 The premier release from Matchbox Wine Co., a project of the Delhi-born, 35 year-old wine consultant Navneet (Nav) who migrated many years ago to Australia to study winemaking, and his sommelier wife Louise Radman, includes a young Malbec and textural Riesling from South Australia’s Clare Valley. A 2012 Syrah will follow early next year. The first release is retailing for A$30 on their website although available at some online stores at A$25.
The uber-cool retro labels go back to early matchbox artwork of the 1920s and 30s. Titled 'Gentleman's Athletic Club, series no1 features art imitations of nostalgic scenes inspired by the gamesome gallantry of the quintessential gentleman. The whimsical boxing (Riesling), polo (Malbec) and fencing (Syrah) illustrations in the three wines bring to life an era of sportsmanship, daring and valour at a time when good taste and cultural experimentation were the in-thing, according to the company release.
Describing the style, Navneet says, “This is the style of wine we love to drink. It’s fruitful, supple and exciting; exactly the kind of wine we would share over dinner with friends or hope to discover in a great new restaurant or tapas bar.” Nav, who owns a consultancy company, and his charming wife Lou who is a sommelier writing regularly for food and wine magazines, have partnered together to make the wine.
Nav and Lou who had first met delWine in Delhi three years ago are quite excited about the new project although this may delay their achieving the MW title for which they were already registered in 2009, making Nav perhaps the first Indian to register for the coveted title.
Malbec 2012 champions a variety that is rarely seen as a single varietal in Australia. It shows very little oak and was released early to celebrate vibrant, youthful character. According to the duo, ’it’s wildly enticing, supple and salacious with perfume jumping out of the glass. Think thrilling violet scent, exuberant spice and plush blueberry palate.’ Riesling, which has a low alcoholic strength of 12%, hails from an exceptional old vineyard in the Skilly Hills. ‘Lime blossom fragrance, explosive lemony punch and fresh mineral drive. Wild fermentation and time on lees give this wine an extra dimension of food worthy texture. It’s pure, lithe and energetic with winsome charm and effortless natural balance’ say his Tasting Notes.
Handcrafted by Nav Singh in the Clare Valley, Matchbox wines are centered on single vineyard quality and built in small batches and are artisan wines. The company is also environmentally conscious and has committed to lighter carbon footprints by using Lean+Green lightweight, 100% recyclable bottles that are up to 29% lighter than the other bottles. It also uses an innovative car sharing program, GoGet, which helps reduce petrol consumption and emission.
 The company has a GENTLEMAN’S CREDO that could use a modification. ‘A gentleman never drinks too much nor dines too well, except in excellent company,’ it says when it ought to have said ‘A gentleman never drinks too much WINE nor dines too well, except in excellent company.’ Of course, keeping in view Australia’s obsession and current admitted problem with excessive drinking, it ought to be ‘A gentleman never drinks too much. Period.’
Matchbox Wine Co. makes an entrance with wines of winning charm, sartorial elegance and heroic spirit, says the Press Release. It is indeed a heroic spirit on the part of the young duo to come out with new labels when the country is reeling under over-supply of wine. But with their technical and business acumen, they would surely be looking at good quality and a long term branding.
Who knows, one day we may be drinking wine from the Australian matchbox in India or it may achieve the status of a cult wine?!
Subhash Arora |