The influential American critic, Robert Parker published his much awaited report on Bordeaux 2009 last night. And there seems to be considerable parity this year between him and wine critics from across the Atlantic, which is unusual. Their opinions often differ wildly, but it's certainly not the case this time and it augurs well for Bordeaux.

The San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards were held on Monday night in London. Once again, Spain showed that it remains king of the culinary hill, boasting three out of the top five restaurants, writes Sommelier India correspondent, Harshal Shah. With a further restaurant in the top 10, Spain can say unequivocally that it is home to the highest percentage of the world's very best restaurants.
Above: Famed former New York Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl with Harshal Shah, Juan Mari Arzak (standing), and Grant Achatz of Alinea in Madrid in January 2010.

It is such a pleasant surprise to find quite a range of Carménères in India. The best thing about these wines is that apart from being ripe, juicy and well-structured, they are not the most expensive wines around.The SI Tasting Panel - Kavita Faiella, Rovina Sabnani, Reva Singh, Rukn Luthra and Harshal Shah - looked at the five most widely available Carménères in India today.

Le Kebabiere, a new contemporary-style Indian restaurant in Pune's hip Koregaon Park environs, has specially selected wines to offer diners, which make enjoyable food and wine pairings, writes Sommelier India correspondent, Brinda Gill. "You can close your eyes and order these wines", says Executive Chef Shailendra Kekade, Le Kebabiere, of the wines in the Cellar Selection of the recently launched Indian restaurant designed in vibrant colours and contemporary style.

Gérard Basset won the 13th World's Best Sommelier Competition, held in Santiago, Chile on April 15, reports Reva Singh. Paolo Basso of Switzerland came in second and David Biraud of France, was third. Organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) and sponsored by Moet et Chandon, the competition takes place every three years.

We, in the wine industry as part of our daily rituals in prayer and salutation to the gods of excise and customs, say a word of thanks to the slowly developing core of wine drinkers who, along with our tireless attitudes and optimistic energies, help propel this industry forward to the dizzy heights we know it can achieve. Cleve Washington, both surprised and gratified, reports on the launch of the FWM Club in Lucknow.

I had first learnt about Yarra Valley when I was in hotel management school but I must confess that reading about it in college and actually being there are two incomparable experiences! writes Jyoti Balani
Left: The Chateau Yering Historic House which dates back to 1854 and is a heritage property

Talk about shattering preconceptions about wine. "Steven Spurrier's take on the current wine scenario is that the French are drinking less wine, the Chinese can't get enough and that India is the next big market," writes Parvathi Nayar. The setting was the wine dinner held at the Sheraton Park, Chennai.

Right: Steven Spurrier with the Terroir Chronicle 2009

The International Food & Drink Expo India 2010 received good news earlier this month with two key international trade associations confirming their support. Sopexa, responsible for promoting French food and beverage companies in potential export markets, organised a modest participation in the inaugural 2009 edition, but expect to deliver an increasednumber of exhibitors this year.

Mark Twain, the American author, wrote in 1897 that "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated". On the same lines I would aver that while it is ailing, reports about the imminent demise of the Indian wine industry are somewhat premature, writes Sommelier India columnist, Alok Chandra.

There is no spectacular Indian wine, comments Stanley Pinto. A few are good enough for casual quaffing, but consistency is an issue even with these. For example, a notable 'Reserve' produced in Bangalore, once not half bad, has degenerated into something that's barely potable to discerning oenophiles. Pictured is a wine shop of a time gone by

Half way through Vinitaly 2010 and my teeth already need re-enamelling! The two great tastings yesterday were the 12 'Blue Chip' wines of Italy - a computer-generated list looking at the total production of a wine, its price and its market share. Harshal Shah tells us about some of the wines he tasted.

8 April 2010. Vinitaly 2010 has kicked off, although it will 'officially' be opened by the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, tomorrow. There is already a buzz in the air with a renewed optimism following last year's circumspection due to the global financial crisis, notes Harshal Shah Sommelier India WINE magazine's Delhi correspondent reporting from Verona.

As I see it, there are two questions that are very important for Bordeaux wine producers each year and the decisions they take drive the fate of their businesses. The first is common to all wine producers while the second is specific to Bordeaux. Can you guess what they are? Shiv Singh reports from Bordeaux.

Italy met New Zealand with great success at the latest Bangalore Wine Club event, A Taste of Italy, a sit-down dinner held on Friday 19th March. Hosted at Bangalore's well-known Italian restaurant, Via Milano, reports Ruma Singh, SI correspondent in Bangalore. The restaurant was filled to capacity at the dinner where a range of Montana wines from New Zealand were paired with Italian cuisine by Chef Paolo Nonino.

Here's another milestone for the Indian wine industry as it will soon become the first Asian country to join the Paris-based International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Speaking at a press conference, Federico Castellucci, the director general of OIV, said the organisation was looking forward to welcoming India as a full member in a few months, notes Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). Pictured above are officials of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries with the President of the OIV.

Rémy Cointreau Group, a global leader in premium wines & spirits, has appointed Nashik Vintners Pvt. Ltd. (Sula Vineyards), India's largest wine producer to import and distribute its wine and spirits portfolio in India. Remy Cointreau's portfolio includes prestigious brands like Louis XIII, Rémy Martin, Cointreau and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.