Wine from the south of France launched in India
A recent wine tasting at The Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon, arranged by Gianander Dua, Director De Vine and Hops Marketing, saw the launch of a range of red and white wines from Château St. Jacques d'Albas and Ferrandière Estate in the south of France. Not having been to The Leela for a wine tasting before this event, I was impressed by the wine service and quality of glasses, writes Isheeta Gupta who was present at the Tasting. Unsuitable stemware being one of my pet peeves, it put me in a good mood even before I tasted the wine.
Above: Jacques Gau, Gyanendra Dua and Graham Nutter
The St. Jacques d'Albas domain produces predominantly AOC Minervois wines from four red grape varieties - Syrah, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvedre. We tasted three Minervois from St. Jacques d' Albas including Clos de Garric, Domaine St. Jacques d' Albas 2006 and Château St. Jacques d' Albas 2008. The first two were definitely the stars of the evening, displaying an excellent bouquet full of red fruits and spices.
The wines of St. Jacques d'Albas are highly rated and have won awards at the Sommelier India Wine Competition 2009, Mondial de Bruxelles and the International Wine Challenge, including mentions by Jancis Robinson for their Château St. Jacques 2001 and La Chapelle 2003 wines. Unfortunately the La Chapelle is not included in their list for India since high taxation and surcharges would make it unaffordable.
In these dark times of exorbitant wine prices, the Pay d'Oc range from the Ferrandière Estate represents great value for money. The wines being imported from this estate are a Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Viognier, all of which were refreshing and easy-drinking wines suitable for daily consumption. They will retail in India at Rs 1100 to Rs 1300 per bottle.
As of now, De Vine is only importing from two domaines in the south of France but hopes to expand their portfolio soon. Gianander Dua stated, "We are pleased to bring French wines to India from two of the oldest vineyards in France. Mr Graham Nutter of Château Saint-Jacques d'Albas and Mr Jacques Gua of the Ferrandière Estate are producing very exciting wines which reflect their wonderful terroir with elegance, concentration and supple, sweet fruit - a style that has won them many followers around the world and, perhaps toughest of all, within the local region."
Above: Jacques Gau, Gyanendra Dua and Graham Nutter
Jacques Gua, sole master of the Ferrandière Estate added, "We are excited to partner with De Vine & Hops Marketing and introduce our French wines to India, since India is one of the fastest growing markets for wine, although the consumption per capita is small."
