Summer Wines

By Arjun Sachar

The weather in the capital has been torturous for the Dilliwaalas since early June. The heat sets in as early as seven in the morning, and the clouds tease us all along. Delhiwaala’s dislike the slightest change in the weather, even while sitting in a temperature-controlled room. However, ask any wine professional their thoughts on the weather and they seem to love it, and will happily suggest an array of wines to pair with this heat that makes people moody but tad playful.

Cocktails and chilled lagers aside, there’s an entire array of summer wines. The question that arises often is, why specific wines for specific weather?

Setting aside our primary instincts to have something warm and rich in biting cold winter and something cool and refreshing in the summer, drinking as per the season is also dictated by the food we eat and where we eat it. Not a rule again, but just a guideline. Salads, aperitifs and lighter meals that people usually tend to eat in summer, are a perfect soul mate for crisp, refreshing white wines and similarly heavier red wines compliment grilled chops, roasted chicken, beef, venison etc. which are usually winter fare.

To beat the heat this year, here are some wines that you could sample this season.

Torres Vina Esmeralda | SPAIN

Torres Vina Esmeralda
Spain

This wine takes its name from the emerald colour of the Mediterranean, making it a tad poetic already! Made from an unusual but delicious blend of Mosacatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer grapes that are traditionally aromatic ones, the wine offers a crisp yet delicate palate filled with honey, orange blossoms and fresh grape fruit characters tempered by the vanilla hints,  and a surprising tone of ginger and rose petals at the finish. The wine works fantastically as a chilled aperitif or with light bites.

Alcohol: 11.5%. Retail Price in Delhi: {approx} Rs. 1700/-

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2010 | ITALY

Ruffino Orvieto Classico
Italy

Named after one of Umbria’s most beautiful cities, located on a hilltop between Florence and Rome, OrvietoClassico is known for its magnificent dome that can be seen on the label. The bouquet is pleasant and fragrant, characterized by neat sensations of citrus fruits and golden apples, on a floral background that reminds of fresh hints of meadow flowers.Strikingly elegant but a no-fuss wine.

Alcohol: 12.0%. Retail Price in Delhi: {approx} Rs. 1260/-

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2010, NEW ZEALAND

Kim Crawford 2009 Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc and New Zealand are emerging as synonyms much like cricket and Sachin Tendulkar. The cool climate assists in developing intense varietal character unique to Marlborough. An easy to drink, crisp, mouth–watering wine with powerful flavours. Gooseberries, passion fruit, and zest lime make it even more delectable.  Marry this light bodied one with fresh oysters, creamy pastas, or a simple summer salads.

Retail Price in Delhi: {approx} Rs. 3650/-  Alcohol:13.8%

Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Riesling, Margaret River, 2010, AUSTRALIA

Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Riesling
Australia

Rieslings have been good pals with Indian palates for a long time now. The trouble is that better examples of these are hard to find. Thankfully we have this one sitting on our shelves. The wine is no short of enticingly inviting with its floral and sweet fruit aromas. Pair it with non-spicy Indian curries (like that’s easy to find!!), Mediterranean sizzlers, and some Chinese sauces.

REDS

Usually drinkers prefer white wines as it has long been believed that all red wines  are heavy, and have been perceived as ‘winter wine’ only to be paired with red meats. But lets not forget, Pinot Noir and Gamay are two varieties having characteristic features, offering the lightest style of red wines unlike the heavy bodied produce from Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz.

Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages, 2009, FRANCE

Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages
France

Beaujolais is amongst the most playful and interesting brands you can spot in a wine store. Made with Gamay, the wine is made applying a unique method that aids in releasing flavours of bubblegum, bananas, and toffee. The aromas are both refined and intense, with notes of violet, spices, ripe black fruits and red fruit syrup. It feels fresh and silky on the palate and has a surprisingly long finish. Just don’t bind this one down with any rules, experiment for yourself.

Retail Price in Delhi: {approx} Rs. 1790/- Alcohol: 12.5%

Saint Clair Pinot Noir, Marlborough, 2011 | NEW ZEALAND

Saint Clair Pinot Noir
New Zealand

Another rising New Zealand star is the NZ Pinotsare. Regarded for their delicacy and suave personality, they don’t disappoint butdo comfort. Ripe red cherries, strawberries and raspberries with some vanilla notes will fill your copas and keep you intrigued for pretty long. Try it with smoked salmon, pizzas, or Mediterranean light meat dishes.

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, 2010, SPAIN | Dessert Wine

Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro
Spain- Dessert Wine

Moscatel has an unmistakable aromatic perspective that is highly characteristic of its variety, with seductive floral perfumes. On the palate it is concentrated yet light with a delicate sensuality. Drink with fruit puddings, crème caramel, or even blue cheeses. If you have a sweet-tooth, this one is surely then your poison. Serve it super-chilled and it’ll be a crime to miss it.

Retail Price in Delhi: {approx} Rs. 1150/- for a 50Cl (500ml) bottle. Alcohol:15%

Indian Wines | Compared to 5 years ago, Indian wines have come a long way and improving as we go. There are some commendable wines from our local turf too. Why not give them a try?

Zampa Soirée Brut Rose | NV, Nashik, Maharashtra

Zampa Soirée Brut Rose
Nashik

Highly regarded as arguably the best bubbly in the business, this Syrah-based sparkling wine has a romantic rose-like appearance showcasing a bouquet of fresh red berries on the nose. A smooth texture with strawberry flavours and hints of plums bonded with some spicy notes as it leaves. Drink it by itself or pair with some seafood canapés or sautéed mushrooms.

Fratelli Chenin Blanc, 2011 | Akluj, Maharashtra

Fratelli Chennin Blanc
Akluj

The wine has earned itself accolades not only domestically but also on the international front. It recently received an award at a prestigious wine challenge – Commended, International Wine Challenge 2012 (a big honour for an Indian house to be there at their second vintage). Meticulously balanced with aromas and flavours of peaches, apricots, honey-dew melon, and lime, this is one to have in your cellar at all times.

Sula Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 | Nashik, Maharashtra

Sula Sauvignon Blanc
Nashik

Sula, for long, has been the fore-runner of the Indian wine scene internationally, and domestically, and so it deserves. This wine surely exhibits the reasons why. A classy yet humble wine to suit your palate, pocket, and summer meals. It is a great companion for salads, pan-seared fish dishes, paneer tikkas, and pork cutlets.

There’s a decent range of summer wines available nowadays, so go in for whichever type of wine you personally prefer. Don’t get bound by stringent rules applicable to pairing of specific wines to particular food types, or sticking to what the sommelier at the restaurant recommends. It’s always good to experiment -a certain combination of food and wine might work well for you if not for someone else and vice versa.

 So choose your indulgence, raise a glass and say cheers!

About the Author | Arjun Sachar has been honing his passion and interest in wines since his college days. What started on a trip to Napa, was furthered when he recently toured the Italian wine regions. Apart from studying for his WSET {Wines and Spirit Education Trust} levels, he has also had  the opportunity to get hands on experience with some of the leading wine consultants in the country. We at {LBBD} wish him luck for his further studies in wines at what is known as the wine capital of the world– Bordeaux.