What’s new, what’s happening in the Indian and international wine scene. Some short takes…..
Mull over this!
In a nod toward the rapidly approaching Christmas and New Year festivities (and the fact that many might just decide to celebrate at home!), Grover Zampa Vineyards has launched a mulled wine under its One Tree Hill brand.
Taking inspiration from the traditional Indian Kadha recipe which combines Indian spices and herbs, the wine is infused with spices like black peppers, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, tulsi, cardamom, and lemon topped with star anise, parsley, fennel, cumin seeds, orange peel, and kapok buds, giving an Indian twist to a European classic. (Kadha seems to be the catchword in COVID-related immunity drinks.)
Feeling warm and fuzzy already?
Pick it up in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore for 650/- a bottle
Chêne goes white!
GZV is certainly not resting on its laurels! Earlier this month, it launched its premium white version of Chêne Grande Reserve Chardonnay. Especially appealing for lovers of an oaked style of Chardonnay à la Napa Valley, Chêne is aged 9 months in French oak barrels, giving the wine what they company describes as “exhibiting the subtle and elegant aromas of nectarine, hazelnuts, vanilla, and crème brûlèe, … and concentrated flavours of apple, pear, and green plums.”
If that sounds like a Christmas cake in a bottle, it might be just the time to try it out.
Available for Rs 2100 in Mumbai, 2080 in Delhi, 2200 in Goa and Rs2000 in Bangalore.
Hospices de Beaune 2020: A month later, but Bichot takes the barrel!
The 160th Hospices de Beaune wine auction took place on Sunday December 13. The sale which was initially scheduled on Sunday, November 15 was postponed and finally took place in small committee with the main professional buyers, but also on-line for the French and International clients who were unable to attend. This charity sale, whose profits are donated to the Hospital of Beaune had this year a particular and clear resonance.
The sale reached a total of €12,761,600 for 630 barrels (so €20,200 on average per barrel), which represents the 2nd most successful sale in the history of the Hospices after 2018. Maison Albert Bichot buys 97 barrels and the Pièce des Présidents. A family-owned and independent Maison since 1831, Albert Bichot is a major patron in the preservation of Burgundian culture and heritage.
“Buying from the Hospices de Beaune is a tradition as much as it is a commitment”, said Albéric Bichot, 6th generation of the family and born at the Hospices de Beaune himself. Albert Bichot has been the first buyer of the Hospices de Beaune wine auction for more than 20 years now. Once again this year, Albert Bichot is proud to support the Hospices de Beaune by purchasing 98 barrels (including the Pièce des Présidents) for an amount of €2,974,000 or 22% of the total amount of the sale.
By acquiring the Pièce des Présidents for €660,000 on behalf of a Chinese friend, Albéric Bichot confirms his support for the hospitaliers de France (French hospital workers) who were victims of Covid-19. This barrel, a Clos de la Roche Grand Cru vinified in an oak cask from the Chambord Forest National Park was sold to their benefit.
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