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| A wine tasting with Gusto |
| By Ravi Joshi |
| In what are being described as difficult times for wine in India, it is encouraging when importers take on the challenge to bring new wines to the Indian wine consumer. I was invited to attend a guided tasting by Kolkata based Gusto Imports, founded by Kadambari Kapoor, a graduate of the Columbia Business School, New York. During her stint with an American retail company in Bangalore, Kadambari was appalled that she could not find any decent (or affordable) wines that she enjoyed regularly when she was in the US. Up against established giants, she founded Gusto, an exclusive importer and distributor of wines in East India, with a unique (and different) portfolio. Today, Gusto has expanded its footprint to Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. |
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At the Gusto tasting |
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| The New Delhi tasting for a select group of wine professionals and consumers, guided by Sommelier Gagan Sharma, was hosted at Gulati Spice Market in Saket, which is establishing itself as a ‘wine friendly’ destination, courtesy its owners – Sumit and Chiquita Gulati – who are very passionate about their wine. |
| Turni Dhar, Gusto's National Key Accounts Manager brought six wines from three countries viz. Italy, France and Spain. The wines came across as a good assortment of styles, across diverse terroirs (with prices indicated ex Delhi) : |
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The wines from Gusto |
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Villa Calappiano Prosecco 2013
ABV : 11%
Region: Treviso (Veneto), Italy
Grapes: Glera ( Prosecco)
MRP: Rs 2630
A light gold, medium sparkle wine with citrus aromas. Some peach on the palate and a short finish. Suitable for casual drinking or for use in cocktails.
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Faustino Cava Extra Dry
ABV: 11.5%
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Macabeo, Chardonnay
MRP: Rs 2570
This Cava is from La Rioja, a first ever for me! More powerful on the palate, I found it quite refreshing with flavor profile of stone fruits. How did it compare with a traditional Cava from Catalunya? Without the luxury of a comparative tasting, I drew from my memory bank of past tastings and found the acidity of the Rioja Cava more lively.
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Sensi Montepulciano di Abruzzo Collezione 2013
ABV: 13%
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Grape: Montepulciano
MRP: Rs 1830
A medium ruby wine with an expressive nose of fruits and spice. Easy drinking with faint tannins and lots of juicy cherries on the palate. My choice for banquets or leisurely brunches.
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Sensi Chianti Collezione 2013
ABV: 13%
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: Sangiovese, Canaiolo
MRP: Rs 1980
A bit shy at the outset, it developed over the 10 minutes in the glass. A well structured palate of red fruits and spice with a decent finish. Not a great Chianti, but pleasing.
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André Lurton Château La Louvière 2007
ABV: 12.5 %
Region: Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
MRP: Rs 9350
This is from a 700 year old estate that was acquired by Vignobles André Lurton, one of the large wine groups in Bordeaux . I have tasted from this Chateau before, but the 2009 vintage when the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux visited India. 2007 is a refined expression, with good structure, rounded tannins and complex characteristics of blackberries, vanilla and fresh cream. A bit steeply priced, the wine faces stiff competition in its category.
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Faustino I Gran Reserva 2000
ABV: 13.5%
Region: Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo (Carignan)
MRP: Rs 5030
A macho wine with a Rodeo-esque character complete with leather and game aromas. To some at the tasting, it appeared "off" – I thought closed and tight and felt that this 15 year old would have tasted better with decanting. A very attractive, classy recycled ceramic bottle reminiscent of the Amphora age. Excellent value for money – undoubtedly, my favourite wine for the evening.
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| Turni Dhar told me that all these wines are intended primarily for the hospitality segment but are also available in retail in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and, shortly in Delhi as well. Turni believes that their portfolio has something for everybody – be it the connoisseur, the satisfied sipper , the wine enthusiast or for that matter anyone having a gusto for wine. |
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| The wines make for a fresh gust of wind beneath the wine lover's wings! |
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| Ravi Joshi was invited to this tasting by Sumit Gulati, the owner of Gulati Spice Market. Both are part of a group of wine aficionados who indulge in regular blind tasting sessions. Bouquets or brickbats, please let us know what you think and do tell us where vino india could improve. Email us at info@vinoindia.in |
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