Photos By:: Adil Arora
 The range of wines tasted included the two sparkling variants-one Blanc de Blanc and another Brut. The varietals were Sauvignon Blanc which had become a very popular Value-for-Money white wine in its previous avatar. Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were the other varietals. The wines opened also included the Reserva and Single Vineyard Range of Pinot Noir, Carmenere, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the last two being the most cherished wines of the evening.
Many people were seen asking for refills for Pinot Noir partly because of the stand-alone flavours of the wine and partly because the delicious snacks made with fish, shrimp cocktail, and even vegetarian and chicken mini pizzas that were being circulated in the usual professional style the hotel has become known for during the last couple of years.
H.E. Mr. Barros appreciated the fact that Indians were drinking more wines and that the quality of Indian wines was improving consistently. He commented that Chile does not wish to compete with Indian or any other wines but had interesting and complementary wines to offer to the wine lovers and was quite certain that Chilean wines would thrive side-by-side with the Indian wines.
 A number of people were in attendance - over 30 had come and thanks to the traffic jam at the Toll taking its toll, people kept on arriving even after many had left including the Ambassador who kept his promise despite it being the National Day for one of the Latin countries and he had to be present there. Also present was Mr, Nestor Riveros, Commercial Counselor and Head of ProChile in Indian and the neighbouring countires, who is an enthusiastic supporter of wines from his country.
Puneet Ralhan, Chief Operationg Officer of Agnetta, who is looking after the marketing of Valdivieso among other wines in the portfolio of this relatively newcomer importer, was quite satisfied with the number present at the formal launch. The well appointed PDR of the 24-hour Spectra Restaurant can take 30-40 people and 'we did not want to make it too crowded. We are also very encouraged by the initial response of the products in the market.' He had apparently met Christian Sotomayor in Delhi when he visited the Chile wine festival to look at the possibility of adding their wines to the existing portfolio.
Christian Sotomayor who looks after exports to Asia is quite happy with the tie-up with Agnetta after the exclusive marketing arrangement with Sovereign Impex that lasted for almost 7 years (one wonders if it was a case of the seven-year itch that the ‘marriage’ broke down) and followed with a courtship with Brindco that lasted for almost a year before the talks failed. ‘We are convinced on the capabilities of Agnetta, together we will set some trends!! We did plan to go step by step initially with Puneet, including more wines as we roll. We are sure that sooner or later that we will ship our iconic wine Caballo loco and have it in our regular assortment.' Sotomayor informs delWine
 Christian Sotomayor whom I had met in Chile last a couple of years ago and again in Delhi last year, clarified that this was not the entry point visit to India. Known and respected for producing sparkling wines, Valdivieso made an impressive entry in 2002-03 when the wines had got a rave review in Hindustan Times. Caballo Loco came to be known as one of the top Chilean wines in India, spearheaded by Maurya Sheraton, till it started disappearing from the wine lists of the restaurants and the market due to non-availability.
There are several articles mentioning Valdivieso on our website but you may like to visit:
Chileans are Here- The Chileans are Here
Wine Market Heading For Course Correction: Uttamchandani
The high-end Caballo Loco is an interesting wine the ingredients of which are kept secret but it’s basically a Bordeaux blend but made with Solera method and each year’s release is marked by a number-no. 5 was the number launched. It was listed in quite a few hotel properties in its heyday in India. The importer suggests that they are planning to import it shortly. For a brief description of this interesting wine, visit: Tango on the Tongue: Go For These Full-Bodied Chileans! |