Readers' Comments

Zayng Says:

Perfect work!, .

Posted @ October 13, 2009 14:16

Nirad Muthanna Says:

Well done Yashoda. Very interesting article. Hungarian wines certainly need more exposure in India.

Posted @ October 13, 2009 14:07

Asha Says:

Well done Sis. Great article. Keep up the good work. Asha

Posted @ October 13, 2009 14:05

Anup TG Says:

Yashodhaji, your article is wonderful,never knew that the Hungarian wines are so good. Even for novices like me it looks very tempting to visit Hungary on one pretext or the other. If you can bring some bottles of Cabernet Franc and Tokaj wines it will be excellent.

Posted @ October 13, 2009 14:01

Devesh Agarwal Says:

Congratulations Yashoda. Well done

Posted @ October 12, 2009 17:50

Chander Mannar Says:

Fantastic article Yashoda, I am aware of your passion for wine. Now I know you also write very eloquently. Keep it up!! Let me know once you are back from Villany and meanwhile keep updating !!

Posted @ October 12, 2009 17:41

Yashoda Says:

Subhash, Trust Sanjay Menon to come up with something wicked! You better take off the 'kurva bossameg' for it means something vulgar and demeaning in Magyar & people here are rolling with laughter.Yashoda

Posted @ October 12, 2009 17:30

Vijay Chopra Says:

I wish to become member of the Delhi Wine Club and wish to know how to go about it. Kindly help.

Posted @ October 12, 2009 17:35

hari Om Bhatia Says:

there will good scope of Wine in Indian market in future,Now peoples are aware for their health, and they don't want to miss good taste of wine

Posted @ October 09, 2009 18:44

Eva Bellagamba Says:

Dear Mr Prseident Cav. Subhash Arora, I have read about your great career in the wine world.Compliments. I'm a winemaker in Tuscany, I produce interesting wines but my winery is not famous and so it is difficult for me to meet clever and passionate jpurnalist like you, because I'm not on the famous routes of the star Wine system! but I know my wines are something else and really intersting to express, so I would like to meet you for a tasting in my winery next time you come in Italy. Do you think you may be interested in finding young passionate winemakers and no foregone? We are in San Miniato, between Florence and Pisa, the land of White Truffle.Thanks for your attention, best regards, Eva Bellagamba,PIETRO BECONCINI AGRICOLA ,SAN MINIATO, www.pietrobeconcini.com

Posted @ October 12, 2009 14:30

Pritam Says:

Dear Mr. Arora,Just read your article about "Italian Wines and Indian Customs". Very interesting indeed. I would like to know more about Indian Wine Academy, its activities and what kind of wines you taste. I didn't know that wine is becoming so popular in India. I have been in the wine business and wine collection for the last 25 years. Best regards.Pritam Banerji , Houston

Posted @ October 12, 2009 14:26

Marius Fouche Says:

Thank you for attending the launch and for the article thereafter. Well written and mostly positive. I am sure Sumedh will be in contact re the price point as the prices mentioned is for Delhi market – in Maharastra it sells for under Rs. 1500.
Marius Fouche, Managing Director, Distell (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Singapore

Posted @ October 11, 2009 14:05

Sanjay Says:

Fabulous maiden article, Yashoda! Well done. Looking forward to your future despatches. Chinon, Bourgueil & Saumur-Champigny are also made predominantly or completely from Cab Franc, but some important St. Emilion are also Cab Franc driven, including Cheval Blanc. Great to hear about your Villany Experience! Kurva Bossameg!

Posted @ October 09, 2009 17:36

Dr. Tedd M. Goldfinger Says:

I love this analogy! Another way to look at wine as an enhancement to the human experience. Also one should note that couples with a healthy physical relationship have less cardiovascular disease, as do moderate and responsible wine consumers. Another explanation for the French Paradox! And to that point.....The Renaud Society, and international fraternity of physicians with an interest in better health and a passion for wine (www.renaudsociety.com) has recently awarded Skylite Cellars 2006 Reserve (Walla Walla, WA USA) with the coveted Renaud Tastevin at its recent competition in July. This is a very sexy wine!

Posted @ October 08, 2009 11:45

Chetan Hah Says:

This is definately an excellent article.Just when we started accepting(or getting used to) the screw caps ,we have been introduced to new forms of containers(it needs to be seen how these materials react with the wine). In my opinion,this will definately boost the sales or the bottom line of the wineries,BUT,it will take away the romance,the pleasure and the sheer experience of drinking a wine.

Posted @ October 08, 2009 11:36

Subhash Arora Says:

Thank you Dr. Gandhi. Coming from a doctor, the remarks give more body, fruit and balance to wine drinking-not to mention better ageability. Subhash Arora

Posted @ October 07, 2009 12:32

Jardine Omar Says:

Thank you again Subhash for your article on South African wine. Your weekly newsletter is very informative and I look forward to receiving it. Thank you for always supporting our endeavours to promote South African wine in India.

