No more wining'

New Year, new wines — yes, that’s my mantra for 2016. I am ready to sample some new ones, while treasuring wine experiences from 2015. I tried some great wines last year and am excited about being introduced to new varietals from different companies in 2016.

Some Myra wines are on my list for sure this year. Their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a must try. Chief advisor and sommelier Nikhil Agrawal has created some great wines and his vision of “taking India to world-class standards for consumption and appreciation of wine and all its extensions” is commendable.

Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir is another one I want to relish. I was fortunate to have tasted this wine some time ago, when it was classically paired with sweet onion and a goat cheese slab with zucchini salsa as an appetizer. Two other favourites that I have recently discovered are the Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills

Chardonnay. Australian wines cannot get any better!

Piccolo — which means small, in Italian — is what I was presented with at Christmas by a friend. This beauty from Aspri Spirits is my latest acquisition. Zonin Prosecco is fruity and aromatic on the nose, with hints of white flowers and apple. A beautiful and often less expensive comparison to Champagne, Prosecco is a deliciously dry Italian sparkling wine with crisp acidity, low sugar, with plenty of fruit and character.

My fetish for fruit wines continues! So it has got to be a Plum from Rhythm winery’s fruit range. This wine made from grapes and blended with plum procured from the chilly regions in the north of India suits my palate perfectly as it is a tangy off-dry wine with 10 per cent alcohol content.

And who could resist dessert wines? Indian Nectar is Pause’s special gift to wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. In India, something sweet after dinner is the norm and this heavy-bodied wine does enhancing the after meal experience.

And last but not the least — the Moët Rosé Impérial. I love the style of a Moët & Chandon, distinguished by its bright fruitiness, seductive palate and elegant maturity. Far from a champagne only for dessert, Moët Rosé Impérial is exceptional when paired with simple, intense and colourful flavours.

So 2016, here I come. Bring on the wine!