It was perhaps a divine coincidence that when Atul Tiwari who I have known for over a decade, watching him rise from a Sommelier to become Operations Manager at the Leela Palace Hotel in Delhi, called me to the Launch of 3 new Premium labels of Indian wines as  private labels on November 14 just as I was  getting ready to leave for Chennai where Chinmaya Arjun Raja, our Convener -South India for Indian Wine Day (16 November) had organised the annual event at Hotel Radisson. It was a matter of pride for the hospitality industry and consumers of high quality Indian wines.

The following 3 wines were launched in collaboration with Grover Vineyards which had started the process of premiumisation of Indian wins by using technology, many years ago, making it a  leader in the super-premier wines, even though Ravi Viswanathan, the then Chairman might have gone overboard in investments causing financial turbulence:

1. Turya Chardonnay Viognier Blend 13.5 % Alc Price- Rs. 5000

Their Viognier always used to be an excellent wine. By blending with Chardonnay, they have added the character of Chardonnay as well. The juicy fruit forward wine has distinct floral and citrus notes with vanilla character due to creamy oak, reflecting the elegance of the Dindori terroir

Also Read : Grover Zampa: Unstoppable Ravi Viswanathan buys Charosa, Four Seasons & Myra

2. Turya ’C’ Tempranillo (2015) 13.5% Alc, Price Rs. 6,000

I tasted the first vintage of Tempranillo at the Pali Village Café, Bandra in 2013 with a full range of Charosa wines. Impressed with the quality, I had opined then that Charosa, the first Indian winery with 100% Tempranillo grapes, will be a ‘long race ka ghorha (horse)’. When the project started, the brief from the Founder, Mr. Gulabchand (the owner of HCC) brief was simple and short. ‘I don’t want to make the best wine in the world but let’s make the best wine in India. Money is no constraint.’ With the financial backing and his passion behind the project , it was not an impossible task.

Layered with dark berries, figs, tobacco and leather, offering a deep, timeless character, this wine is well priced on- trade for its character. Incidentally, for the inquisitive minds,  C stands for Charosa!

3. Turya Private Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2019 13.5% Alc Price Rs. 12,000

This is a bold Shiraz from the same base wine used for making the ultra-luxury Signet label from Grover as curated by Ravi Viswanathan. The Leela wanted more depth and complexity and asked for a longer maturing in special new 225 L barrels- two were imported, adding to the cost and of course ageability, complexity and quality of tannins. A sure delight for wine connoisseurs who will not paying higher due to the increased cost, with the wine offering a refined balance of dark fruit and warm spice, crafted for discerning palates.

Atul Tiwari, (Long-time Sommelier and now Director of Operations) at the Leela Palace Hotel tells delWine, ‘Turya is not just a label we created, it is a reflection of countless conversations, vineyard walks, tastings and moments of introspection. It embodies our belief that Indian wine has a story worthy of global admiration. To see it come alive at The Leela Palace New Delhi fills me with pride, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility to continue championing homegrown excellence.’

Positioned as an expression of India’s increasing wine consumption potential, the label Turya is inspired by the Sanskrit concept of the word that symbolizes transcendence and purity, bringing together natural rhythm, artisanal craft and modern Indian luxury sensibilities. General Manager Ms.Preeti Makhija describes Turya as more than a wine; it is an extension of its signature guest experiences and personalized journeys, rooted in authenticity and national pride.

Also Read : Charosa ready to churn out Wines from Charosa

Turya finds a respectful place in the Wine Lists of all the restaurants of Leela. Including Le Cirque and The Library Bar– a very popular and sophisticated yet high energy bar at the hotel. The first two are available also By the Glass while Shiraz which has been wax-sealed (Grover has been a pioneer in sealing the top end bottles for many years). The label will also be available in the room mini bars and is being positioned to be take -away for luxury travelers as s cherished memento.

Relative low alcohol in the wines also speaks well of Turya wines when compared with most other red wines that have alcohol level of 14 or even 14.5%, the half degree of allowed margin, notwithstanding.

Subhash Arora