‘If I tell you the problems we face in organizing an event of such magnitude, you’d think it is best to sit back and relax. But that would be a defeatist attitude', says an exasperated Nestor Riveros, Head of ProChile in India, whose team is running around to seal the loose ends. But he soon relaxes, composes himself and looks quite happy that about a dozen producers have sent in their wine samples with many of them personally coming to India for this annual tasting and is confident that as in the past, it will turn out to be a very successful evening despite the organizational stresses.
Ten wineries-Camino Real, Cantaluna, Casa Donoso, El Principal, Folatre, Melozal, Sur Valles/Requingua/ Alto Roble, Top Wine Chile and Valdivieso are taking part in the Chilean Wine Show along with Aonni/Patagonia Mineral Water for the Tasting slated for Tuesday the 20th September from 7-9 pm at the Crystal ballroom at The Lalit. The Ambassador of Chile Mr. Christian Barros will officially inaugurate the event.
'Chile is today a world class producer of fine wines due to its excellent climatic conditions and ideal soils. Vineyards grow throughout much of the central part of the country, from Elqui Valley to Malleco; from the foothills of the Andes in the east to the Pacific´s coastal to the west. I am glad our Indian friends would be able to taste the result of this vast diversity of terroirs and different styles in the bottle during the evening,' says Ambassdor Barros.
The flagship Carmenere
Although there will be a range of wines and styles showcased-including the Sparkling wines and Rosé with perhaps about a hundred labels to choose from but the common thread will be Carmenere, the signature grape of Chile which after initial problems of proper ripening has come into its own with continuous improvements in the last decade making it an interesting varietal. The varietal has not been successful in the country of origine France but was re-discovered in Chile by a French enologist a couple of decades back, says Nestor Riveros who is keen for the Indian wine lovers to taste from different producers and compare their styles.
'Chile is the 8th largest producer and 5th largest exporter in wine which exports 65% of its total production of wine which is the highest in the world. This means it exports the best of its wines which give the best value for money,' he says, adding, 'during this year Chile is planning to hold two wine events in New Delhi and one in Mumbai where the wine lovers will enjoy its exclusive varieties like Carmenere, Syrah and others from its terroir driven valleys.“
Shiraz the Rising Star
‘Of course Chile has long been known for excellent Cabernet Sauvignon in Maipo Valley, Chardonnay from valleys like Limari and Casa Blanca which gives some of the best Sauvignon Blancs, but I am looking forward to also tasting Shiraz from all the producers’ says Subhash Arora who, as a judge at MundusVini international wine competition in Germany a couple of weeks ago was overwhelmed with the quality and finesse of this varietal. He says:
‘We had a flight of red wines following a flight of white wines that tasted like Weissburgunder and were a mixed bag in terms of quality. The first few reds received low medals but as more samples were poured for the blind tasting, the wines kept getting more brilliant-delicious, fruity, spicy, balanced and harmonious. We guessed it was Shiraz but was not easy to guess the country of origin (only vintage, category of wine and usage of barriques are disclosed). One or two judges in the panel guessed they were from Chile.'
'By the time we finished the flight, each and every wine had won a silver or gold medal. Two of the wines won a Double Gold- unprecedented during the last 5 years of my judging at this competition. We were dying with excitement to know which country they were from. At the end of tasting every day, a list is given to the tasters indicating the detail of the grapes, country and the region/appellation (one never finds out the producer). It was a pleasant surprise to see that all wines were Shiraz from Chile! They were from Central Valley and the relatively new Limari Valley. Has the Shiraz come up so well in Chile recently? This will be a great opportunity to find out', says Subhash Arora who visited Chile last year to judge a wine competition when he visited about 20 wineries.
Although all of them are looking to export their wines to India, one of the producers- a French enologist and viticulturalist, Yves Pouzet is also interested in exploring new projects and opportunities in wine making in India. He has the technical expertise and wants to establish some projects in India. He worked with Indage Vintners two decades ago and knows the Indian industry rather well. One could meet him at the Lalit at this tasting. He will stay back for a few days before going to Mumbai where a few people have already showed interest and are meeting him. For details, contact him through aarti@chileindia.com
If you are a wine professional- importer, F & B person, chef or a restaurateur, wine journalist and would like to take the Chilean Wine Tour at the Lalit on September 20 with compliments of ProChile, contact Ms Gurpreet Kainth at info@prochileindia.com for an invite which is required for the entry to ‘Discover the Route of Senses ‘ as they have labeled the event.
Subhash Arora
List of Wine in Chilean Wine Show |