Indian wine producer, Grover Zampa Vineyards’ latest initiative is the launch of a new range of fine wines for the UK market in collaboration with former Indian tennis celebrity, Vijay Amritraj, (pictured, left). The Grover Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection comprises a white and red wine, which – according to a company release – were inspired by Amritraj’s legendary feats on the tennis court and iconic style of play.
Amritraj is India’s best-known tennis player who made it big in the international arena, beating many of the world’s leading players including John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, during his 20-year career. The Grover Vijay Amritraj Reserve wines comprise a barrel-fermented white Viognier varietal wine and a red wine blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.
The wines were launched at a star-studded Wimbledon-themed party at the Taj Group’s St James’ Court Hotel in London. The hotel’s Wimbledon Summer party is an annual affair for friends of the Taj and luminaries from the arenas of foreign policy, corporate boardrooms and the arts, said Digvijay Singh, General Manager of St James’ Court.
“We’re delighted to be hosting the launch at St James’ Court. It’s a testament to the heritage and importance of the occasion that Vijay Amritraj along with Grover Zampa found St James’ Court hotel the ideal venue for the global launch and we’re proud to be associated with the event.”
Grover Zampa is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine producers in India. The company owns vineyards in both the Nandi Hills in Karnataka and in the Nashik Valley in Maharashtra. Working with limited yields, sustainable viticultural practices and selective harvesting by hand, the winemaking is carried out by a team of local oenologists under the direction of international French wine consultant Michel Rolland.
Furthering Grover’s emphasis on family values, tradition and the heritage of Indian wines, Karishma Grover, (pictured, left with Amritraj) was present at the launch representing the family as the third generation winemaker.
Sumedh Mandla, chief executive officer of Grover Zampa, said, “We are looking forward to showing the UK market the premium wine that Indian soils can produce, and we are delighted to be hosting the worldwide launch in the UK, a market we highly prioritize.”
Describing the wines, Amritraj said, “They represent a particular kind of taste that I enjoy – a light white and a rich red that you can pair it with different foods. Most important is that they are good quality wines which people can enjoy at fairly accessible rates.”
Priced with an RSP of around £14.99, The Grover Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection is distributed in the UK by Cranbrook Wines and Myliko International.