WONDERS OF WINES
A wonderful opportunity it was for international wine and spirits producers, who showcased their products and explored the Indian market. Vinexpo Mumbai 2024 was a major event that brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, business development, and showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the sector.
Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, highlighted the unique ability of Vinexpo Masterclasses to create connections, spark inspiration, and unlock a world of opportunity within the industry. The sessions are designed to immerse participants in the diverse world of beverages, expand their knowledge, and offer invaluable industry insights. Attendees can look forward to engaging in captivating masterclasses, exploring diverse tastings, and forging valuable connections that can propel their business forward. Hundreds of exhibitors from the choicest wine and spirits producers across the world.
“It is my honor to welcome our participants, exhibitors, visitors, journalists, and partners to the grand opening of Vinexpo India. This event is not just an exhibition; it is a journey into the realms of taste, elegance, and shared joy that comes from the perfect encounter between fine wines and spirits.”
Duveau wines have a family history dating back to 1880, emphasizing tradition and passion. They are aged in French oak barrels to achieve a rich and complex flavor. The company distributes its creations to over 20 countries, including major cities like Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, and Beijing.
The Fabien Duveau 2023 Saumur Blanc St.-Cyr “La Hunaudière” is a vibrant and energetic Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, crafted from organically farmed grapes grown in flint, limestone, and chalky soils. After fermenting with native yeasts in a combination of concrete and old oak, the wine rests on its lees for six months. This process results in a well-balanced white wine with flavors of crisp apple, peach, and honeysuckle, supported by a distinct mineral-driven grip and refreshing acidity.
Duveau Wines’ Reserve Carmenere features dark fruit notes balanced with hints of chocolate and smoke, and is aged for six months in French oak barrels. It presents an intense ruby red color with purple reflections, offering a smooth and velvety palate with notes of dark fruits and pepper.
Château Ramage La Batisse 2015 is described as a rich and complex red Bordeaux blend with ripe fruit flavors and supple tannins. The 2015 vintage is noted as “unquestionably great” by Decanter, offering a robust yet approachable profile with aromas of black fruit, oak spice, and hints of tobacco, leading to a dense palate with firm tannins and flavors of cassis and cedar spice.
Chateau de Belcier is a red wine from the Bordeaux region, produced in the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Predominantly Merlot, with a blend of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it is known for its right-bank style.
Key characteristics:
Flavor profile: Full-bodied and robust, with concentrated dark fruit flavors like black cherry and plum.
Notes: Spicy, earthy, and toasty oak notes, including vanilla, cedar, and chocolate.Aging: Typically aged in oak barrels for 6 to 12 months.
Pairing: Pairs well with steak, barbecue, and strong cheeses.
Dr. Yoginee Budhkar is a pioneer in the Indian mead industry, having co-founded Cerana Meads and led the crucial effort to get mead recognized as a formal alcoholic beverage category in Maharashtra. The company frames mead as a historical, fermented beverage—like beer or wine—rather than hard liquor. This positioning highlights its potential for positive socio-economic impact on the beekeeper community and its environmental benefits, which has helped secure government support. Cerana Meads’ strategy involves targeting a socially conscious, quality-demanding audience and focusing heavily on education and awareness to build the brand in a market unfamiliar with mead.
Fratelli Wines participated in Vinexpo 2024 Mumbai, which took place from September 18–19 at the Jio Convention Centre. The winery showcased signature wines, including SETTE, J’NOON, and Master Selection, at its specially designed enclosure.
Fratelli’s limited-edition J’Noon series is considered a high-end benchmark for Indian winemaking, created in collaboration with French winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset.
J’Noon Red: A complex, full-bodied blend, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with rich flavors of black fruits, tobacco, and notes reminiscent of a Bordeaux red.
J’Noon White: A barrel-fermented Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc blend with refreshing citrus, green apple, and subtle oak notes.
JCB No. 47 Brut Sparkling: A traditional method Chardonnay sparkling wine with mineral notes, green apple, and a complex texture. Overall, reviewers praise J’Noon for its quality, complexity, and ability to showcase what is possible for fine wine in India.
Fratelli Sette is a premium Indian red wine widely considered one of the best in the country. Key characteristics:Style: A full-bodied, Super Tuscan-style blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in French oak barrels.
Flavor profile: Notes of black cherry, plum, vanilla, and spice with smooth tannins.
Aging potential: It has excellent aging potential, with flavors and texture becoming more refined over time.
Food pairings: Pairs well with intensely flavored dishes, including rich Indian curries and grilled meats.Value: It is regarded as offering some of the best value for a quality Indian wine.
