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June 2007 - Posts
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 First let be start by saying that all wines have an individual expression, and held within the philosophy of winemaking and enjoying wine – there is no ranking scale of worst to best. In reality however, market forces determine that some wines are far more expensive than others. Wine Journalists also add to the mixing pot with their evaluations of wines often based on numerical scales. Wineries themselves press their history and brand in an ever more competitive market place.
So in making a top 10 list I have loosely used the following criteria;
• Wines often cited by critics as exceptional
• The most expensive wines
• History and Reputation Globally
• The strongest within Varieties or Terroirs
Ok, So without Further a do here is the Top 10 in Reverse Order
10. Penfolds Grange Hermitage / Barossa / Australia
This Beauty from The Barossa Valley in South Australia is a deep, bold red, predominantly the Shiraz Variety. In 1951 The Penfolds winemaker of the time – Max Schubert produced the first Grange Hermitage and changed the course of Australian winemaking History. A Grange has been produced every year since. Generally requires at least 10 years laying down. http://www.penfolds.com/
 9. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc / Marlborough / New Zealand . Wow! Incredible Gooseberry/ Mint/ Meadow Fresh. Serendipity lead to farmers planting Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough in New Zealand about two decades ago now. Suddenly Sancerre, the same variety from France, looked all mineral and pale next to this zing buster. Cloudy Bay came out King of the Marlborough pond Globally, and came to be the New Zealand Icon for the rest of the world. This is one wine I can actually afford! http://www.cloudybay.co.nz/
8. Giuseppe Quintarelli - Amarone della Valpolicella / Veneto / Northern Italy.
In 1924, Giuseppe Quintarelli, produced the most exquisite red elixir of wine from the Noble Corvina Grape. The style is called Amarone della Valpolicella. Grapes are left to dry till almost rasined and the wines are aged for 7 years in Slavonian Oak, producing an incredibly unctuous big red wine – almost a meal in itself.
 7. Egon Muller / Mosel, Saar Ruwer / North Germany & Trimbach / Alsace / France
I couldn’t distinguish between these two great producers from Neighbouring Regions in Germany and France.
The Muller Family goes back to the 18th Century producing Rieslings of the most enduring quality both dry and also incredible ‘eiswein’, in the Mosel Region in Northern Germany. http://www.scharzhof.de/
The Trimbach’s date back to 1626 in The Alsation region of North Eastern France producing Great Rieslings and Gewurztraminer. http://www.maison-trimbach.fr/en_index.html For many connoisseurs Riesling is the Greatest Wine Variety.
6. Vega Sicila – Unico / Ribero del Duero / Spain. 
Vega Sicilia is indisputably one of the great estates of Spain. Vines were first planted in 1864 near the town of Valbuena in the Duero valley by Don Eloy Lecanda Chave s, who arrived from Bordeaux with Bordelais grape varieties and wine making techniques, thereby laying the foundations for what was to become one of the best wines of Spain. Since 1982 the property has belonged to the Alvárez Diez family, who have continued the traditions of the founder, with their wine maker, Javier Ausás. The wines are a blend Of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. http://www.vegasicilia.com/
 5. Krug / Champagne / France
Krug – The drink of Kings – Champagne – there is no need to say where Champagne is or what it is. But in a closely fought race Krug has to come top. Established in 1843, Its brand and unique taste have captivated all who have come across it. It is a bigger Champagne (bready/yeasty) – best with food, it dances and slams at the same time – elegant and strong. Produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. http://www.krug.com/en/Home.aspx
4. Chateau d’Yquem / Bordeaux / France
This Estate dates as far back as 1453, when it was in fact owned by the then King of England. A more Noble or more historical Winery one will not found. A sweet wine is produced from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. A special type of Fungus Botrytis Cinerea or more commonly known as Noble Rot is required to make this wine. The fungus appears during harvest in moist and humid conditions. The sweet wines then take on a complex nutty, fungal element that makes these wines so unique. http://www.yquem.fr/
 3. Chateau Latour / Pauillac / Bordeaux (Left Bank) / France
There are 5 Bordeaux Premier Cru on the left Bank of the Gironde (The left bank produces predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon dominated wines). The 5 are Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux, Haut Brion and Mouton Rothschild (La Mission Haut Brion should also really be included). All these Chateaux have a right to be in the top 10 due to their pedigree and history. However of the 5 Chateaux, I have chosen Latour from Pauillac in Bordeaux. Its location close to the river allows the vines to mature at a perfect pace, and achieve a perfect blend of fullness, fruit and minerals. But be prepared to dig deep, the great 1982 Latour is now selling at about US$ 30,000 per case of 12. www.chateau-latour.com
2. Chateau Petrus / Pomerol / Bordeaux (Right Bank) / France
This Merlot dominant wine from Pomerol in Bordeaux defies all expectation. At 11.5 Ha and 9 times smaller than Lafite it is extremely good, extremely rare and extremely expensive. The richness of the wine that comes from a very clay soil is without comparison.
