 Produced
by Napa based Hundred Acres known for its cult wine
Kayli Morgan Cabernet Sauvignon, 'Gold' is an un-oaked
Chardonnay (70%) with a blend of aromatic Gewürztraminer
and the spicy Viognier, making it a friendly wine with
Indian food as well. The dosage of real 24 karat gold
flakes dancing in the bottle, gives it the glam look
and feel.
The producer and winemaker Jayson Woodbridge is highly
regarded in California. Quite tired of the heavy oak
style that rules the US and Australian Chardonnay, he
decided to go for pure, clean and unoaked chardonnay
without any oak contact to make a fresh wine. The pure
and fresh aromas of peaches and pineapples, and the
tropical scents of lichee and honey welcome you and
carry it through to the flavour.
Using a clever and ingenious first time initiative
in the industry, Woodbridge bottles and releases Gold
twice a year. Wine released in July is made from the
grapes from Barossa valley in Australia, shipped at
sub-freezing temperatures of -3° C that keeps the
juice fresh and preserves mouthfeel and freshness. The
November release is from Napa Valley fruit. The dosage
of 1-micron gold flakes is added before bottling in
a clear French glass bottle.
Gold is also available at in a Pink version known as
Vin Gris. Though the colour qualifies it to
be a Rosé, the grape varietals include red Cabernet
and the white Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Viognier
(unlike a Rosé where the grape is usually red
and the colour is extracted by bleeding the juice before
the contact with the skins).
 The
surprising part of this wine is that it has been very
reasonable priced, at least in the US market where both
wines retail well under $30. Last year a Spanish producer
had come to India looking for a partner to sell his
Cava with gold flakes. His bubbly retails for €130
in Spain! And gold was selling much cheaper then.
Comparatively, Gold would be a great bargain for the
flashy and flamboyant, young and trendy wine lovers
or for those celebrating special occasions and could
give Champagne a run for the money.
Both versions are dry, fruit-driven with a creamy texture
and persistent finish and make excellent aperitifs.
Pink is heavier bodied than the pale coloured Gold.
This wine may not get the nod of approval from the purists
who would not be impressed by the 999.9 purity of Gold
in it. It is not meant to snub the snobs though many
wine lovers in the restaurants may want to do just that.
Does Gold add to the health effects of wine? We have
not been able to test the veracity but Ayurvedic tonics
do use metals like gold and silver for their supposed
aphrodisiac value. According to the ancient alchemist
concepts, gold possesses legendary powers which contribute
to a long and vital life. Incidentally, another label
had entered in the Indian market a few years ago. One
of their white wines also carried gold flakes. It caught
on very well in Punjab where the young and rich took
instant fancy to it as they presumed it added to virility.
Gold is being imported by Wine Legend India Pvt. Ltd.
and will shortly be available at your favourite restaurant
and night club where you should find it listed under
Chardonnay. The total production being very small, around
2000 cases, the quota for India will be rather small
and only select outlets could be entertained. More information
may be available at raju@winelegend.com
So when you pick up that glass with this wine, say.
Gold!! |
