Growing up in a family where one of the principle businesses was producing wine, it’s a topic that always stayed close to my heart. My years of experience in this field have made me passionate about the most hygienic beverage that I feel must reach all alcoholic beverage consumers in India. When we started this business “Wine” was not much spoken of but with our sheer dedication and a positive goal in mind, we have been able to distribute our wines all over India and export wines to all five continents. One of my great achievements being in this business was to place India on to the World Wine Map and winning 32 international wine awards, from IWSC, Decanter, Indy International Wine Challenge, Wine Style Asia Award and the latest one from “Florida International Wine Challenge” U.S.A.
As a Managing Director heading the wine division of the Indage Group, shouldering the responsibility was something that I learnt while growing up, ensuring every single area of wine production is handled very carefully & not only aiming, but achieving 100% growth every year.
As a leader in wine industry in India we are taking the lead to educate other wineries that have set up recently on quality wine production. We are also bringing in more awareness amongst the farmers to grow classic grape varietal of Vitis Vinifera family with a family of more then 2000 contract growers. We have also further backward integrated in the group with the first and only JV Nursery in vine plants with Intac, France.
View about Indian Winery Industry: With the current industry growth rate of more than 30 % every year, we are expect to see this growth rising further for the next two decades as wine becomes main stay amongst Indian consumers. This is a very positive sign for the wine industry as more and more consumers are getting into drinking wine which is proven to be good for health. The Maharashtra state government has taken a very positive and long term views to the promotion of its wine industry from early as 2001 with zero excise fees, negligible licence cost and no red tape for the wine business the stance to increase special excise duty on imported wines is merely protecting the state from becoming a dumping ground form global wineries. Other states have already begun to recognize the tremendous value addition provided by wine as a fruit processed product and Himachal, Punjab, Goa, Assam and UP are already forming wine policies that will encourage production & consumption.
India deserve Wine: With our tropical climate, we have the weather condition and the soil that support us. Our vineyards are situated 800 meters above the sea level where they are stressed to support their growing cycle which provides that interesting difference reflected in the character of our wines. Our soil structure is ideally suited for classic grape varietal such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon etc. After all, India has a history of growing grapes and has been making wine for more than 2200 years.
I am of a firm opinion that India definitely not only deserves Wine but has begun to excel in wine appreciation.
Chateau Indage future Vision: Our vision is to see more and more people consume “Wine” thus increasing per capita consumption from 10ml to 10 litres; this would result in more awareness and benefits of drinking wine eventually leading a way to being more passionate about it. Our Company Vision is to continue producing quality wine and reach out to all segments and make our presence globally.
We strive hard to bring in more awareness amongst our consumers to choose and differentiate wine and its style, this is presently done through our workshop educating hotel staff, sales & marketing, Retail outlet & conducting Tasting sessions for consumers.
My Favorite Wines: I could loose my count at 100, but I will name some of my favourite. I generally prefer red over white because I enjoy more medium to full bodied wine. Amongst all our wines we produce my favourite is Chantilli Merlot 2004, this merlot is round and opulent with intense aromas of cherry fruit backed by a warm alcohol structure. The tannins are soft and silky that becomes more expressive with hints of blackcurrant and black pepper at the finish.
Some of the other wines from around the world that I enjoy;
J. Moreau & fils Chablis (France)
The Chablis Moreau is specially selected in each vintage from the best wines of the Chablis appellation. It offers all you would expect from a typically Chablis gold, green colour, fresh chardonnay bouquet, subtle and elegant on the palate, with crisp acidity to maintain perfect balance.
Clos de L’Oratoire, Château neuf- Du- Pape (France)
Small yields and lots of sunshine make Châteauneuf-du-pape a big wine, this full, generous wine, with intense colour and a bouquet of spice and fruit is rich on the palate with red –fruit flavours and a lasting finish.
Les Tourelles de Longueville Pauillac (France)
This wine is made from hand picked grapes from the magnificent Terroir of chateau Pichon Longueville, Pauillac Grand Cru Classe. The result of a rigorous selection, aged in French oak barrels, this harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc has great finesse with silky tannins, complex black and red fruit and fine elegant tannic structure.
A rich garnet hue, deep when young, warm brick red when mature, second a deep slightly earthy and complex flavours with a characteristic upturned finish, tannic and slightly bitter.
Billecart-Salmon brut reserve (France)
Chateau Margaux, France
Romanee Conti (Burgundy),
Opus One, California
Caymus Special Select, Cabernet California.
Penfold Grange, Australia
Cake bread cabernet, California.
Chateau Petrus, France
Chateau Latour.France
Amuse Bouche, California.
Mersault (France).
Louis Jadot, Pouilly Fuisse.
Pol Roger, Cuvee Churhill
And the list could go on and on …………………….Cheers!!!
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