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Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking Wine – Asian Age

Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking Wine

The first do when drinking wine is that you don’t need to worry about saying the right thing or perceiving the aromas and flavours as anyone else does.  Wine is wonderfully subjective and your appreciation of it depends on the time of day, how much wine you drink, what you usually eat or drink, your mood and of course most importantly your own preferences. Do trust your own instincts and form your own opinions.

The wine world comes across intimidating at times but it really isn’t and once you get into it you will find that it is not that complicated either.

A couple of things you should do. Ensure your wine is at the right temperature. Too cold and you will not be able to taste or smell all the aromas and flavours, if too warm the wine will come across flabby and flat. Ideally wine should be drunk at 11 degrees Celsius for whites, 6 degrees Celsius for sparkling and sweet wines and 16 to 18 Degrees Celsius for reds.

Do drink your wines in the right glassware. The shape, size and thickness of the glass all matter and also of course the cleanliness of the glass. If you’re going to pursue discovering wine, I would recommend spending a little money on good glassware. Incorrect glassware can destroy even the best of wines. If in your trip on discovery road you intend building a collection at home it would be wise to buy a wine fridge to store your wines at the right temperature. Do not keep your wines at the back of your cupboard where they can be subjected to 40-degree heat.

Do allow some reds wines to breathe. Open the bottle and keep it open for some time depending on the wine you are about to have or pour the bottle into a decanter to speedup the process. You could also simply rotate the wine in your glass to enhance its offerings to you. Wine opens up as it comes into contact with air and releases otherwise hidden aromas.

Please do experiment with our local cuisines and cuisines from all over the world with wine. We have some of the greatest culinary traditions on the planet and not drinking wine with our food is a shame.

Do experiment, get a bunch of people together and constantly try new wines. The world of wine is very large with many countries, regions and grape varieties producing a plethora of styles for you to discover.

We even have a wine-growing region in our very own backyard  – Nasik/Akluj/Nandi Hills to name a few and you will find that there is great quality being produced here itself.

Do not put ice in your wine, do not fill it all the way to the top and please do hold the wine by the stem of the glass and of course don’t be disappointed if the wine you have bought is not to your liking. Move on and do try the next.

Written by -Nikhil Agarwal

Sommelier & CEO, All Things Nice

Johnnie Walker

JOHNNIE WALKER RED LABEL – In 1909, ‘Special Old Highland Whisky’ was renamed Johnnie Walker Red Label and a legend was born. Imbued with pioneering spirit from the outset, Johnnie Walker Red Label travelled “wherever ship could sail”. With its bold flavour and versatile character, it mixed well socially and made friends all around the globe. Today, it is the world’s best-selling Scotch Whisky, available in more than 180 countries.` Johnnie Walker Red Label has won more than thirty major awards, including two Le Monde Selection Grand Golds and three golds at the International Wine and Spirit Competition

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Flavours – Johnnie Walker Red Label is crackling with spice and bursting with vibrant, smoky flavours. It’s a blend that combines light whiskies from Scotland’s East Coast and more peaty whiskies from the West, creating an extraordinary depth of flavour. Johnnie Walker Red Label tumbles onto your palate with the freshness of spray from a breaking wave, bringing the unmistakable zing of aromatic spices – cinnamon and pepper – fizzing over the centre of your tongue. There’s a suggestion of fruity sweetness, like fresh apple or pear and a mellow bed of vanilla, before the Johnnie Walker signature of a long, lingering, smoky finish.

JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL –In 1909, ‘Extra Special Old Highland Whisky’ was renamed Johnnie Walker Black Label. Johnnie Walker Black Label was created to represent the very best from all four corners of Scotland and was quickly recognised as a new benchmark in blending excellence. Embraced by the great and the good, it has been immortalised in a painting by none other than Winston Churchill and on film in the cult classic Blade Runner. Today, it is one of the world’s best-selling Deluxe Scotch Whiskies.

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Flavours – Johnnie Walker Black Label is rich, complex and incredibly well-balanced, full of dark fruits, sweet vanilla and signature smokiness. Blended exclusively from whiskies matured for at least 12 years, it brings together flavours from the four corners of Scotland to create an experience that is complex, deep and rewarding. Johnnie Walker Black Label rolls decadently over the tongue, releasing intense sweet vanillas that give way to orange zest and aromas of spice and raisins. The finish is unbelievably smooth and layered with rich smoke, peat and malt.

JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK – Johnnie Walker Double Black was created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge as a darker, smokier interpretation of the world famous Johnnie Walker Black Label. The blend is matured in heavily charred casks and uses a greater proportion of characterful West Coast and Island whiskies to elevate iconic flavours to a new level of intensity. A relatively recent addition to the Johnnie Walker range it may be, but Johnnie Walker Double Black is already a classic. Johnnie Walker Double Black has won several major awards, including gold at the International Spirits Challenge and Double Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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Flavours – Johnnie Walker Double Black is the Intense Blend – powerful, full-bodied and smoky.The heavier influence of the ‘big’ flavours of Scotland’s West Coast and Islands is immediately apparent, with swirls of peat smoke over rich raisins and fruits – apples, pears and citrus. These soften into sweet vanillas and spice, before developing into a warming finish of oak tannins and lingering smokiness.

JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL RESERVE – Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is the Celebration Blend, a personal creation of Master Blender Jim Beveridge for very special nights out with very special friends. Included in the blend is the Clynelish Single Malt, whose distillery was fed with water from hills where gold was once discovered. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is every bit as luxurious and indulgent as its name suggests. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve has won several major awards, including four Le Monde Selection Grand Golds and four Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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Flavours  – Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is known for its creamy smoothness. It opens with a luxurious burst of delicate nectar and gentle smokiness that develops into sweet fruits and deeper, velvety, honeyed tones before giving way to sublime, lingering whispers of smoke and oakiness in the finish.

JOHNNIE WALKER PLATINUM LABEL 18 YEAR OLD – In times gone by, whiskies were set aside by Johnnie Walker master blenders for the purpose of making ‘private blends’. These were extra special blends given as personal gifts in acknowledgement of an exceptional relationship. Whether for customer, employee, business partner or friend, they were highly prized by those who received them. The spirit of them lives on in Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old, an exquisitely-crafted blend for the 21st Century that draws inspiration from the richness of the past.

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Flavours – Johnnie Walker Platinum Label 18 Year Old blends big, classic Johnnie Walker flavours with intriguing contemporary notes of citrus and fragrant almonds. Initially sweet with a warm vanilla undercurrent and a suggestion of tangerines, it moves smoothly over the palate into a nutty, malty dryness before a long finish brings elegant suggestions of soft charcoal smokiness and a beautifully fading citrus zest.

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL – In 1867, John Walker’s son, Alexander, created his remarkable ‘Old Highland Whisky’ blend. It was a masterpiece of the blender’s art that drew together the finest flavours from the four corners of Scotland to create something rare and exceptional. Johnnie Walker Blue Label commemorates Walker’s Old Highland Whisky, a statement of whisky excellence that stays true to the genius of the Walker name. Johnnie Walker Blue Label has won many major awards, including six Le Monde Selection Grand Golds and three Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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Flavours – Johnnie Walker Blue Label is incomparably rich and smoky, with velvety smooth breaking waves of powerful flavour. Created from hand-selected casks of some of the rarest and most exceptional whiskies, there is no sensory experience quite like Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Hazelnuts, honey, sherry and oranges tumble in first, before releasing hidden secrets like ginger, kumquats, sandalwood and dark chocolate. A rich honey sweetness emerges, accompanied by hints of pepper and dried fruits, before an impossibly long, lingering, smooth finish of perfectly balanced, soft smoke.

JOHN WALKER & SON  X 21 – John Walker & Sons XR 21 was created to honour this very special occasion. Inspired by Sir Alexander’s own hand-written notes, it is blended from the exclusive Johnnie Walker reserve of rare whiskies, all of which have been matured for a full 21 years.

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Flavours – Assured, balanced and elegant, it has intriguing layers of intensity that are both surprising and delightful. Sweet honey and tempered spices come cloaked in warming smoke. Citrus zest, ripened tropical fruits and caramel swirl within hints of tobacco and raisins. The long, smooth, soothing finish is complex and fascinating – a myriad of influences played out over a subtle tapestry of peatiness .

JOHN WALKER & SON KING GEORGE V – In 1820, John Walker started out in business with a single small shop, but he always had big ambitions. Just over a century later, John Walker & Sons was awarded a Royal Warrant by King George V. By then, Johnnie Walker was already well on its way to becoming the world’s most popular Scotch whisky. Becoming a supplier to the Royal Household was an important step on that journey. John Walker & Sons King George V commemorates the granting of the Royal Warrant on 1 January 1934. It is created using only the finest whiskies from distilleries that were operating during George’s twenty-five-year reign (1910 – 1936), some of which, like the famed Port Ellen, no longer exist. They are blended together to reflect the distinctive Johnnie Walker style of the era.

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Flavours – It is an opulent and regal blend. Sensuous, layered and intense, the John Walker & Sons King George V is a kaleidoscope of flavours and aromas. Hints of roasted nuts, dark chocolate and an imposing sweet smokiness combine elegantly with suggestions of honey, citrus orange and rose petals. This is an extremely complex luxury whisky.

