Namma Bengaluru is rocking with a slew of fine spirit and wine launches these past few weeks. Vintage Champagne, stylish vodka, wines from around a world heritage site, India-made sparkling wines from a French champagne house and a rum voted as number one by the world’s best bars.
Moët Hennessy, the French champagne house, recently launched its first made-in-India sparkling wine brand in the country, Chandon Brut ('1,200). Made in Nashik from locally produced Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, Chandon Brut has a fresh fruit bouquet of citrus blossom, green apple with hints of tropical fruits and a fine persistent effervescence. With India being the newest location for a Chandon estate, with earlier operations in Argentina, California, Brazil, Australia and China, the scene is set for some fine wining and dining.
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva ('7,200) rum was launched in Bengaluru last week. Produced in Venezuela by Distilerias Unidas, Diplomático was rated as the number one rum brand by 50 of the world’s best bars. Tito Cordero, who was recently awarded Master Blender of the Year, arrived in Bengaluru to be a part of this prestigious launch. He said, “Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is the pride and jewel of a long tradition of excellence. The 12-year-old antique rum with unique body and extraordinary balance delivers a magnificent bouquet and taste.”
And we have been seeing the best in the industry of spirits taking the city by storm, be it Jean-Jacques Cattier, president of Cattier Champagne who flew into the city to launch Cattier Brut Vinotheque 2005 ('4,200) or various other wine growers from France, Italy and the West.
Great as an aperitif or with meat and fish, this delicious vintage made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Munier and Pinot Noir has a floral and fruity aroma, hints of citrus, honey and green apple. Having sold a million bottles and exporting to more than half to nearly 100 countries, Cattier says, “Our Champagnes are great for celebrations and special occasions.”
In a first of sorts, enterprising Hyderabad-based couple Krishna Prasad and Uma Chigurupati set up their vineyard and winery on the slopes of Hampi Hills, just 70 km away from the World Heritage site. Uma explains, “We established the vineyard way back in 2007. The iron-rich schist type soil, minimal rainfall, and cool night-time temperatures provides us with flavoursome grapes.”
“We wanted to place Hampi on the world map and gain recognition for India as a producer of high quality wines.” Among the wines in their portfolio, special mention must go to the KRSMA Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 ('1,500 - 750 ml and '3,250 for a 1500 ml magnum). This ruby red wine has an intense bouquet with an overtone of oak that gently unveils the fruit.
Fashion Vodka was brought to the world by Michel Adam Lisowski, founder of FTV under the concept of fashionable drinks. Now, Fashion Vodka Party Collection ('999) is available in Bengaluru for you to savour. Distilled four times and mixed with the purest water, this Polish vodka has a unique character and a soft, well-rounded taste. According to Rahul Kashyap, CEO, Kristal Spirits, “It embodies style and confidence and it perfectly complements the urban lifestyles of Benga-luru’s jet-setters where fashion is a key influencer.” Cheers to that!
