Wine in Jesus’s days contained some 2-3% alcohol while modern day wine has approximately 12-14%. Yet, it is known for its health benefits when had in moderation. One can choose to consume it as water, use it as appetizer, or enhance and complement the flavours of food with an appropriate choice of wine. Wine is an all-time drink!
Having set the scene and endorsing the consumption of this fermented juice of fresh grapes, I reinstate that this alcohol preparation can be immensely pleasurable when partaken with fitting company and appreciated with suitable meal and milieu.
We again met Nitesh Gulhati at the Founder’s Day of The Doon School last October. I was protracting too much to pick the right beverage for myself when a slightly worn out, yet fervent voice volunteered to aid me with the correct selection.
Nitesh had returned from his trip to Piedmont, Western Italy, near the town of Turin. The Dolce Vino Project of Indo Italian Chamber had kept him extremely occupied. He selected a nice Cabernet Sauvignon for me, to keep me company during that chilly October evening while he settled for a glass of Rioja wine for himself, to relax his nerves post long travel. We re-joined the extended groups of ex-classmates and their spouses, and the hours slipped past us listening, laughing, and reminiscing.
During the dinner, we decided to catch up in Delhi or in Bangalore where he resides. Later, we all got occupied in our respective lives, lifestyles, and responsibilities. Six months since the DOSCO meet, during the initial days of the lockdown, I thought of reconnecting with Nitesh to invite his further opinion on the fermented juice of fresh grapes, now my favourite poison.
He is a wine writer and was neck deep writing about wines, recommending types and brands of wines to friends and acquaintances. His busy schedule did not keep him from responding to me and as a true collector and sommelier, sprung into action to write ‘The Lockdown List’ for me. He wrote,
“I have been asked for a lot of recommendations lately on wine… My answer always begins with a question, “Depends what you like?”
There is never an easy answer to this question, but there are some broad generalities I live by. An often-overlooked factor is the weather. Are you in the midst of a hot summer or a cold winter? Since most of the country is either in the midst of hot sweltering days or just embarking on it, my recommendations are to start an evening off with a nice refreshing and light wine. Something perhaps like a dry Rosé wine or a Chenin Blanc.
Both of these are very versatile wines that are most compatible with Indian food or do equally well without food. Rieslings and Sauvignon Blancs are great summer wines too…but are best with lightly acidic foods to balance of their acidity.
My recommendations are:
1. Kadu Rosé (by Sula)
Approximately Rs. 700/bottle
2. MAN Family Warrellwind Sauvignon Blanc
Approximately Rs. 2000/bottle
3. Wolftrap Viognier/Chenin Blanc/Grenache
Approximately Rs. 2000/bottle
Readers, I hope you will relish the above recommendations and enjoy your summer intoxicated!!
Monica (Managing Editor) is the quintessential researcher - she thrives on showcasing overlooked aspects that form the foundation blocks of people, places and issues. She is a social scientist by profession with masters in Economics and loves to travel.