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G S Rathore Says: |
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Thanx for the article please reply me abt Indage future plan,will come back in the market soon or not. |
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Amol Shambharkar Says: |
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It is so exciting for the new comers.A formal course of this much time duration and in detail,will definitely add wings to the Indian hotel industry. |
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S.P. Sukumaran Says: |
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If they can't think about the employees, how can they think about the customers and quality of the product. To make money they will do anything. Management is responisble for all this issues. Now they are telling their employees to resign then only they will clear their dues. Why were they sleeping for last 8 months. If they can't run a company without money then how the employees family will run their home. Who is suffering ??????
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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While it is anybody's guess on their next course of action, here are the comments received promptly from the company, which is by itself a healthy and positive sign that the company is serious in sorting out the current problems.
1) Will there be a takeover or strategic investments?
At this stage, we are unable to comment on any strategic movement but the company is looking to raise equity with long term partners who believe in the future of the business.
2) Will Indage try and sell off some of its overseas acquisitions?
The company will examine any eventualities as they may arise.
3) Will the company go bankrupt?
No, the company will not go bankrupt.
4) I am also interested in knowing whether the wine inventory which the company possess has value.
A large majority of the stocks of the company are in winery or company operated bonds which have more than adequate storage facilities
While no one should doubt the company going bust-with over 20 years of successful running operation, some tough and bitter decisions would have to be taken by them and surely they are exploring all possibilities. One thing is for sure, they would be running a tight ship for quite a while. A takeover could be possible in that a majority of shares may change hands. The capitalisation of the company has reached such low levels that the possibility is distinct and the strategic partners maybe watching from the sidelines. The loans and liabilities may be re-scheduled and cleared in parts-in short, the procedures followed by any business venture in financial trouble will logically be followed. And yes, the stocks not in temperature controlled environment are likely to be spoilt. Even if they are kept properly stored, the flavours of these young drinking wines tend to deteriorate with time and in bad storage conditions. You may see some heavy discount offerings on these stocks. Subhash Arora |
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Raghunandhan Says: |
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Dear Mr. Subhash, I appreciate your work and congratulate you for the article. I and many other shareholders are interested in knowing how will the future span out for the company: 1) Will there be a takeover or strategic investments? 2) Will Indage try and sell off some of its overseas acquisitions? 3) Will the company go bankrupt? I am also interested in knowing whether the wine inventory which the company possess has value. Because I came across an article which said that due to improper storage facilities the wine inventory will get converted into vinegar.
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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But you could possibly beat the ***t out of someone with a clenched fist too-Malcolm W (joking!)
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Dr. Ariff Jamal Says: |
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Quote from Indira Gandhi: “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” Message to the Indian wine producers!
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Vinod Guraddi Says: |
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Dear Sir, Many thanks to UB GROUP and Mr. Abhay Kewadkar. It is an opportunity for wine lovers, wine community and wine industry. Warm Regards, Vinod Guraddi www.elitevintagewinery.com |
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Hari Om Bhatia Says: |
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I really like Mr Arora has started these types articles on wines and we are really enjoy and giving us guidence and wine lovers ideas on this portfolio once again thanks to mr subash Arora for his excellent support for Indian wine .
