But it also marked a period of great change as Bhutan enters the comity of democratic nations in a peaceful transition. The coronation cremonies took place in the Tashichhi Dzong, a massive 17th century white-walled fortress that serves as both administrative headquarters and a monastic centre. At a ceremony that was a festive display combined with sacred Buddhist ritual, the Austrian Indo Wine Family presented the 5th king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, a special selection of Austrain wines to mark the nation's centenary and the much awaited and celebrated coronation.

These wines which were the official coronation wines for Bhutan, were highly acclaimed at the royal banquest organized for the dignitaries, diplomats and connoisseurs from around the world. India was represented by The President, Shrimati Pratibha Patil, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The celebrations which mark the beginning of a new era continued for over a week.

The Austrian Indo wine Family is an association of boutique Austrain wine producers who are exporting the highest quality wines to India and hoping to advance the wine drinking culture in the country. Small but exceptional, their credo is: No mass production; only rare creations.

Wines of Austria enjoys greatness due to the large diversity of soil types, notes a Company release. Stone, gravel, heavy clay, volcanic, conglomerate, loess and lake sand, as well as differing micro-climates, surrounding the majestic Alps combine to provide excellent conditions for growing a wide variety of grapes, translating their distinctive origins into the wine.

Most noteworthy is that Austrian wine is versatile. The subtle nuances between crisp Austrian wines and the varied flavours of our cuisine make it eminently suitable for our dinner tables. "Austrain wines are appreciated throughout Europe and now the Austrian Indo Wine Family provides a channel for this flavour to flow to the Indian subcontinent," observed Herbert Lackner, Business Development consultant from Austria.

Sommelier India had a chance to taste some of these wines recently in Delhi and we look forward to the time when these wines will make their way into the Indian market.ass