Indian Wine: Chandon Brut

Yes, they also make bubbly in India. Chandon, the global arm of champagne powerhouse Moët et Chandon, established themselves in India in 2013. Now they produce three varieties of bubbly in Dindori, Nashik: Brut, Rosé and Delice (slightly sweeter). Today we are trying the bestseller, the NV Brut. 

It is made from mainly chenin blanc grapes, which handle the Indian climate well, and complemented by the champagne classics chardonnay and pinot noir. The palate is fruity with rather mellow and sweet citrus and a hint of apples. There is some acidity to back it up, but no real zing. It is very pleasant and easy drinking with a hint sweetness in the background. It does not come near a real champagne, but I would say that it compares favourably to an Italian prosecco or a South African MCC. This I will happily drink again. Good quality for the price actually.

The beautiful bottle here is a limited edition, designed by the Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

Indian Wine: V A Reserve Collection

Vijay Amritraj is an Indian tennis legend. He played during the same era as Björn Borg, and he reached four Grand Slam quarterfinals. He even managed to beat Borg in the second round of the 1974 US Open, and he can brag about beating Jimmy Connors five times during his career. Now he has lent his name to a premium wine produced by Grover Zampa. It is called Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection, and it is a red blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

The vintage is 2014, and it is a well balanced, highly drinkable wine. There is plenty of upfront dark fruit, mainly blueberries and plumes. It is medium bodied with some pretty smooth tannins. It improves further with some air, so please decant it. Our bottle tasted even better on the second day. This I will happily buy again.