When I went for a food and wine tasting for an Emilia Romagna food festival at La Piazza at Hyatt Regency Hotel in the beginning of October, the matching wines from the region had not yet arrived. The hotel apologetically offered a Chianti Classico instead. The 2005/06 vintage from Castello di Brolio was my favourite and I immediately accepted to pair it with the food. Barone Ricasoli has been my favourite producer for several years. It has been imported by Mohan Bros. who did not take much interest in marketing the wine until a couple of years ago but have turned aggressive now.
It was no surprise when the 2006 vintage of Italy’s oldest run winery received 96 points and was the top Italian wine in the list. Barone Francesco Ricasoli has been working with the well known winemaker and consultant Carlo Ferrini for over a decade and constantly improving his wines.
Brancaia, TRE, Toscana, 2007 imported by the Wine Park, Mumbai was rated at 93 points but ranks high at no 10 because of the reasonable release price of US $20. Coincidentally, Brancaia also has the oenological support from Ferrini although Barbara Kronenberg-Widmer, owners’ daughter is the winemaker. A US varietal-Zinfandel from Orin Swift labelled as The Prisoner, Napa Valley, 2007 ranked at no. 47 is also imported by Vishal Kadakia.
Maison M.Chapoutier Cotes du Roussillon-Villages le Vignes de Bila-Haut 2008 is a great red wine from the Rhone Valley. It is imported by FineWinesnMore, Mumbai and ranks 75 but is much more affordable at the release price of $14.
Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dr L 2008 from Dr. Loosen which has already made a mark in the Indian market through import by Brindco is ranked 62.
Fontalloro is a delicious Super Tuscan high end IGT wine from Fattoria di Felsina in Berardenga. Last year 2006 Chianti Classico had found the top Italian spot. This year the Fontalloro gets the no.13 position. Similarly Pinot Grigio from St. Michael Eppan 2008 from Alto Adige finds 70th position-helped by its reasonable price of & $12. Both of these wines are imported by Amfora Wines and have been the favourites at the Delhi Wine Club dinners.
The Wine Spectator Top 100 list is based on quality, availability, prices and a wow factor called x-factor as the criteria. More than 17,000 wines were reviewed of which more than 3,800 received outstanding ratings of 90 points or higher. However, the choices reflect the editors' judgment and passion about the wines tasted and cannot be really quantified, according to WS.."
Although, the list should not be treated as a Bible by the importers, F&B personnel or the consumers, it has become an important list in the rating game and is attached herewith. If your import is in the list, let us know so we can add your name and wines to the list.
Top 100 List |