JOHN WALKER & SONS ODYSSEY – John Walker & Sons Odyssey is a celebration of the epic journeys our whiskies undertook in the early years of the 20th Century, as they travelled over the oceans to every corner of the world. This rare Triple Malt was created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge to evoke the aromas and sensations of this defining era. He took as his inspiration the legendary Johnnie Walker ‘Swing’, created in 1932 by the founder’s grandson, Sir Alexander Walker. He was a blender of extraordinary skill who handed down his detailed notes for future generations.

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Flavours – John Walker & Sons Odyssey is made from just three extraordinary Single Malts, carefully blended and married together in oak casks to enhance the intricate layering of flavours and impart an exquisite smoothness. This elegant whisky has a deep and distinctive russet-red hue that hints at the rich tannins to come. With the first sip, toffee and honey emerge followed by cooked berries, roast walnuts and top notes of delicate citrus. The finish is sublime – an impeccable, rich smokiness that seems to linger forever.

THE JOHN WALKER – The John Walker is the ultimate celebration of progress – an enduring tribute to the life, vision and legacy of the man who started it all. Known as the Founder’s Blend, it uses only whiskies that would have been familiar to John Walker in his lifetime, some of which come from distilleries that are now silent. Just nine distilleries in total contribute exquisitely-made whiskies, which are blended by hand using traditional methods and in extremely limited quantities, before being married together in a 100-year-old cask.

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Flavours – The blend itself is refined, sophisticated, supremely complex, yet harmonious. The magnificent presentation only hints at the experience to follow. The nose is rich and redolent of mature fruits with youthful aromas of fresh citrus hovering above. With the first sip, a vanilla oak burst soars across the palate. The blend’s enormous body and elegant structure are immediately apparent as big, opulent flavours cascade down onto a bed of soft sweetness. They evolve and transform constantly to deliver an echo of signature smoke in the finish. This is a whisky of unique discernment.

 

MARCHESI ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2013, TOSCANA IGT, ITALY

MARCHESI ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2013, TOSCANA IGT, ITALY

REGION: Toscana

GRAPE VARIETY: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Cabernet Franc

TASTING NOTES: An intense ruby red in color with purple highlights, the 2013 Tignanello shows a nose of great red fruit intensity along with highly pleasurable notes of vanilla, chocolate, and leather from the well balanced contribution and fusion of the aromas of the oak. The spicy and balsamic sensations which give additional complexity are also quite important. The wine is ample and enveloping on the palate with supple tannins and a savory freshness which fully respects the character and personality of the Sangiovese grape. The balance between acidity and tannins is excellent, and the finish and aftertaste are of a lovely length and persistence.

Tiaganello

MOUTON CADET RÉSERVE SAUTERNES 2012, BORDEAUX, FRANCE

MOUTON CADET RÉSERVE SAUTERNES 2012, BORDEAUX, FRANCE

REGION: Bordeaux

GRAPE VARIETY: 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc & 2% Muscadelle

TASTING NOTES: Bright gold in color. The nose opens on yellow fruit (peach, mirabelle), then goes on with airing to develop an attractive aromatic complexity on notes of bergamot, gentle spice and quince.

From a powerful, refined attack, the wine expresses crystallised quince and mirabelle jam flavours enhanced with a fresh touch of bergamot. On the finish, the wine’s sweetness and power bring a balance typical of Sauternes.

Bottle - Mouton Cadet Sauternes

QUERCIABELLA CAMARTINA 2010, TOSCANA IGT, ITALY

QUERCIABELLA CAMARTINA 2010, TOSCANA IGT, ITALY

REGION: Toscana

GRAPE VARIETY: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon & 30% Sangiovese

TASTING NOTES: This elegantly structured wine opens with aromas of ripe black fruit, cedar, leather and a whiff of exotic spice. The firm palate delivers ripe black cherry, plum, coffee, grilled herb and ground clove alongside firm but polished tannins.

querciabella-camartina-2010

 

PIGHIN PINOT GRIGIO D.O.C. 2015, FRIULI GRAVE, ITALY

PIGHIN PINOT GRIGIO D.O.C. 2015, FRIULI GRAVE, ITALY

 REGION: Fruili

 GRAPES: Pinot Grigio

TASTING NOTES: Straw yellow with lightly amber-coloured tinges. The wine displays fruity and floral aromas of banana, pineapple and wisteria flowers. Persistent, excellent body and balance.

grave-pinot-grigio

MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DI GAVI D.O.C.G. 2014, PIEDMONTE, ITALY

MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DI GAVI D.O.C.G. 2014, PIEDMONTE, ITALY

REGION: Piedmonte

GRAPE VARIETY: Cortese 100%

TASTING NOTES: Tenuous straw-yellow color with greenish reflections. An intense and fine odor with persistent fruity and flowery scents similar to those of golden apples and green almonds as well as a clean aroma of chamomile flowers. The flavor is full-bodied and remarkably sapid, balanced, harmonious and persistent.

