Sommelier INDIA
December/January 2011. ` 150
For Indians around the world who enjoy the good life
The Season to
SPARKLE The Sparkling Art Of Blending 18 Champagne Champions 22 Talking to Taittinger 24 Killer California Chardonnays 45
Restricted circulation magazine dedicated to wine lovers and the wine trade
52
Contents December-January 2011
4
ON THE GRAPEVINE
News, notes and views for the wine buff
8 -14
SI COLUMNISTS
Informed commentary from wine experts
15
Rs. 150
25 30
THE CALL OF CAVA
Although not quite champagne, Spain’s sparkling wine Cava has a charm of its own. Harshal Shah reports
32
ITALIAN SPARKLERS
Dr. Ariff Jamal answers your wine questions, big and small
No longer the poor relation of Champagne, Prosecco and Franciacorta come into their own. Michele Shah elaborates
16
36
ASK ARIFF
IN SPARKLING COMPANY
Sula Brut is the number one Indian-made sparkling wine, notes Harshal Shah
18
THE SPARKLING ART OF BLENDING
WHEN MARILISA CAME A-CALLING
Recently in India to promote the Allegrini brand, Marilisa Allegrini made time to chat with Ruma Singh
38
SOURCING THE NO FRET WINE LIST
Champagne is a wine where the single vintage is an exception, and blending is the key to success, says David Cobbold
Carol Wright meets Jo Eames, wine buyer at the Peach Pub Company in the UK
22
41
CHAMPAGNE CHAMPIONS
Photo feature of vintage champagnes available in India.
24
TAITTINGER IN INDIA
Sonal Holland talks history, tradition, and winemaking with Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger, during his recent visit to India
28
SPARKLING WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR
Multiple award-winning winemaker of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, Régis Camus shares insights with Reva K Singh
SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON SAUTERNES
Marisa D’Vari explores a new trend where sweet wines are paired with Indian fusion cuisine
44
TOP 30 UNDER 30
Naina Hiranandani profiles Lindsay Groves, the bright young sommelier at The Oberoi, Mumbai
45
KILLER CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAYS
Bob Ecker uncovers some of the best Californian Chardonnay
48
DRINKING IN THE SCENERY
The wines of the Dolomites from the Alto Adige and Trentino region are among Michele Shah’s favourites
52
THE TWO WORLDS OF WINE, OLD AND NEW Aman Sharma examines the complex world of wine and seeks to make it simpler for the wine newbie
56
BLIND TASTING THE BARBERAS
Stuart George tastes the Barberas presented at the Barbera Meeting 2010 held at Asti in Piedmont
60
WHAT AILS THE INDIAN WINE INDUSTRY Alok Chandra looks closely at our wine industry and is cautiously optimistic
64
INDIAN SINGLE MALT MAKES HEADLINES Indian-made single malt whisky, Amrut Fusion, named third best in the world. Ruma Singh tracks Amrut’s success
66
RESTAURANTS THAT LOVE WINE
The best places to wine and dine
69
CHAMPAGNE QUIZ
10 questions on Champagne
70
WINE MOMENTS TO REMEMBER Photo Finish
Publisher, editor and owner: Reva K Singh. Co-publisher Shiv B Singh. Copy editor: Bunny Suraiya. Executive Assistant: Aienla Ozukum. Creative Director: Peali Dutta Gupta. Design: Shamik Kundu. Layout artist: TMJ. Printed at EIH Ltd. 7, Sham Nath Marg, Delhi - 110054. Sommelier India is a trade bi-monthly privately produced by CMI, Consolidated Media Int, C-320, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110 024, India. Tel: +91 11 2433 1013. E-mail: info@indianwinemagazine.com. Web: www.sommelierindia.com. For restricted circulation only. The views expressed in this publication are the writers’ own and not necessarily those of the publishers. Subscription price: Rs. 1000 for two years and Rs. 1300 for three years; international $56 for two years and $82 for three years.