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red wine category, Nine Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
from Seagram’s was the lone exception that uses
a cork. Sparkling winner Marquise de Pompadour, of course
has a champagne mushroom shaped cork.
There were a few surprises and surely a few non-winners
must be disappointed. But the high standards maintained
and the professionalism displayed in keeping the identity
of wines secret, right till the end, is what makes Robert
Joseph a successful chairman for the 50th such international
competition.
India Wine Challenge had been held for the first time
in India. ‘India has been ready for the Challenge
at lest since last year. In every market, the time to
judge the wines is when the industry is at the ground
level. When you start winning medals consistently, you
don’t need to enter your wines.’ To that
extent he was slightly disappointed as only 10 of the
35+ Indian wineries had participated and a bit of coaxing
was required too.
On the other hand over 320 wines had been entered from
around the world from producers who entered the wines
in London or in India.
The judges for the Indian leg held in the beautiful
environs of the Private Dining Rooms of the recently
opened China Kitchen at Hotel Hyatt were Robert Joseph,
Subhash Arora, Abhay Kewadkar, Sourish Bhattacharyya,
Alok Chandra, Bill Marchetti and the Head Sommelier
of Imperial Hotel, Stephane Soret who is the most professionally
qualified sommelier in India working full time.
Forrest Estate wines are being imported by Finewinesnmore,
Mumbai and Dr. Loosen by Brindco, New Delhi.
For all results, click
HERE.
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