Bottle - Gavi di Gavi

IL POGGIONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO D.O.C.G. 2011, MONTALCINO, ITALY

IL POGGIONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO D.O.C.G. 2011, MONTALCINO, ITALY

REGION: Montalcino

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Sangiovese

TASTING NOTES: Ruby red in color, with a very intense, persistent nose and with red fruit notes. Warm, balanced flavour with velvet-smooth tannins.

Brunello is the prince of Montalcino wines, produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes picked by hand from the oldest vines in the farm.

2011 IL Poggione Brunello

 

 

ALLEGRINI CORTE GIARA SOAVE 2012, VENETO, ITALY

ALLEGRINI CORTE GIARA SOAVE 2012, VENETO, ITALY

REGION: Veneto

GRAPE VARIETY:  80% Garganega & 20% Chardonnay

TASTING NOTES: Fairly intense straw yellow with green highlights. This classic Veronese white wine is striking for its fresh and inviting breadth of aromas, sketched out with wild flowers and white peaches, and vibrant, vegetal notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and simple with a supple body, dry and smoothly rounded.

Corte

Aspri Spirits Celebrates the Ultimate Italian Legend with APEROL Spritz Sunday Brunch

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Aspri Spirits Celebrates the Ultimate Italian Legend with APEROL Spritz Sunday Brunch
~India gets famous premium taste~
29th January 2017, Mumbai – Aspri Spirits, leading importers and distributors of some of the finest brands in the world of Wines and Spirits hosted an exclusive APEROL Sunday Brunch at Olive Bar & Kitchen in Mumbai for Media, PR, Influencers and Socialites.
Many known faces from Bollywood and Television attended the Brunch with friends and family. Seen were Designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Fahad Samar, Kishen Mulchandani, Bollywood Photographer Jitu Savlani, Ash Chandler, Singer Anaida, Designer Amy Billimoria with Farzad Billimoria , Bollywood Fashion Stylist Eshaa Amiin, Designer Kristy de Cunha, Designer Nidhi Munim, Celebrity Makeup Artist Clint Fernandes, Singer Shibani Kashyap, Actress Neelima Azmi to name a few.

True to the Invite Dress Code, all guests turned up in Brunch Wear with a “Hint of Orange”. The venue set up at Olive Bar and Kitchen was done keeping in mind that Aperol is an Orange Aperitif. Tables were set with boxes of Orange, the exclusive Aperol Bar had a nice international feel and rustic orange look and feel of Brand.
The afternoon commenced with exclusive Aperol cocktails like the iconic global Aperol SPRITZ which is made by mixing 3 Parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1 Part Soda in a white wine glass full of ice and garnished with a slice of orange.

Aperol Spritz is the ultimate summer drink, bright orange in colour and light and refreshing in nature, it is the perfect accompaniment to social get-togethers with friends. There were other Aperol cocktails on the menu for the guests like Aperol Seltz, Aperol Sour On The Rocks and Aperol On The Rocks

About Aperol
Aperol was launched in 1919 at the Padua International Fair. Created by the Barbieri brothers, Aperol soon became one of the Italians’ favourite liqueur. It is light on alcohol at only 11 per cent by volume and 15 per cent by volume in France and Germany, but has a rich, complex taste deriving from the infusion of a blend of high-quality herbs and roots. The original recipe has remained unchanged and a secret to this day. Aperol is a lively drink that evokes the Italian lifestyle, from the aperitif hour to an evening in the piazza (square). Sunny and best enjoyed with friends, the unique Aperol taste is deliciously Italian but with a totally international appeal.

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is #1 consumed cocktails in Italy. It is made by mixing two parts Aperol with three parts prosecco and one part soda in a wine glass filled with ice and garnished with a slice of orange; light, sparkling and refreshing, Aperol Spritz is the ideal drink for every social occasion. It can be enjoyed before lunch or dinner as a true Italian apéritif, as a lighter option at an after-work get-together with colleagues and friends or as an accompaniment with food. Aperol Spritz has fast become a cult drink outside of Italy, extending to neighbouring European countries and even cross continent.

About ASPRI
Aspri Spirits Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2004. The company today represents some of the finest brands in the world of Wines and Spirits and is one of the leading players in the imported alcoholic beverage segment. The company with its commitment to ensure highest quality standards focuses on the sales, marketing and distribution of its diverse portfolio and is dedicated to building premium international brands in travel retail and domestic markets across South Asia.