Oenophile’s Notebook

News, views and clippings for the wine buff

Yes, you can

Ever mindful of engaging all sections of society to bring them within the fold of wine enthusiasts, Sula breaks away from the traditional to launch India’s first wine in a can – Dia Sparkler. The popular, sweet bubbly that was released a decade ago makes a re-entry in the market, breaking all taboos. Costing Rs 180 for a 330ml can with only 8% alcohol, this is by no means fine wine but it is a step towards demystifying wine and making it fun to drink. And it’s a trend that’s catching on worldwide. No more fuss and bother with corkscrews and corks or having to sniff and swirl with the right glass. Just crack open the can and drink it any way you like. Straight from the can or over ice in a tall glass with a slice of lime. Light, bubbling, and refreshing, it’s an anytime drink.

La Réserve Royale Brut

Grover Vineyards’ La Réserve Cabernet-Shiraz red was the first Indian wine to capture widespread international interest when Steven Spurrier, Decanter’s consultant editor, and renowned wine expert declared it the best New World red wine in a blind tasting in 2005. Fast forward to 2020 and we have La Réserve Royale Brut, a sparkling wine that maintains the good name of the original release and extends Grover’s La Réserve line from red, through La Réserve Viognier white to the latest sparkler. Grover Vineyards’ new bubbly with its elegant label is a lovely pale shade of gold with a complex bouquet of flowers, lemon zest, hazelnuts and brioche with refined mineral notes on the palate and a long finish. Produced from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, La Réserve Royale Brut is fermented in barrels and aged on lees for 24 months. Enjoy it as an apèritif or paired with seafood, cold cuts, fried chicken, goat cheese, and sushi.