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Chris, I often get samples for tasting from overseas-mostly unsolicited. The number of bottles varies from 2-12. Sometimes they do not charge custom duties, other times they do.When they do, I seek an appointment with the AC-Customs. It is given to you as a right. You need to explain to him in all sincerity and humility the purpose of these bottles and what the wine tasting and sampling is all about.These are guys from the Central government.They are very attentive, co-operative and mostly waive off the duty. You are right-they don't have any business over-charging. Unfortunately, some hanky panky goes on by a few importers and that spoils things for everyone. I''l bet you, if you meet the gentleman or the lady yourself, you will be treated with respect and patience. There is no question of being penalised later. I would also suggest you telling the producer to put a sticker on top of the bottle, clearing mentioning Trade Sample only-Not for Sale, in future. And do invite the AC for tasting with you so that he or his staff can get a better idea of why the wine is sampled. Of course, if the duty has been paid by your clearing agent, it is too late for any of this action. So you need to warn the courier in advance, not to pay the duty till you meet the AC. Good luck. Subhash Arora
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Chris Pohl Says: |
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Dear Subhash, Let me add our own recent experience to all of this: We are in the process of registering some Italian Wines here in Karnataka with the KSBCL. We short listed seven and the winery is Azienda Agricola Provenza. They now send us 2 of each as samples so we can do a little tasting to narrow it down to four for this year. Prior to it being delivered to us by DHL, I was informed that we have to pay 39000 Rupee duties for those 14 bottles = 2785 each = Euro 40 per bottle. Naturally the shipper gave no commercial value – it has none since it cannot be sold – we are not bootleggers after all! The actual cost is between Euro 3.5 to 5 – if taken the middle value of 4.5 euro we would come to 10115 rupee with a rate of exchange of 68 but not 4 times that. This has now been going on back and forth for 4 weeks – I am refusing to pay this unreasonable amount. The winery has been in the picture of this from the beginning and I don’t have to point out what it has done to their perception of doing business in India with wine. Today I have requested a meeting with the customs officials – never mind running the risk of being victimized later on. I don’t know if this will materialize – otherwise I am at a loss, can you suggest something to us. Warm regards Chris |
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Tony Devitt Says: |
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I hope this signals a return to some sanity with respect to import tariffs, taxes etc. The Indian wine industry and community will benefit greatly from making access easier for good quality foreign wine, providing that those involved in wine writing, promotion and especially education focus on espousing the view that the aim is to drink high quality, distinctive regional wine in moderation.
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Beverley Blanning Says: |
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Hi Subhash, I believe my book is now available to buy in India, published by Hachette. All the best, Beverley
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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First-off, Nashik may not necessarily be the best growing area. It did have the reputation of growing good eating grapes but wine grapes are a different ball game. It is doing well due to the incentives and agressive policy of the government. There are potentially many other areas in India that could be very good to grow vines.Vine growing depends upon the soil structure and the climate. Soil should have enough minerals to give the grape complexity and the climate should be such that there is a differnece of night and day temp of around 15 degrees. This helps the fruit ripen properly with a nice and live acidity and enough sugar. It should not be so hot that the plants die of heat. Rain is the most critical part I think. If it rains during certian times of growing cycle, especially harvest time in Feb-Mar, the grapes would swell up and be diluted with water-not good for wine making. So, you need to study the area and get some plants from nashik nurseries and try for a year or two. Everywhere in the world, it takes years before they come to proper conclusions. Good luck.Subhash Arora |
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Vishal Chemjong Says: |
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Your article "myths & misconceptions about wine" was indeed an eye opener. As an aspiring wine connoisseur i too have always believed that there were some misconceptions that needed some clarification. however i have a nagging question which i thought only a wine expert as yourself can answer to my satisfaction. the question is: The Nasik valley area has of late been blossoming as a promising grape cultivation and winery zone. Are there other ares in india that have the potential to produce good grapes and therefore great wine? In particular is the Manipur Valley a suitable place for wine cultivation? Fro what i know the geography and climate seems perfect for wine cultivation. but again i am no expert. I would be happy if yuo could clarify this point.Regards,Vishal Chemjong, Creative Director, Publicis Comunications, Delhi
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Hi Subir,Good to hear from you and envious to see from the pics that you had a great time in Cannes. i love amarone and Masi may not be the best but a very good amarone. One can drink a whole bottle, despite higher alcohol because of the smothness and the balance. keep on enjoying good life and good wine.cheers subhash arora |
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Dr. Subir Chaklader Says: |
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Hi Arora,I still read your newsletter whenever I get a chance. This year we were vacationing in Beirut and now Cannes for last six weeks. Few days a week we go to Monaco, and I drink wines almost every night of course. Yesterday, we were at San Remo and bought a few bottles of Amarone from MASI. I just thought about you for I know you often visit Italy, and do like Italian wines....I recall the days I enjoyed attending the wine dinners in Delhi, 2006-2007.Happy Summer of 2009! Subir.