The Master Selection is Fratelli Wines’ signature premium range, inspired by the natural harmony of their Akluj vineyards in Maharashtra. The line is elegantly symbolized by the Hariyal (Green Pigeon), which represents the finesse and balance captured in the wines. This prestigious range was initially conceived through a collaboration between celebrated international winemakers Steven Spurrier and Piero Masi.
The Master Selection currently features four exceptional wines: a complex, oak-aged Red blend of Sangiovese, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc; a White blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc that is crisp and elegantly structured by oak; a fresh, elegant Rosé made entirely from Sangiovese; and a rich, luscious Late Harvest Chenin Blanc dessert wine, featuring notes of honey and caramel.
Mis Amigos Coffee Tequila is a 25% ABV liqueur combining premium Arabica coffee with smooth Mexican tequila. It has a flavor profile of sweet and smoky coffee balanced with agave and hints of dark chocolate. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, as a shot, or in cocktails like an Espresso Martini. It is produced by UK-based GI Spirit Group.
Mis Amigos Chocolate Cream is a 15% ABV tequila liqueur that blends Mexican tequila with dark chocolate and soft cream. It has a smooth, rich flavor with hints of agave and pepper and is known for not having the harsh burn associated with typical tequila. It can be enjoyed as a chilled shot, on the rocks, or used in cocktails and desserts.
I had an exciting opportunity to delve into the rich history of Penfolds, Australia’s most iconic wine producer. Samuel Stephens, the Brand Ambassador guided the guests through an exclusive journey, offering insights into the brand’s heritage, and showcasing some of their most famous wines. As part of the experience, you’ll have the chance to savor the legendary BIN 389 “Baby Grange” along with other exceptional varietals. The masterclass was an unforgettable experience, perfect for any wine enthusiast looking to deepen their appreciation for Penfolds and its celebrated legacy.
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, often called “Baby Grange,” is a celebrated Australian red wine renowned for its consistent quality and significant aging potential. The moniker originates from its maturation in barrels that previously held the flagship Penfolds Grange. A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Bin 389 combines the former’s elegant structure with the latter’s generous richness, creating a full-bodied wine with complex, dark fruit flavors balanced by savory, spicy, and mocha notes from American oak. While approachable in its youth, collectors prize its ability to evolve in the cellar, with recent vintages like 2022 and 2023 receiving high critical praise and having immense potential for long-term aging.
At Vinexpo 2024, Monika Alcobev, known for bringing exceptional wines and spirits to India, shared insights on luxury beverage import, distribution, and marketing. Their diverse portfolio includes global favorites and Indian gems, catering to discerning tastes. Discover the world of luxury beverages and gain valuable knowledge at this premier event.
Monika Alcobev presented an extensive array of labels with six unique tasting experiences: Old World Wines, New World Wines, Aged Spirits, Unaged Spirits, Tequilas and Mezcals, and a World of Whiskeys. Guests enjoyed a diverse range of flavors, accentuated by two bar takeovers and three guest shifts hosted by respected brand ambassadors.
Laurent-Perrier’s La Cuvée Brut is a premium, non-vintage Champagne celebrated for its elegance and finesse, derived from a high proportion of Chardonnay grapes. On the nose, it offers delicate aromas of fresh citrus and white flowers, while the palate provides a perfect balance of freshness and subtlety, with persistent fruity flavors like pear and lemon. This fresh, well-balanced wine is aged for a minimum of four years, adding complexity, and is an ideal aperitif. Its crispness pairs beautifully with delicate foods such as poultry, fish, sushi, and soft cheeses. The distinctive house style of purity and consistency is maintained by blending with reserve wines and using only the purest grape juice.
The Berton Vineyards Metal Label Durif is a bold and robust Australian red wine known for its intense flavor and color. Crafted primarily from Durif grapes in the Riverina region of New South Wales, the wine showcases a dense, inky dark red color and delivers concentrated aromas of violets, blackberry, and subtle chocolate. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is rich with dark fruit characters, such as blackberry, anise, and smoky licorice, balanced by well-integrated mocha oak and fine, velvety tannins. The finish is long, flavorful, and persistent, with the dense tannins adding complexity and depth. Because of its powerful and intense flavor profile, the Berton Vineyards Metal Label Durif is perfectly paired with rich, hearty foods like grilled T-bone steak, slow-cooked meats, stews, or a variety of aged cheeses. The wine, which has received multiple accolades at international competitions, is best enjoyed with dishes that can match its intensity.