 1. Domaine De La Romanee Conti – Romanee Conti / Burgundy / France
Domaine De La Romanee Conti or DRC as it is more affectionately know is the Greatest wine Estate in the world. Named in 1631, this domaine produces the most exquisite forms of Pinot Noir, otherwise known as the divine nectar of wine. Imbibing this wine is as close as it gets to the holy grail and the elixir of life all rolled into one. Unfortunately I am unlikely to taste a Romanee Conti in the near future, although I did sit on the wall of the vineyard once….
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Rank |
Winery |
Producer |
Top wines |
Great Vintages |
Cost per bottle in a Great Vintage |
Year Established |
Approx Annual Production of greatest wines |
Comment |
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10 |
Penfolds |
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Grange Hermitage |
1976, 86, 98 , 01 |
1951 bottle sold for $US 15,000 recently |
1838 |
Not Disclosed - V Limited |
Put Australian Reds On the Map |
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9 |
Cloudy Bay |
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Sauvignon Blanc |
1990, 02, 05 |
US$ 40 |
1985 |
Not Disclosed / 10 Tonnes/Ha |
Incredible Expression of Sauvignon Blanc |
|
8 |
Quintarelli |
Giuseppe Quintarelli |
Amarone della Valpolicella |
1985, 90, 98 |
US$ 600 |
early 1900's |
4,500 cases |
Corvina Grape - Very long / diligent winemaking process |
|
=7 |
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Egon Muller |
Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese A P # 11 Wiltinger Braune Kupp Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule
Bottom of Form
|
2005 |
US$ 4,000 |
18th Century |
a Few Cases - V Rare |
Riesling |
|
=7 |
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Trimbach |
Riesling Clos St Hune |
1983, 98, 00 |
US$ 2,000 |
1626 |
a Few Cases - V Rare |
Riesling |
|
6 |
Vega Sicilia |
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Unico |
1968, 70, 75, 94, 95 |
US$700 |
1864 |
Max 7,500 cases |
Tempranillo / Cabernet Sauvignon |
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5 |
Krug |
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Krug Brut / Krug Clos du Mesnil |
1982, 85, 90, 96 |
US$3,000 |
1843 |
40,000 cases per year all Krugs |
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Pinot Meunier |
|
4 |
Chateau d'Yquem |
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Yquem |
1986, 88, 90, 95, 01, 05 |
US$15,000 |
1453 |
5,000 cases per year |
Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc |
|
3 |
Chateau Latour |
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Latour |
1945, 61, 82, 90, 00, 05 |
US$ 7,000 |
16th Century |
18,000 cases per year |
Cab Sav / Merlot / Cab Franc / Petit Verdot |
|
2 |
Chateau Petrus |
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Petrus |
1921, 1929, 47, 61, 89, 90, 00 |
US$5,000 |
16th Century |
5,000 cases per year |
Merlot Dominant |
|
1 |
Domaine De La Romanee Conti |
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Romanee Conti / La Tache |
1985, 88, 90, 05 |
US$25,000 |
1631 |
450 cases |
Pinot Noir |
Author: Puneet Dhall
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GENEVA: India blocked a World Trade Organization investigation of its import duties on American wine and spirits on Monday, temporarily delaying a US government complaint over allegations that Indian rules discriminate against products such as Napa Valley wine and Jack Daniel's whiskey.
For more details please click TOI
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Wine tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and India with its mantra of “ Atithi Devo Bhava” where we treat guest like god can’t be left behind in tourism. In west it’s a full-fledged industry and growing strongly.
India is a land of diverse  cultures as different as two sides of a coin yet attached to each other. Till couple of years people looked upon India as land of snake charmers, elephants etc. India is a country either you hate it or you love it but be assured it will leave you with impression never experienced before. Where in the world you see so stark differences in food, clothes, languages as you hop from one state to another as if you are in a different country. (Renaissance Winery on the Picture)
Of lately we have seen couple of initiatives taken by government to boost the tourism business. Everybody is looking at India and feel that it has arrived. Now it is like you can’t afford to ignore India. Taking advantage of this everybody is geared up for that.
In recent times some trends have been witnessed which have changed the whole dynamics of approaching to tourism. Earlier it used to be tourism about Indian culture, TajMahal, temples etc. But government is now looking out of the box to boost tourism.
One such area is wine tourism. It might not look big in numbers but surely people are realizing potential of this. Karnataka is all set to take a lead in this from countries like Australia, France, Italy, America etc. Government has announced new wine policy, which definitely have a cut out plan to promote wine tourism. It might be in infancy stage but they have woken up and smelled the coffee early to its potential.