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Mayukh Dewan Says: |
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interesting. very interesting infact. this changes the perception of wine even more from being a snobs drink to a common man's drink, especially in the new wine drinking countries. this development is to watch out for. the opportunities and changes are endless. readers... watch out for more updates of this development. thanks Cav Arora.
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Sanjay Says: |
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Sorry Maureen, about your disappointment at not seeing the Four Seasons Reserves that evening, but they're COMING SOON!!! Glad you enjoyed the Four Seasons Blush and had a great evening... Since you're covering the 'Wine Happenings' in Bangalore - you must check out the Wine Evenings that the prestigious Bangalore Club has started since last Wednesday, and will run for the next two Wednesday eveneinsg as well - Aug 19 & 26 - yet another great initiative to popularise wine drinking...
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DAVID BANFORD Says: |
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Dear Subhash, Further to Maureen Kerleau's excellent commentary about the state of the wine culture in Bangalore, I have a few comments to make about Steven Spurrier and his 1976 wine tasting in Paris, now affectionately known as The Judgment of Paris. It is inaccurate to state that the Judgment of Paris slams French wines. That was the result of this blind tasting which opened the eyes of the world to see that great wines are not limited to the old world. This immeasurably benefitted the entire wine industry, and caused French wine producers to improve the quality of their own wines, since they suddenly realised they were not the only game in town! With regard to Bottleshock, this is pure Hollywood, and according to Steven is pure fiction.
I find it hard to come up with anyone who has done more to broaden the wine culture in India than Steven Spurrier, given the number of visits he has made to this country and the number of wine tastings and press interviews which he has hosted here over the past 3 years. In vino veritas! David Banford
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Sourish Bhattacharyya Says: |
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I must congratulate DelWine for being the first to report about Sula's climb to the top of the domestic wine business. It's heartening to see how Rajeev scripted the success story. You'd also been the first to report about the conditions at Grover. Keep up the good work of reporting without any fear or taking any favours. I only wish Indian companies were a little forthcoming with their numbers and didn't obfuscate matters with tall claims and doubtful figures. There's no way of knowing anything about the wine market, unless of course one follows your infomative newsletter. Keep more coming!
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Zulfi Says: |
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Hi, Many thanks for this info.I wish to know where do I get a copy of this in Mumbai,India. Cheers! Zulfi.
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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I am sorry I dont find the name of either of the two wineries in the Stellenbosch section. As you know, it has the maximum number of old and established wineries, the handbook has taken a selected number. Perhaps you can have these wineries contact the publishers?! Subhash Arora
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Dr. Ariff Jamal is back in France. I dont think he would be interested in Italian wines but we shall pass on your message to him, somehow. Subhash Arora. |
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Nick Varone Says: |
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I'm a producer of Amarone and would like to get some of our products to Dr.Ariff Jamal, however, every time we have attempted to send information it comes back. Our wines are consitently scoring in low 90 with WS. Regards, Nick Varone
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Jess Peters Says: |
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The wine guide sounds great..Is there a listing for M'Hudi wines and Seven Sisters in Stellenbosch?
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Bharat Deshmukh Says: |
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Great PPK good to hear about the wine Club. send some pics from the event. |
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Maureen Says: |
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Dear Subhash, I can't thank you enough for your Delwine Newsletter - a real 'bible' for all involved. I always make a point to everyone I meet that any player in the trade really should go through the articles every week. Kawaljeet goes through them religiously he said - that's my benchmark for telling how serious somebody is in this business when I first meet them!
