In Pune to showcase the company’s Zampa wines – a Chenin Blanc, Rosé and Syrah – at the stylish Stone Water Grill restaurant, on 23rd November 2008, Deorah added that as Zampa reflects adventure, fashion, modernity and lifestyle, the company thought the launch would be best complemented by a fashion show by a leading design house.

Puneet Nanda, Design Head, Satya Paul, showcased a range of contemporary saris and western attire inspired by pop art, at an evening organized by Jyoti Balani, as guests were served Zampa wines and starters, with a buffet dinner after the fashion show. Australian winemaker Paul Bailey, who is chief winemaker for Vallée de Vin, spoke about the wines.

While Bailey has been in the wine industry for 20 years including a stint with the well known Jacob’s Creek from Australia, he “was keen to be part of the story of wine in India that is yet to be written,” he said. “Wine is a complex subject, difficult to negotiate. It is a new culture for India. So I am here to ask the Indian public to cross a bridge to the West, as wine has its origins in Europe or in areas where Europeans settled.”

“The Zampa style is a true expression of the vineyard where the grapes are grown. We are focused on producing quality grapes through vineyard management that includes decreased yield per vine and adapting the trellis system to suit wine grape varietals,” said Bailey.

The company has vineyards in Sanjegaon, Nashik, where Australian viticulturist Simon Robertson manages the vines. Robertson has introduced the vertical shoot position system that allows the vines optimal sunlight interception which, along with his signature pruning technique help the fruit achieve the desired ripeness.

The Zampa rosé is made from Syrah grapes. “If Syrah grapes are picked at the right time, the wine produced has a light, delicate flavour. It is soft, semi-dry, smooth, has 12.4% alcohol and is easy to drink. The Chenin Blanc, made from grapes that do very well in India, is a full flavoured style. It has flavours of citrus and honey, 13.5% alcohol, and a fresh, clean taste. The Syrah is a spicy, full bodied wine with tannins and 14% alcohol,” explained Bailey.

The wines are presently available in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Pune, and will soon be available in other states.