Rioja is famous but then so are the regions of Priorat, Toro, and of course, Ribera Del Duero. This time around, I managed to take the convenient 2-hour bus-ride from Madrid to Aranda de Duero, the regions non-political capital, also famous for its ancient labyrinthine underground tunnels which are used even today to store wines. [...]
The French Loire Valley, aka the valley of Kings, has been the land of origin of great wines. Robust Chinons, sweet Muscadets, dry whites of Saumur and Pouilly Fumé, and the rosés of Anjou that the world adores. But what puts envy in the hearts of many are their crisp, refreshing, minerally sparkling wines. Bouvet [...]
California For the ease of understanding we divide the wine world into old-worlds and the new worlds. Old world wine countries are the more experienced countries producing wines for centuries now, namely France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the likes. On the flipside, new-worlds are the younger breed of producers. The leader in the latter family [...]
Having won the highest accolades Ribera del Duero wines are the new most talked about ones from the country. Speaking of quality this region has the maximum number of highest quality DO (Denominacion de Origen) designation wines in the country. All thanks to its unique and meticulous winemaking. The region is noted for its long [...]
Boys love their toys, be it their smart-phones, i-whichever, mp3 players, or even something as groovy as an X-Box (or PS3). The first person in the queue for the new iPad2 was a banker gentleman. No surprises there! But what distinguishes one from another is what applications and widgets these gadgets are loaded with. They [...]
There is a rush of setting up a wine-related venture in India. With a great growth potential and a huge market pie to dominate on all the biggies are also rushing towards it. Some of the leading producers have already spread their wings here, and the rest are keeping a close watch on the right [...]
France is a synonym to many: culinary delights, literature, fashion epitomes, elegant wines, and much more. It has always been making consistent wines in their major regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne. Best examples of these wines are today one of the most exquisite and expensive wines of all times. It is interesting to see [...]
Spain’s prime red grape variety Garnacha-based wines (or Grenache as known internationally) are an anonymous heroine of modern winemaking. One region that does justice to the charm of this variety is the north-easterly located region of Aragon. With a unique geographical location and a surrounding competition from La Rioja, Catalonia, Navarra, Castilla y Leon, and [...]
It would not be wrong if we term Navarra as a ‘distant cousin’ of their French neighbour, primarily because of its influence. The similarity spills over from the vine variety to the whole philosophy behind the wine production. The reason behind the stark resemblance is the long French rule that the Spaniards have undergone leaving [...]
Jordan was one of those few to claim their hand in giving wine to the world. Nevertheless, it was not to be seen anywhere on the world wine map. The wineries used local grapes to make not-so-appreciable wines. Lack of viticultural and vinification knowledge and inappropriate viticultural areas held-back the country from displaying its true caliber. It [...]
Seldom is it enquired whether Delhi is geared up for a sustainable culinary culture? Would the greasy food and whisky-loving metropolis be ready to accept fine dinner with accompanying discerning wines? From the recent turn of events it would seem that not only are Delhiites ready for it, but they also know how to enjoy [...]
Although it may not entirely seem so, the idea of working on a warm Sunday winter afternoon does have its advantages. Recently, Kiki, a great purveyor of the cause of South African wines, was in town and invited u to a tasting of some wonderful wines from the estates of De Wetshof and a few [...]
California is a relatively small area on the U.S.A. map but a major identity in the wine world. This source of highly reliable and consistent wines has been having the wine-aficionados dwelling in its produces for long now. Not only a great den of simple and amicable wines like Robert Mondavi and E. & J. [...]
Of all the wines that the lovely winemaking country of Portugal has to offer, we know only of Port (the sweet red fortified wine, usually known as an after-dinner drink for the old and fuddy-duddy) and a sweet pink fizzy little number called the Mateus Rosé (in its atypical shaped bottle). But tasting two Port [...]
It was again that part of the year when wine professionals roll up their sleeves and get ready for competition time. The 3rd Indian Sommelier Championship was organised by Wi-Not Beverage Solutions Pvt Ltd at the International Food and Drinks Expo, 2010, on the 3rd of December 2010. Numerous discerning candidates from over 10 prestigious [...]