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Subhasis Ganguli Says: |
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Dear Mr. Arora, Thanks a lot for the coverage of the 1st Anniverasry Party of the CWC on your website. Will surely keep you informed about our future activities. Our members would be looking forward to your advise from time to time to take the Club in the right path and help the wine tribe grow. Thanks & Regards, PPK
The new office bearers appointed in the CWC 1st AGM held on Friday for the year 2009-10 are as follows :
Mr. Subhasis Ganguli - President (M) +919830708091
Mr. P.P.K. Mitter - Secretary (M) +919830529787
Mr. Rupinder Singh - Treasurer (M) +919830440441 |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Thanks for your comments Neeraj, which have been posted after correcting a couple of minor grammatical errors. I did not know the article will create such an uproar. Are you suggesting that their are factual errors in my article? I have enough data to support my assumptions and analysis. I thought it was a fairly straight forward article written with as much objectivity as possible. We would be glad to admit error if you can send me some related facts to the contrary. Since you have been in journalism, you would appreciate that nothing in the article has been directed at anyone, nor is there any sensationalism involved.I look forward to receiving from you some info that relates to factual errors. Subhash Arora |
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Neeraj Sharma Says: |
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Dear Subhash, After going through the above article and the first few posted comments, it dosen't reflect good on the quality of the contents..It seems very immaturish to see someone writing about a company and you posting it without checking on the authenticity of the information. I agree that feedom of expression should be practiced but to bring about a social change in the country..not to hamper someone's reputation without knowing the facts. Today we are witnessing sensationalism in the media world but let us not go down to such levels of bringing information which may or may not be accurate. I have studied journalism since many years but what i make out from the above news piece is sheer unobjectivity. Thank you Neeraj
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# Subhash Arora Says: |
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I have no idea who Anup is. The comment was obviously received after the article on Sula appeared in delWine. If there are any inaccuracies, you are welcome to point out. We will be glad to publish them. We do not take information for our articels in delWine from anonymous sources. I dont know if you are related to Indage or Sula in any capacity, now or before. But we shall put the comments from you or anyone else received as they are. As you might notice, email of this gentleman Anup as well yours and anyone else who sends the comments, are published on the net for our readers to get in touch with each other directly. We do not, and in fact cannot check the authenticity of Comments. We do edit them for any basic grammatical errors or the use of any non-parliamentarian language or an intent to malign an individual. Subhash Arora |
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Ajith Pillai Says: |
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If Anup is the same Anup Singh Bhatia who was thrown out of Indage and previous companies that he has worked in- for fraud and embezzlement on a major scale, then I'm impressed by his comments and am rather wondering whether all contributions in Delwine come from similar sources.
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# Priyal Says: |
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Great Wines, tried it and loved them !!!! |
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# Anup Says: |
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Dear sir, having had first hand experience with Indage i would like to reiterate that Sales in Indage have never been what was being projected. The major hoopla arond a one million case market and Indage having 70 % market share is a fallacy -a far cry if you see carefully the sales are just stock transfers and in some markets the inventories of bad stocks are more than their 10 years sales.Renewal of licenses is a perpetual problem for they owe loads of money to their suppliers amd distributers.Their staff has not been paid their salaries for last nine months.They are overstaffed and many of their employees are working elsewhere.Hats off to producers like Sula and Grover who share their exact figures with all and sundry.If we calculate the actual sales ex depots indage will be a poor third.Exact inventories in many states can be given on demand. It is a mess of its own creation- so much so that even statutory payments like TDS deducted has not been deposited and all ex employees are still to get FORM 16 and reimbursement of travel -not forgetting salaries. Kudos to Mr Chowgule for having led this company to a disaster
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Thanks for very valid comments, Phil.I agree wholeheartedly with you.I have met Mr.Shamrao Chougule and he is a man of great vision-a true pioneer. He truly brought India on the world map with his Omar Khayyam. His Riviera and then Chantilly were good wines for the time. But I do feel the compoany went overboard in expandinf-it changed from being a winery to a corportate entity which had to do things to please the shareholders more than the palate. With serious challengers coming in the field, they had become an enigma even before the recession set in. Recession just brought out the fact that the house was not in order but in a mess. But I do believe that with a strong corportate culture and years of experience, they will rebound. For the sake of industry, I hope they do. But I hope they would have learnt the lesson that to sustain in wine business , wine and the customer should take priority over the shareholders. Ranjit Chougule is a good friend and we all have great respect for Sham ji and we wish them well. Subhash Arora
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# Philip Jones Says: |
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It is interesting to read your article about Sula vineyard. All of what you say may be true and if Indage has made some unwise business decisions, so be it. But you have to give them credit for trying to do many things no Indian winery has done. I personally believe that a great deal of their misfortune is due to the recession. More importantly, after visiting India last year, I think that all of you in the wine business in India must never forget the great things Shamrao Chougule has done for India's wine industry. His boldness in starting Indage. His wisdom in understanding the need to improve India's vineyards with certified grape stock. His venture into sustainable and organic farming. The list goes on and on. Yes, Indage may be in trouble,but I for one wish them all the best. They have earned my respect. Phil Jones Winemaker/Viticulturalist Spencer Hill Estate
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# Chetan Shah Says: |
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sir,i request you to send me Mr.MENONs email or contact,if possible please .thank you.
