Charosa Wineries

Charosa wineries

 

 

I had visited Charosa winery a couple of years ago in July 2011 (when the winery wasn’t completely ready) on an invitation from Milind Pandit, their National Sales & Marketing Head.  I was blown away with the size of their operation and knew immediately that when they launched they would create a stir.

I remember the weekend I was there they were rolling in brand new barrels that had just arrived the same day.  You could feel their excitement and passion for what they were doing.

Situated in the Dindori Taluka of Nasik, Charosa has its own vineyards and also sources fruit from contracted farmers that they supervise closely. The winery is state of the art and its location is absolutely stunning; you can climb to the top of that hill in the picture and take in a 360-degree view of the surroundings. Not open to visitors just yet but it is going to be a great place to spend the weekend once they have their hospitality infrastructure in place.

The current portfolio launched in late 2013 includes a New Zealand style Sauvignon Blanc that is absolutely stunning and one of India’s best.  A classy crisp Viognier made in an oxidative style, which I really enjoyed, a Shiraz that has spent some time in oak and a Reserve Tempranillo, which is brilliant. The Tempranillo grape variety has proven itself to thrive in Indian climatic conditions and we will see a lot more wineries launching their versions using this variety soon. They also have a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that didn’t impress as much as the others but I think the next vintage will be much better. What I really like about Charosa is that they are making efforts to be different. For example they haven’t included a Chenin Blanc in their portfolio, a gutsy move that I respect. All wines are bottled in screw cap, which in India makes complete sense.

My only grouse is that they too have become part of this new trend for wineries in India to price one or two of their wines at around the Rs 1500 and above mark, a trend I don’t support.

Charosa is a great example of the level of wine quality India can produce when we put in the right effort and investment. Milind and the team have set high standards right from the get-go and we look forward to seeing what else this winery will offer in the future.

Tasting Notes: (Provided by Charosa Wineries)

Charosa Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: Dark ruby red with complex aromas of ripe fruits, black olive, vanilla, eucalyptus, chocolate, with hint of sweet spice.    On palate wine is rich and soft, expressing ripe fruits like plum, raspberry.     Full bodied this wine finishes with well balanced tannins. MRP Rs.1500/-

Charosa Vineyards Reserve Tempranillo: Dark Ruby-red in color, the nose is filled with rich coconut, vanilla, chocolate & raspberry aromas.   Medium-bodied with excellent concentration of warm red fruit flavors like raspberry, strawberry & plum are distinctly ripe and fleshy.  Round and soft finish is an endless display of well balanced wine. MRP Rs.1500/-

Charosa Vineyards Selections Shiraz: Ruby red , bright, fresh dark fruits on the nose with some vivid raspberry, strawberry, cherry, vanilla and toasty aroma notes. The mid palate expresses ripe red fruit and mature tannins. Great spicy finish with a hint of oak. MRP Rs.800/-

Charosa Vineyards Selections Sauvignon Blanc: Bright straw yellow. Lively intense flavors of tropical fruits with gooseberry and orange flavors on mid palate The palate is broad, balanced and quite rich with tropical fruit and a grassy mineral freshness. MRP Rs.750/-

Charosa Vineyards Selections Viognier: Bright straw yellow. Very rich, fruity floral nose, luscious edge displaying sweet spices like cinnamon and delicate apricot aromas. On the palate this is full, and soft silky texture imparted by short ageing in new French oak barrel. MRP Rs.750/-

Viognier  Shiraz Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo

By Nikhil Agarwal

 

All Things Nice Penfolds Wine Dinner at Ellipsis

Penfolds dinner (40)

 

All Things Nice & Penfolds hosted a dinner at Ellipsis on the 29th of November 2013. The dinner was organised by All Things Nice to welcome Simon Cant, Penfolds Brand Ambassador.

The wines for the evening included the Koonunga Hill Chardonnay and Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet and the Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz and Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The dinner was attended by Mr.Mark Pierce – Australian Consul General and Patrick Kearins – Austrade Trade Commissioner and members of All Things Nice.

Nikhil Agarwal greeted the guests and handed the evening’s proceedings to Simon Cant who spoke about Penfolds and the wines for the evening.

The 5 course menu for the evening was created by Chef Kelvin of Ellipsis.

Nikhil Agarwal, Sommelier & Director All Things Nice is an A+ Wine Educator and promotes and educates consumers and the F&B trade on Australian wine. All Things Nice is a Sommelier driven Wine & Spirits Consultancy.

Ellipsis restaurant is a gastro-inspired Modern American dining concept, offering small plate items meant for sharing.  Menus are printed daily based on the freshness of ingredients – ensuring the best quality standard for our guests.

Meu for the evening:

First Course

Raw Almond Yogurt, Mushroom Confit, Raclette, Pickles

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, 2011, South Australia

 

Second Course

Tomato, Tomato Reduction, Spaeztle, Ketchup, Basil
Or
Prawns, Millets, Pickled Onions, Parmesan, Micro Greens

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, 2010, South Australia

 

Third Course

Tofu, Brussels Sprouts, Soya Sauce, Black Pepper Caramel
Or
Chicken Breast, Cheesy Polenta, Carrots, Brussel Sprouts , Sherry

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, 2010, South Australia

 

 Fourth Course

Risotto, Pumpkin, Apple, Pistachio
Or
Lamb, Olive Caramel, Smoked Potato Puree, Kale

Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009, South Australia

 

Fifth Course

Crème Brûlée, Coconut, Pretzel Streusel, Caramel Sauce, Coconut Cookie

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Here’s what Mr. Patrick Kearins – the Australia Trade Commissioner to India had to say about All Thing Nice !  http://youtu.be/ppl4nSNwooE

 

All Things Nice at the Mumbai Farmers Market

mumbai farmers market

Guests at the Mumbai Farmer’s Market had a unique wine tasting experience conducted by our very own Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal. They tasted 5 different wines and were asked to guess which country they came from. While guesses like USA, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Italy, France and Chile ran through the air they were surprised to know that all wines tasted were actually from India!

Wines tasted were Sula Riesling, Fratelli Sangiovese Bianco, Charosa Sauvignon Blanc, Myra Shiraz and Grover Zampa Chene Grand Reserve.