|
Anakena wines are imported by High
Spirits in India. They were initially brought into India by
Rhine and Raavi who have now discontinued wine imports. Says Sanjeev Gupta,
partner of High Spirits, 'I was always very happy about the quality and
price of Anakena
and when I knew Rhine and Raavi had decided to abandon the product, I
immediately took up the exclusive distributorship.'
'I am sure my customers who put their confidence in
me, would be very pleased that the winery we are dealing with, produces
quality value-for-money wines,' he added with a smile.
Felipe Ibáñez, President of Anakena says
he is very happy too. 'Wines of Chile Awards have a special significance
for Chilean wines. By recognising two of our wines as the top wines in
their category, the judges have recognised the full expression extracted
from our vines growing on the Andean soil.' 'I am also happy with the
efforts of High Spirits in bring this terroir to the lovely people of
India,' he added.
The award ceremony took place last Thursday at a gala
dinner, an impressive event, held in a lovely setting in an old, grand
house in Santiago, with a great band, a Chilean TV and movie star hosting,
and lots of dancing.
No gold medals were awarded to Cabernet Sauvignon wines
from the renowned Cabernet region of Maipo Valley. There were no gold
medals for white varietals from the cool clime Casablanca Valley either.
Chardonnay and Merlot were also not found worthy of the top honours, but
Carmenère received top medals.
Nine experts from UK judged the annual competition,
which is very significant for the UK market
Speaking at a seminar during the awards, Joanna Simon,
wine correspondent for the Sunday Times of UK, urged Chilean winemakers
to try and reduce the high alcohol levels in their wines and restrict
the use of oak and make lighter, zestier tasting wines.
Incidentally, Chilean wine exports have reached record
levels both in value and volume. The value of wine exported has surpassed
US$1.1b, an increase of 30% over 2006. The average price fetched for Chilean
wine is up over 5 percent, an indication of a higher demand for premium
wines. Bulk wine exports also went up by 38%. Chile has temporarily benefitted
from the Australian drought continuing for the second year.
Trophy Winners
Sauvignon Blanc : Alta Tierra Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Other White : Anakena, Roots of the Andes Single Vineyard
Viognier 2007
Pinot Noir : Anakena, ONA Pinot Noir 2007
Carmenere : Arboleda, Carmenere 2006
Syrah: Mayu, Syrah Reserva 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon : Tabontinaja, Gillmore Hacedor de Mundos, Cabernet
Sauvignon Reserva 2005
Best Value White ; Alta Tierra Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Best Value Red : Luis Felipe Edwards, Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Best in Show : La Rosa, Ossa Sixth Generation, Red Blend 2004
<DelWine has frequently
voiced our concern in the increasing levels of alcohol, especially in
Spain and New World wines from Australia, UK and Chile. Not only does
high alcohol make wines less suitable for food, it also reduces the safe
quantity of wine one can drink and enjoy without causing any harm or impair
driving capability
Similarly, there has been a tendency to over-oak
the wines in order to make them more powerful and tannic- especially the
whites like Chardonnay.
Although this process is being followed, supposedly
so they can score high with the Maha-guru Robert Parker, it is not a good
sign. Fortunately, the trends are changing and even in UK and USA more
and more people are insisting on lower alcohol and less oaking as evinced
by Ms. Simmons in her seminar. DelWine fully supports her stand.
We hope our Indian producers will keep this in mind
too- editor>
|