| The panel of jurists at Vinexpo comprised Neal Martin (Wine Critic writer Wine Advocate and writer of the book ‘Pomerol’), Tim Atkin MW (Master of Wine and wine journalist, broadcaster and commentator who also judges at several international wine competitions, Maxine Colas (journalist and educator), Jane Anson (Wine writer for Decanter with a focus on Bordeaux), David Rowe (Ex-wine writer Decanter and Wine Consultant working with Indian wine companies in Nashik), Gabrielle Shaw MW (Master of Wine and educator) and James Lawther MW (Master of Wine).
Four Seasons ‘Barrique Reserve Shiraz’ is sold as Ritu Barrique Reserve Shiraz in international markets including UK, France, Germany and Japan. The Award has pleased Abhay Kewadkar, Chief winemaker for Four Seasons Winery. ‘I have been involved with the making of Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz as well as Grover’s La Reserve. So I am happy that both the wines shared the top honours. It means a lot to us especially because the panel was totally independent and the judges were of very high caliber.’
When delWine contacted Kapil Grover he didn’t quite jump out of the bed. It must have been 6 am in the morning in Dubai! When he called back a couple of hours later, he wasn’t overly surprised. ‘It has been our flagship wine for a decade and has many awards since we launched it in 1998. In fact Steven Spurrier, in a blind tasting about 7-8 years ago rated it as the best New World Red Wine! Of course, we are always pleased when experts rate it at the top,’ he said.
Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO of Grover-Zampa says, ‘La Reserve for many years has been most liked red wine in India. This year, we have worked aggressive on the quality and brand building and have already achieved robust growth of 45% over last year. It still remains a great value for money at around INR 800-850 mark in most of markets across India and is also one of top exported red wines from India and finds takers in the markets like France, Japan, UK, China, Singapore.’
Following is the list of wines tasted by the judges. Wines were reported to have been rated on the 100-point scale, the lowest benchmark being 70. Curiously, wines from Fratelli and yet-to-be-released KRSMA and Charosa wines were not included in the tasting. According to Rojita Tiwari, Senior Editor of Ambrosia that had organised the tasting, there is not particular order in which the wines are listed. The producers were not given individual scores either.
- Ritu Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2008 Four Seasons
- Grover La Réserve 2010 Grover Zampa Vineyards
- VINDIVA Reserve Valley of Dreams Shiraz 2012 Alpine Vineyards
- York Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 York Winery
- Ritu Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Four Seasons
- Four Wise Men Cabernet 2009 York Winery/Indian Wine List
- Big Banyan Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 John Distilleries
- Ritu Shiraz 2010 Four Seasons
- Rasa Shiraz 2011 Sula Vineyards
- Vallonné Malbec 2011(Reserve) Vallonné Vineyards
- Zampa Soirée Brut Rosé 2010 Grover Zampa Vineyards
- Vallonné Rosé 2012 Vallonné Vineyards
- Reveilo Nero D’Avola 2012 Vintage wines
- VINDIVA Reserve Valley of Dreams Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Alpine Vineyards
- Big Banyan Sauvignon Blanc 2012 John Distilleries
- Reveilo Chardonnay 2012 Vintage wines
- York Chenin Blanc 2012 York Winery
For a previous article on Indspirit, click
Subhash Arora |