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 The launch is not surprising. A container-load had been shipped to New York and was already there when I met the Marathon Wine Couple Krishna Prasad and Uma Chigurupati in Delhi for a quick lunch after their return from running 7 half marathons in 7 continents in under 7 days. The beaming Krishna had then told me that they were in the process of being sampled by the restaurants and retailers and were getting good reviews. The prices had not been finalised but Krishna was optimistic that the Cabernet would be $50 to the retail buyer, Sauvignon Blanc at $20-22 and Sangiovese at $30+. For details click: KRSMA: Wine Marathon Couple to Launch K2
Krishna had indicated that the launch would take place ‘Whenever I find time to spend a week in New York but I am targeting March this year.’ Krishna and Uma were finally there over a week ago when the soft launch took place with a dinner at Le Cirque.
‘I am glad to share that KRSMA had been launched in New York City and we are already in more than 15 restaurants and 2 retail stores - Park Avenue Liquor and Sussex Wines and Spirits a few blocks from the Grand Central Station . Uma and I met a few restaurants and everyone seemed to be rating the wines very high,’ he informs me. According to him 100 cases have been already sold in 3 weeks since they started selling this month.
When I asked him if it was a big launch, he said, ‘We just started selling and when Uma and I were there last week, we met with some restaurants and got good feedback.’ Talking about the prices he says, ‘the stores are charging $45 to 50 for the Cab, $30 for the Sangiovese and $20 for the Sauvignon Blanc. In restaurants the prices are ranging from $90 to 115 for the Cab, $60 to $90 for the Sangiovese and $40 to $60 for the Sauvignon Blanc.’
According to their online sales website, the Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 retails for $45 and Sauvignon Blanc 2014 for $20 at Park Avenue Liquor. To see the prices in proper perspective, the same store sells Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Avignonesi at $35, Chianti Classico Peppoli from Antinori at $28, Casa Postolle Cabernets Sauvignon from Chile at $15 and Concha y Toro Casillero Diablo at $11. Barbi Brunello di Montalcino is a premium wine that sells slightly higher at $55. For a similar comparison for the Sauvignon Blanc check out the French Bouvet Brut ($16) or the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs Babich ($15) and Kim Crawford ($20).
The winery has apparently done a commendable job by getting listed in over 15 high- end restaurants including two Le Cirque. Interestingly, barring Junoon which is a contemporary Indian restaurant run by one of the Indian Master Chef Judges Vikas Khanna, others appear to serve international cuisine.
At a Dinner organised at Le Cirque New York last Tuesday on March 17, the 4-course dinner saw Red Snapper Crudo with Cauliflower and pomegranate matched with Krsma Sauvignon blanc 2014 followed by Paupiette of Black Bass with leeks, potatoes, made with Rocca di Frassinello reduction sauce pared with Krsma Sangiovese 2013.
 The crescendo of the dinner was reached with their signature Main dish Niman Ranch Lamb (rack & epigram) with artichokes, pepper, piperade juice and "piment d'argile" with Krsma Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, followed by Dessert Symphony.
The Le Cirque Wine List includes Krsma Cabernet ‘14 ($90), Sangiovese ‘13 ($75) and Sauvignon Blanc ($50). It is interesting to note that the restaurant charges a premium of 100%, 150% and 150% respectively on the retail price of the three wines. (It would be interesting to do the same exercise for their counterpart Restaurant at Leela Palace, Delhi and check the mark ups when the wines are listed there).
Interestingly, all three labels won Medals last year in the San Francisco International Wine Competition in July 2014 with Sauvignon Blanc 2013 being the very first Indian wine to win a Gold Medal in a (delWine) recognised international wine competition. Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 had won a Silver while the Sangiovese managed a Bronze.
It appears the super premium Indian wines have arrived in US of A-courtesy Krsma Estate. Hopefully, more will follow soon, though this is not the first time Indian wines have touched the American shores. Sula is already leading with Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz 2011, retailing at $20 and even finding 25th position in 2014 edition of The Enthusiast 100, an annual list announced by Wine Enthusiast based on the points awarded by a panel and the price. Grover Zampa and Fratelli have sent their first shipment and the wines are expected to be available in May.
Subhash Arora |