|  My attention was drawn to a big sign outside Modern Wines, a retail shop in Shivaji Park, Mumbai. It said 'imported German wine for Rs. 299.' So I stopped the cab and dashed inside to have a look at the eighth wonder of the world.
It turned out to be Rhine Pride Riesling, a low-end import of Champagne Indage who produce, Riviera, MDP ( Marquis de Pompadour sparkling), Chantilly, IVY and a host of other labels and also import bulk wines from many countries-including this Riesling from Germany.
Although MDP was always their signature wine, Riviera was the wine brand of the nineties in India , even when Grover and Sula came on the scene. Priced at about Rs.320 (each state has its own price), both their red and white varieties (we cannot call them varietals as they were a blend of unknown grapes, mostly the eating grapes) were common sights at all banquets and most homes that bought wine at the neighbourhood wine shop. A table wine, it gives you a hangover if you take more than the prescribed quantity recommended for good health-a glass or two.
 Rhine Pride is a varietal-Riesling. It is quite fruity, slightly off-dry, fairly crisp and simple white wine that can be enjoyed at a party or even with the meals especially if the chili factor is high. It is an ordinary wine that is a definite substitute for the Riviera white at this price. The MRP is twice as much. I was told by the owner, Mr. Sunil Khurana that they have a special volume based contract with Indage to supply them on an exclusive basis and every one who sells in Mumbai has to buy through them. Though one could not check the veracity of the statement, it is available at about Rs. 560 in most of the shops. Shah Wines, the 'retailer selling at wholesale prices' sells it at Rs.514.
If you live in Mumbai, Rhine Pride from Peter Mertes, Germany is a bargain white wine if you are hooked to Riviera. Drink it chilled at 10 º C and enjoy with most vegetarian meals, fish, crab and also tandoori chicken.
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