 Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Blush Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz or their blend, have become the typical varietals in the number one wine-growing region.
Starting from a very attractive price of Rs. 295 for a Chenin Blanc 2008, the standard range of Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet and Blush Zinfandel (Rosé) have been competitively priced at Rs. 395, while the two Estate Reserves have the declared MRP of Rs. 595 in Maharashtra. All prices include VAT at 20%. For a brief period from July 1, the VAT had been increased from 20% to 25% in Maharashtra but was slashed down to 4% last Thursday. The company had absorbed the VAT increase.
In an exclusive interview, Ravi Gurnani, Director of Marketing and Administration informed delWine that the prices would be marked downwards, now that Maharashtra has reduced the VAT but the winery has not yet decided on the amount. ‘Our Chenin was already priced at a very low price. Other labels will be priced lower now,’ he confirmed.
Stephan Gerber, the young consultant winemaker from South Africa has been assisting the winery from the beginning. The company produces an international style of wines with both whites and Rosé being quite dry. Reserve wines are being aged in French barriques for 6-8 months.
The winery has crushed grapes for 200,000 liters this year and plans to expand to the Delhi market in the next phase after launching them in Mumbai within the next couple of months. It also boasts of a Tasting Room which is already open to visitors from noon till 10 pm everyday.
Cav. Subhash Arora
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