 When Indian Wine Academy organised a Top Chile tasting at Hotel Hyatt Regency a couple of years ago, inviting 7 judges headed by the then Chilean Ambassador Mr. Jorge Heine to rate the top drop being imported from Chile, the best red the TT &G, distributors of Torres in India could offer from their Chilean stable was San Medin Cabernet Sauvignon. Needless to say, the offer was politely refused.
A couple of weeks ago I escorted a TV channel to the DSIDC shop behind Savitri to recommend wines to shop for its viewers. I quickly scanned the wines and prices at the air-conditioned store and was very pleased to see this white wine priced at Rs. 625 ($15) only. The store manager did confide that this was the only label which had the new, lower price tag as others still awaited approval at the headquarters. Nevertheless, at this price, we can recommend this wine as an excellent value for money wine.
 In Gurgaon, it should be around Rs. 550 at which price it would be a threat to the Indian equivalents selling for around Rs. 500.
As it is, Torres produces wines which are clean, uncomplicated and reasonably priced acting as a big barrier to the new entrants from the Spanish and to a lesser extent, even Chilean producers. San Medin is a classic example of the successful philosophy of Miguel Torres.
A fresh, floral wine with fruity body and a silken palate, it has a persistent taste on the palate and a good acid in the background making it rather crisp.
Named after the Chilean patron Saint of farmers it is a great aperitif wine, especially to laze around in summertime or start an evening party or for banquets. It would also match lightly made Indian vegetarian dishes, though fish is a perfect match. It would be weak for chicken and heavier bodied dishes, though. Good match for vegetarian biryani, but non vegetarians may love it with chicken biryani too.
It comes in a green, light protective, Bordeaux type screw-capped bottle. Both 2006 and 2007 vintages are drinkable now. Drink this everyday quaffable but pleasant wine chilled at 8-10ºC.
Subhash Arora |