We are all still recovering from the tragic events of 26/11. Our wounds will not heal overnight. Those terrorist attacks were personal and as Indians we all feel the pain. But coverage of the attacks would not be complete without drawing attention to the human courage, selfless service, endurance and professionalism of the staff at the hotels and restaurants affected by the tragedy. Shiv Singh reflects on the supreme courage of the hospitality staff and what it means.
The horrific tragedy of 26/11 is still fresh in our minds. And outside of the victims and their families, no one is probably suffering more than the hospitality industry. The wine business in India is going to take an obvious hit too. But how much will businesses suffer and how quickly will it bounce back? We asked five of India's leading wine importers for their opinions.
Sommelier India extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of those affected by the atrocious terrorist attacks in Mumbai. We hope that the hotels and restaurants and their brave personnel are able to recover quickly. The hospitality industry plays an important role in serving as an ambassador for the country.
By targeting it, the terrorists tried to strike in places where it would really hurt India and its place in the global economy. Our prayers are with the friends and families of those affected. We have the utmost confidence in the hospitality business and its ability to recover quickly, provide spectacular service to its guests and keep them safe from any kind of attack in the future. Share your thoughts about the tragedy with other readers here.
It's not too late to pick up a copy of the November/December issue of Sommelier India from the newsstands. You can also subscribe online.
This is our largest issue yet, overflowing with interesting information and features! Included is Jancis Robinson discussing sweet wines, Ruma Singh on Bouvet Ladubay's associations with an upscale lifestyle, cookery schools in Italy by Michele Shah, Asha Bhatia and Avininder Singh on two Delhi restaurants, while Harshal Shah gives us the lowdown on Syrah and Sanjay Menon shares his Cape capers on his return from South Africa. Aman Sharma tells Brinda Gill about his passion for wine, plus the art of drinking wine explained and the Delhi launch of The Wine Society of India captured in a photo essay.
Finally, don't miss the special section on Champagne. You'll learn everything you need to know to impress your friends and family in time for the holidays!
You often hear it said that Indian wines have come a long way, which they have indeed when I think of the plonk we used to drink in the 70s and 80s, when there was not much else available. However, Indian wines still have a long way to go before they can be rated among the best in the international arena. Left: International experts taste Indian wine at Nine Hills Winery, Nashik
Tulleeho India is organising an amateur bar tending workshop in Poona on November 30th 2008. Their experts promise to teach you to 'plan a party, choose the most happening spirits in town, set up a bar, and lots more - down to the last detail . Tulleeho has also launched it's bar tending academy in Bangalore and plans to take in its first batch in Januray 2009.Compiled by Shivani Dogra
You've heard of Salvatore Ferragamo, a world leader in designer fashion and luxury goods. And if you've been reading Sommelier India - The Wine Magazine (July/August 2008), you know that Ferragamo produces some wonderful wines and offers splendid accommodation for wine tourists. The agriturismo is a project which took off in 1993 and is personally directed by Salvatore Ferragamo. Left: Ferruccio and Salvatore Ferragamo in the underground cellar of IL Borro.
What's new is that Ferragamo wines are now coming into the country courtesy Finewinesmmore (FWM), a leading importer of luxury wines and food products, under the dynamic direction of founder and CEO, Dharti Desai.
Kumarakom Lake Resort is a Paul John Enterprise, a group that understands both hospitality and wines. This is clearly attested by the recent recognition Kumarakom Lake Resort has received in the Conde Nast Reader Choice Awards 2008 as one of Asia’s top 25. Kumarakom Lake Resort is the only Kerala resort to feature in the list.
The results of the just concluded India Wine Challenge were announced this evening at the Hyatt Regency New Delhi with Indian wines making a good show. The competition drew 501 entries from 16 countries including 76 from India. Indian wines won eight medals with Château Indage Marquise de Pompadour, Château D'Ori Cabernet Merlot 2007 and Sula 2008 Late Harvest Chenin each winning silver medals.
Robert Joseph, Chairman of the India Wine Challenge, and a team of international wine tasters who will be judging at the Delhi round of the Challenge, visited Nasik at the invitation of Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards. The Sommelier India team were special invitees.
Pictured above are Rajeev Samant with Rukn Luthra and Jean-Manual Jacquinot of Nine Hills.Read more...
In a rather sudden reversal, Tamil Nadu has opened its doors to imported wine brands. The move comes just a week before an EU team visits India to kick off WTO proceedings against the country. The EU team's efforts were to focus on what they considered to be "discriminatory trade practices" in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Shiv Singh comments on the never ending saga.
Sommelier India - The Wine Magazine is now also available in Landmark Bookstores across the country. Landmark has retail outlets in Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Lucknow, Pune and Ahmedabad. The Wine Magazine is available in most hotel shops and high-end bookstores across the country now. And of course, easiest is to subscribe online, that way you're guaranteed not to miss an issue.
The import duties saga continues with the Economic Times reporting that the Australian government is in negotiations with India to reduce the import duties on wine. Currently, 1,80,000 cases are imported annually of which Australia has a 25% market share.
The World Trade Organization appeals panel has issued a ruling in the U.S - India dispute over tariffs on American wine and spirits. The ruling however is inclusive. It gives the Indian government an opportunity to walk away from the allegations while still providing the U.S with fodder for a new case. Shiv Singh reports.
Globus Wines has just announced the release of its Super-Premium brand Miazma "Fine Wine of India." The company has launched the wine in three varietals, Miazma Chenin Blanc, Miazma Shiraz and Miazma Pink Rose. Aiming to establish the brand as an exclusive one, only 3,000 bottles have been produced. Of these only 500 are available in retail with the rest 'on request to ship basis' only.
The company is planning to sell first 1,000 bottles in hand-crafted wooden cases, laser engraved with the company logo, which will ideally be used for gifting or personal collection around the festive corner. At Rs.1,200 a bottle, these are some of the most expensive Indian wines available. Tell us if they're worth the cost and you like them.