Mohit Balachandran of Olive Bar & Kitchen says rose wine sales are bound to go up if wine suppliers take this segment seriously and pay attention to vintages and storage issues

You were very right when you commented that the sale of rose wine should increase in India (delWine No. 72, ‘We Recommend: Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2003’). For some time at Olive Bar & Kitchen, we had kept only Indian rose wine brands. Some six months ago, we experimented with some imported brands and were surprised at the results.

Rose is fast gaining popularity. It is not only a refreshing, uncomplicated drink, but also offers great value for money as an aperitif. But yes, the same probably does not show in the sale figures. I think this has partly to do with restaurants not taking imported rose wines seriously enough. I also feel that wine importers/distributors have to take this segment seriously as well. Attitudes have to change. Very few people understand the value of vintages.

The rose you have recommended is listed with us at Olive. The wine is still ready to be drunk, but I would be happier serving a rose which is of a recent vintage, say 2005 or 2004. But a three-year-old rose? I don’t whether I’d order it at a restaurant.

We are forced to keep these wines because they are the only ones available and we are pretty much at the mercy of our suppliers. I’ve been trying to find a good Tavel, but the best I could get is a 2002. Today’s customers can’t be fooled.

I don’t think a 2002 or 2003 rose is acceptable to them. This might not be the case with every customer, but we are seeing their attitude and their knowledge about wine change. I feel this is the crux of the problem. We need to improve the quality of wines being served, their vintages and their storage. Rose wine sales will soar like never before.