“The Choya” is a premium umeshu, a Japanese liqueur made by steeping ume fruit, sugar, and spirit. Unlike wine, it is not fermented but rather infused, drawing its flavor from the ume fruit’s pulp and pit. Its flavor profile is a distinctive balance of sweet, tart, and fruity with notes of almond. Produced by Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd., which is known for its natural ingredients and authentic aging process, “The Choya” line uses high-quality Nanko-ume fruit from Japan. It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various ways: served straight, on the rocks, or mixed with soda, tonic water, or other mixers.
The Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Brut Rosé Millesimato DOC is a fresh, fruity, and elegant Italian sparkling wine with an attractive pink color and lively bubbles. Produced in the Veneto region, this rosé is a Millesimato, meaning it is crafted from grapes harvested in a single year, and is made from a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. The bouquet offers a delightful combination of red fruits, like pomegranate and strawberry, alongside fragrant floral notes of rose. On the palate, it is silky, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, culminating in a clean and persistent finish. This versatile and refreshing Prosecco is perfect as an aperitif and pairs exceptionally well with appetizers, seafood, and light pasta dishes.
Mr. Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev, expressed his enthusiasm: “Participating in Vinexpo India 2024 was a thrilling experience. This event brings together the finest talents in the wine and spirits industry, allowing brands like ours to showcase a diverse portfolio. We continually seek to explore new opportunities, engage with our partners, and expand our network.”
Montes, a Chilean winery, has a rich history in India. At the Montes Masterclass, Eduardo Stark, Area Manager of Montes Winery in Chile, showcased their exceptional wines at Vinexpo. Imported by Brindco, Montes has been present in India for over 20 years, offering a range of wines from their Classic Series including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. With a strong commitment to quality and innovation, Montes continues to be a significant player in India’s wine market.
The 2022 Montes Reserva Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing Chilean white wine celebrated for its vibrant and aromatic character, sourced from prime coastal vineyards in regions like Aconcagua Costa and Leyda Valley. This crisp, fruit-forward wine offers intense notes of grapefruit, lime, and tropical pineapple on the nose, balanced by a hint of fresh herbs or cut grass. On the palate, it is described as zesty and juicy, with lively natural acidity that contributes to its freshness and structure. It pairs exceptionally well with seafood, salads, and dishes featuring goat cheese, and is best served chilled to accentuate its bright, lingering finish. As an excellent value wine, it represents Chile’s ability to produce high-quality, expressive Sauvignon Blancs for everyday enjoyment.
The Berton Vineyards Metal Label 2023 Durif is a bold and robust Australian red wine sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the Riverina region of New South Wales. Crafted from Durif grapes, also known as Petite Sirah, this full-bodied wine is a testament to the variety’s ability to thrive in the region’s warm, dry climate. Upon pouring, it reveals an intense, dark, inky color that foreshadows the concentration of its flavor. The bouquet is complex, with powerful aromas of violets, blackberry, and hints of subtle chocolate. On the palate, a rich and concentrated burst of dark fruit flavors awaits, featuring notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and smoky licorice. Well-integrated oak and smooth tannins provide a velvety texture and impressive depth, culminating in a long, lingering finish. This assertive wine pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes, such as grilled T-bone steak with chimichurri salsa, and is a perfect match for rich stews or aged cheeses.
Cointreau is a premium French orange-flavored triple sec liqueur known for its clear appearance, 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), and balanced taste. The original recipe, developed by Édouard Cointreau in 1875, is crafted by blending and distilling sweet and bitter orange peels with sugar beet alcohol. Cointreau is frequently featured in classic cocktails like the Margarita, Cosmopolitan, and Sidecar, where its distinctive flavor adds freshness and complexity. Unlike cheaper, sweeter triple secs, or the cognac-based Grand Marnier, Cointreau’s unique balance and consistent quality have made it a staple for both professional and home mixologists worldwide. It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as an apéritif or digestif.
A Cointreau sidecar offers a sophisticated and perfectly balanced tasting experience, combining a vibrant citrus tang with a deep, warming booziness. Upon first approach, the aroma presents a fragrant bouquet of fresh orange and lemon, complemented by the rich, complex, and sometimes oaky warmth of the cognac. The initial sip delivers a lively dance of flavors on the palate, where the sweet, citrusy brightness of Cointreau perfectly balances the fresh acidity of the lemon juice. This tangy and sweet interplay then gives way to the smooth, rich, and mellow depth of the cognac, which provides a warming finish that lingers pleasantly. The overall sensation is a harmonious blend that feels both luxurious and approachable, with a crisp, refreshing finish.