Nov 06: Grover Zampa Vineyards which is celebrating its 25th winemaking anniversary at different venues in India introduced the much talked about sparkling wine with gold flakes at the St. Regis Hotel in Mumbai last Thursday, writes Subhash Arora who believes it will add a golden option in the choice for celebratory occasions and will find a niche market
After an impressive Celebration at the Leela Ambience in Gurgaon, Grover Zampa had a similar event at St. Regis Hotel Mumbai with similar activities. The additional feature was the launch of Auriga, the sparkling wine with a difference. Made from Chenin Blanc, the same grape as in Brut Soiree, it also has 24-carat gold flakes which float and shine under the light, making it a special occasion celebratory bubbly.
‘This new gold edition makes the perfect drink for ceremonial moments, mainly created for those who appreciate an extravagant addition to indulgence and celebration. This gently aged wine with an extravagant amount of gold flakes embodies craftsmanship and finesse. With its golden straw hues, the wine has a fresh nose revealing citrus and floral aromas. The palate is intense with a pleasant sensation of fruit and creaminess,’ says Kapil Grover, Executive Director of GZL.
Mr Ravi Jain, Director, explains, “In an era of wine enthusiasts wanting a choice of wines of distinct styles at various price points, 
Grover Zampa Vineyards has developed a global portfolio that would suit a diverse palate. Today, we have yet again raised the bar through the launch of a unique Brut sparkling wine with edible gold – Auriga. With this collection of vintage sparkling wine, we want every ceremonial occasion to be celebrated with a touch of gold.”
According to Sumit Jaiswal, Head of marketing, the first batch of Auriga, made with Methode Traditionelle (second fermentation in the bottle) has been already supplied in Maharashtra and is available at Rs. 1550. Followed by Goa, it will soon be available in Goa, Delhi and Bangalore. It is being produced both in Nashik and Bangalore facilities, he informs.
GZV is the first Indian producer of such sparkling wine. But the style has made inroads as the imported Blu Nun with 22 Gold flakes. A. S. Wadhwa, Executive Director and CEO of Natures Bounty, says, ‘ we have been selling this product at around Rs. 1950, very successfully in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and other areas. It is of course a niche product, meant for celebratory occasions. We have seen people having a few sips of it and going back to hard liquor. But in Haryana, curiously, the customers believe it is good for virility and many buy and drink for that reason. ‘
With GZV celebrating its 25th Anniversary with Auriga, there would be many takers for enhancing their celebrations and giving it a golden touch. This promises to be the key segment for Auriga, soon to come to Delhi (registration process is already on) and other markets.
Subhash Arora
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