joseph.
The first two editions of the Wine Challenge were held in London and Delhi while the previous one was held in Mumbai earlier this year. Despite a promised co-operative stand by the Maharashtra Excise department it hit a few road blocks for some producers. Although things are expected to improve, participants are advised to plan well in advance and not wait for the closing date of January 7, 2011.
For more information, write to info@indiawineandspiritschallenge.com
Subhash Arora
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