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Amit Oberoi Says: |
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Hi Subhash, Just wanted to let you know that I receive your e-newsletter and quite enjoy reading the updates. My congratulations on your succes with this and its impact on India's wine culture. Take care and stay in touch.Regards. |
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David Young Says: |
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Cycles Gladiator She rides winds angelic aromas smell of sunshine’s bouquet Sensual mix of art blending of nature’s body balance ballet. Soft touch dance of delectable clarity of aged flavor perfection. Exquisite Taste of Poetry vinters making love in wine reflections. Artistic mythological wine label of a nymph riding her bicycle leisure Among the grace of uninhibited beauty of sipping on life’s pleasures. David Lester Young 07/31/09 © all rights owned by author De-Terminated poet, somewhere in America not on company time
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Resveratrol.Trevorza Says: |
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Resveratrol was discovered through a spark of curiosity from medical researchers regarding the "French Paradox" - a French diet containing such high levels of fat but the French experience a very low incidence of heart disease rate – an astonishing 42% lower than Americans! The investigation concluded resveratrol, a component found in the red wine they consumed daily, had a positive effect on the health of the French population. |
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Daniel Reuben Says: |
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Champagne may be loosing because of recession and conditions of majority in the world. I agree tastes may shift, as generation changes, but champagne will come back. I am sure. |
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RS Says: |
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Subhash - I don't agree that the "current market" is "20,000 cases". Strip out the notorious re-exports and I think 12,000 cases would be a more accurate figure. Considering that imports are on track to do maybe 9,000 cases this year and adding another 3,000 cases of old stock would reach that number. As far as the world goes, prosecco shipments are going through the roof! |
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Sourish Bhattacharyya Says: |
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You have done a great service to journalism by raising the issue of correct spellings. You deserve the thanks of all editors who have to keep correcting wrong spellings. Cheers! |
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Ankita Baru Says: |
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Three wineries might sound less but its just the beginning. The wine mela was an endeavour that should be welcome by all. The free watches and goodies act as memoirs for the event and everyone likes to have a wine opener or glasses from a good wine brand.So i guess such events are a great expeirience both for the customers and the local brands. Lets just look forward to more events like this in Bangalore..cheers!! |
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Maureen Kerleau Says: |
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I had a very interesting meeting myself with Dr. Arif Jamal last month at Grovers - what a huge contribution he has made to the Indian Wine Industry - a remarkable personality indeed ! |
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Ashank Bidri Says: |
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Hi Subhash,
I am writing to tell you that i found your site and the articles on it
quite interesting. I am a 22 year old engineering pass out from Mumbai and
me and my group of 4 friends meet up every weekend to try out the different
wines available. A few that come to mind are Figueira, Madera Rose, Port no.
1000. I wouldn't say i am getting the hang of the wine
technicalities, but i believe that shouldn't be a deterrent to someone
enjoying it.
Cheers
Ashank |
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B.Shankaranarayan Says: |
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As pioneers of wine tasting festivals in India, Pune Gourmet Club members were curious about the Bangalore event.Thanks for the detailed report. Any idea of how many people attended? One report said the wineries sold 1,200 cases!! |
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Sourish Bhattacharyya Says: |
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We will all miss Dr Arif Jamal, though I wonder why he left suddenly without informing old friends. And I must hand it to you, Subhash. You were the first to break the story of Dr Jamal's break from Brindco. I hope he has finally given your credit for your scoop! |
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Anisha Sharma Says: |
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you are right, it is heartening to see the govt.'s interest, despite the tamaasha. 3 wineries only, imagine! awaiting better times in bangalore...cheers :-) |
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