Indian Wines Set to Soar
Tag Archives: Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal
“Wines of India” programme launched in Mumbai
Since the early 2000s, India has been hyped as an important emerging market for wine. The country has an optimum climate for grape cultivation and its main wine-producing states, Maharashtra and Karnataka, are leading producers of world class grapes.
Keeping the above in mind, the “Wines of India” programme was recently launched at AKA restaurant, Worli, Mumbai. The Wines of India is a collective body set up by 11 leading Indian wineries, as an initiative to support Indian wine within the country and at a global level.
Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal of All Things Nice has been appointed as the Director of this programme; he will conduct retail promotions, consumer tastings, staff trainings, unique consumer experiences and media interaction as part of this initiative.
Nikhil guided us through an interactive, structured tasting of 11 wines – one from each of the participating wineries. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet leading winemakers and owners to understand their services as part of this initiative along with the history and future of Indian wine.
Each winery in the “Wines of India” programme has introduced their unique style of winemaking, interesting grape varieties, technological innovation and marketing expertise.
Wines chosen to be a part of this programme have been selected on the basis of merit and represent only the best India has to offer. The programme is an amalgamation of pioneers like Sula Vineyards, Reveilo Vineyards, Grover Zampa Vineyards, Fratelli Vineyards, Nine Hills with the more recently launched wineries such as Myra Vineyards, Charosa Vineyards, Vallonné Vineyards, Good Drop Cellars, York Winery and Soma Vineyards.
According to Ashwin Roderigues from Good Drop winery, “The aim is to stand together on an impartial platform and promote a culture of domestic wine consumption in India and overseas. ‘Wines of India’ programme, a collective body set up by India’s 11 leading wineries is the first attempt of its kind where players in a sector have come together to promote a culture rather than a brand.”
— Suneeta Sodhi Kanga
Spirit souvenirs to bring back from your travels by Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal
The great part about planning your travels around food and drink is that can take back things to relive your journeys. I have no qualms in stuffing my bag with dim sums from Tim Ho Wan or cheese, just to experience those tastes once again. Easier though and less of a health hazard is bringing back booze as souvenir. Here’s my list of favourites from around the world:
By Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal
Read the full article here: http://www.cntraveller.in/story/spirit-souvenirs-to-bring-back-from-your-travels/
All Things Nice in Sunday Mid-day – Indian wines on the global stage
All Things Nice in HT 48 hours
Glenfiddich 21 YO
NOSE Soft and delicate with a beautiful floral character. Spring blossom, violets, sweet peas and a subtle green leafiness.
TASTE Vibrant with a compelling balance of dry tannin and and soft brown sugar vanilla sweetness. A deep oak flavour gradually builds, with hints of spice and liquorice shining through.
FINISH Deep and complex.
RRP Index 330 Available in 75cl & 70cl
Glenfiddich 18 YO
NOSE A remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit, 18 year old g l e n f i d d i c h baked apple and robust oak.
TASTE Richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates. Overlaid with elegant oak notes.
FINISH Warming, rewarding and distinguished.
RRP Index 200 vs Glenfiddich 12yo Available in 75cl & 70cl
Glenfiddich 15 YO
NOSE An intriguingly complex aroma. Sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits.
TASTE Silky smooth, revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Full-bodied and bursting with flavour.
FINISH Satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness.
RRP Index 150 vs Glenfiddich 12yo Available in 75cl, 70cl, 50cl, 20cl & 5cl
Glenfiddich 12 YO
NOSE Distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted and delicately balanced.
TASTE Characteristic sweet, fruity notes. Develops into 12 year old g l e n f i d d i c h –butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours.
FINISH A long smooth and mellow finish.
RRP 100% vs Glenlivet 12yo Available in 75cl, 70cl, 50cl, 35cl, 20cl & 5cl
Cointreau
Cointreau
The original triple-sec, created by Edouard Cointreau more than 150 years ago in Angers, France. Cointreau is the world’s most famous crystal clear spirit. Cointreau’s distinctive square-shaped bottle with rounded shoulders and warm amber color is recognised worldwide. Its subtle taste – a perfect balance of bitter and sweet orange peel, grown and meticulously selected for their quality. In addition, Cointreau is an essential ingredient in top shelf cocktails, like the Margarita, Sidecar and Cosmopolitan.