In wine tourism one can take a walk through beautiful vineyards, be witness to the wine making process, taste wine at their tasting rooms helped by knowledgeable staff. This whole experience will be nostalgic. The guided tasting by staff will help in understanding wine more easily. It will also help in promoting wine as a beverage, which is supposed to be enjoyed just by it. They can buy wine also on the spot. (Mountain View Winery in the Picture)
If wine companies can be proactive they can also have little guest houses with not more than 10-15 rooms and tap those potential tourist who are looking to spend romantic evening between the vines. This will boost revenue and indirectly promote their product as otherwise we cant promote it directly. This word of the mouth and hands on experience will be I think the best way to promote your wines.
Currently nearly10000 hectares of land are under grape cultivation. The grape growing districts include Bangalore, Belgaum, and Nandi valley, Bijapur etc.
Maharashtra is house of most number of wineries in India and they all are located in vicinity which can make easier for people to travel. Chateau Indage has taken initiative and have started offering tours on its vineyards. They have a tastefully done tasting room and if you are looking to have some food then they have a wine bar *** restaurant on Pune- Nasik highway.
What may be the first in India they have opened tiger resort in Nasik where you you can indulge in Champagne showers and couple of other wine related treatments in the spa.
The wine tourism will support other supporting services to grow and lift the overall lifestyle of that region and economic growth
The target consumers can be wine lovers, corporate, hotel management graduates, hospitality professionals or as a matter of fact anybody who is related to this business. This is a huge market, which can be tapped as now days everybody is hungry for wine knowledge.
To facilitate its promotion couple of steps government can take is allow wineries to sell the wine on premises. Promote cultivation of grapes and offer technician assistance to farmers. Give some concessions for setting up wineries etc. Those difficult ways of getting license have to be made easier and specially hassle free.
So we can definitely raise a toast to the future of wine tourism in India.
 Ajay Kumar Gothwal is a Wine Educator with experience of working abroad as well as in India. He can be reached at divineajay@yahoo.co.in for further communication.
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Renaissance winery is one of the Top 10 winery in India. I had a chance to interview with Mr. Shivaji F. Aher, CEO of Renaissance Winery.
What is your passion on Wines?
“Wine is the most civilized thing in the world”, said Ernest Hemmingway. Shivaji Aher completely agrees to this statement. Today any social do is incomplete without the flow of wine. Of course good wine is an excellent topic for discussion, often becoming the center of conversation as people compare and comment on the body, texture, vintage or flavor of the wine being served. “There is so much to wine drinking that it amazes me every time I chat up with a wine connoisseur”, says Aher.
His passion lies in understanding the nitty-gritty of wine making and viticulture, as much as in its drinking etiquettes.
How did you enter the business of producing wines?
Traditionally an agriculturist, with a history of table grape farming, the Ahers have been associated with grape cultivation for more than a couple of decades. A die-hard businessman, Shivaji Aher was exploring the potential of producing ethanol, when he realized the potential of fine wine in the Indian market. Over a period of 5-6 years, he slowly converted his farms to cultivate high quality wine grapes like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, Syraz, Cabernet, Zinfandel etc. Today he has more than 150 acres of his own vineyards and another 85 acres under contract to him.
In 2004, with sheer hard work and perseverance, he realized his dream of setting up a state-of-art Winery in Ozar, Nashik.
Explain the problems faced by wine industry and how do you plan to tackle them?
Shortage of skilled and trained manpower is a critical problem faced by this young industry. The industry faces four basic challenges; wine regulations clubbed with hard liquor, lack of education amongst consumers and the industry people, lack of strict regulations and controls on wines and inadequate and improper storage and transportation logistics.
An active Wine Association in Nashik with most of the wineries as members is trying to tackle the common issues. Renaissance Winery is keenly working on educating its distributors and consumers through awareness classes and Wine Tasting sessions.
What are you future plans for Renaissance Winery?
Wines being considered as lifestyle product, it requires niche marketing. Renaissance will position its products purely based on wine making ethics, quality and exclusive packaging.
Aher says, “We will never join the rat race by under-cutting and freebies. Our products are targeted to the real connoisseurs who can differentiate between the bad and superior wines”. Presently Renaissance bottles two whites: Chenin Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc and two reds: Shiraz Cabernet & Cabernet Sauvignon-Classique. We will soon be adding a Zinfandel Rose and Vin Royale, another variety of Chenin Blanc. The winery also plans to produce blends exclusively for select high volume consumers.
Renaissance is keenly exploring possibilities of improving the storage and delivery logistics, after the wines leave the winery.
Which are your favorite wines?
Shivaji Aher once in a while enjoys a Chardonnay from Napa Valley or a St.Emilion from Bordeaux. He also finds some of the new world wines from Australia, New Zealand, North America, South Africa and South America very good. But of course, his personal favorite and loyalty lies with his excellent Chenin Blanc with its rich in aromas suggestive of honey and melon; and the Cabernet Sauvignon – Classique for its very powerful and recognizable aroma of black currants, rich deep purple color, soft tannins and a full body.
For more pictures click here
Best of Luck Mr. Shivaji F. Aher for your future success!
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