Posted @ October 07, 2009 12:06

Subhash Arora Says:

Comments

I couldn't agree with you more. But I am not talking about the tastings which do have a limitation but play a different and important role. I do however believe that people should learn to taste the wine when they sip and develop a good palate. Wine has several characteristics that need to be understood and enjoyed-the nosing and after-taste being more important features, for which you may need to undergo small ceremony and ritual. A cheap wine like the one in question has neither-and hence none is suggested by the ad. I have also not broached on the subject of the drinkability of wine with food. After being at more than a dozen international competitions as a judge and having tasted over 10,000 wines during the last few years, the biggest limitation is that wine should enhance food flavours and that may not always be possible at these tastings. But I concur with you in my basic definition of a good wine- a glass when finished should beckon another... and when the bottle is finished, one should wonder whether to open another (moderate drinking tenet should make us think about that, nes pas!). And of course, life is too short to waste on cheap wine. Against many producers' wishes, I advocate to drink less- but drink fine! And enjoy it like you'd wish to enjoy good sex!! And congratulations for winning all those medals. Keep on winning! One day I might be able to taste AND drink all the Mushal medal winning wines too- all at the same time!!
Cheers, Subhash

Posted @ October 07, 2009 11:39

Avtar Singh Sandhu Says:

After having won our fifth award at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, a Silver Medal and more than 31 years growing grapes and occasionally producing wine. I can onle partly agree with your 'Freudian' concept, my main point of disagreement is that the so called tasters of wine and ones who rate wine,have "Foreplay" and no sex,,,,drinking...like sex gives wine's full enjoyment and it is this joy of drinking that gives pleasure......SNIFF AND SPIT! Is in my belief not giving the wines their rightful place. A wine must prove itself to be 'drinkable'. After the first glass you want to have a second! It is only than, one can rate a wine as good....there are no bad wines only indifferent ones! Unless the wine is spoiled and has become aldehydic and it will give you a headache. This is the condition of many wines that I have tasted at weddings and some restaurants....Good wine that is imbibed in moderation does not give a headache...even a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Posted @ October 07, 2009 11:32

DR.D.N.GANDHI Says:

Well, wine is fine if it is taken at right time for the right purpose

Posted @ October 07, 2009 11:30

Kulpreet Yadav Says:

Very brave write up! Enjoyed reading it. I am sure you will able to save yourself from the impact. Any problems: I have muscles saved exactly this kind of adventures. LOL! :)) DelWine sure is getting more adventurous. Kulpreet Yadav

Posted @ October 07, 2009 10:51

Sachin C. Khokrale Says:

DeaghI have done my Post Graduation in Fermentation,Distillery & Wine Technology from Nashik.Currently I am working as Jr.Brewer in one of the largest brewery in the country.I just want to make contact with Mrs.Ashwini.Please provide me the details of the respective contacts.

Posted @ October 07, 2009 10:35

Marlies Grumbach Says:

Posted @ October 05, 2009 16:30

Gurvinder Says:

Dear Mr. Subhash Arora, We have gone through your websites and applaud you for your national spirit and promotion of India on the world map. Warm Regards, Gurvinder Singh

Posted @ October 05, 2009 16:20

NicoRiesling Says:

Mr Muller is the best. I looove his wines. Thank you for the great post. Nicolas Pacific Rim Winemakers

Posted @ October 05, 2009 16:15

Vinod Guraddi Says:

Dear Mr. Arora, Very meaningful article. With your permission, shall we publish this article in our website? Look forward to your advise. Regards, Vinod Guraddi www.elitevintagewinery.com

Posted @ October 05, 2009 10:00

Subhash Arora Says:

Thanks for your comments. As you might have noticed from my 2 articles on your region, I love Mosel and its Rieslings. You will agree that the producers I visited and wrote about, are the absolute top producers. Frankly, I cannot afford to normally drink their mid-high end wines. It is producers like you who are affordable and yet decent- which is good- especially for India where you are working with FWM. I would have loved to visit you. But you are in enkirch-beyond Traben Trarbach down the river and on the date you gave me, I was in Trier till 6:30 pm. Sorry I could not make it.But I should tell you that I prefer to visit wineries represented in India so that I can write about the availability and the consumer can get direct benefits. I will be writing about 8 other wineries I visited in the future columns. But please be assured that I will visit you next time- I foresee many more such visits. Subhash Arora

Posted @ October 01, 2009 10:15

Ulrich Langguth Says:

Dear Mr. Arora, generally speaking your article may be a good PR for German wines but I admit quite frankly that many other producers whose wines are just as good if not better feel left out and so do I who was prepared to DO something for you..... best regards Ulrich Langguth

Posted @ September 30, 2009 10:05

Subhash Arora Says:

We do not import or buy or sell wine. I fully understand your predicament. The problem is thanks to your state government. I hope some importer will read this and come to your rescue. We will try to contact someone too. There are 2 wine clubs in Chennai you may want to join. You can also carry 5 liters when you fly in from Mumbai , bangalore or Delhi etc. where availability is better.

Posted @ September 25, 2009 14:43

Vijay Says:

I moved from Los Angeles to Chennai recently. I am a wine lover could never do without a bottle of white and a bottle of red in my house at the very minimum at any given point in time. I am desperate to buy wine in Chennai but I can't find it anywhere. The wines available at the star hotels are ridiculously expensive. I don't mind paying 3,000 rupees a bottle if the wine is worth it. But the fact is its not! If you are an importer and can sell me wine directly, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE email me. My add is seventhsamurai@gmail.com I will buy a good amount from you every month if you have some decent French, Italian, or Spanish wine.

Posted @ September 25, 2009 13:35

Mahesh Shantaram Says:

I'm writing with a request to receive information regarding the Bangalore International Wine Festival, especially the dates and venue, as soon as it is announced. I'm eager to attend this festival, not only as a wine enthusiast, but also as a documentary photographer keen on observing contemporary trends in Bangalore. Best regards, Mahesh Shantaram

Posted @ September 23, 2009 11:16

Ashok Shah Says:

Congratulations ! do try to have a translated article of same here for our knowledge.

Posted @ September 23, 2009 11:10

Prabhu Says:

Sir, We have tried opeing on three computers-there is no problem. It seems to be locl problem. Please try again-otherwise we will be glad to send you a copy of the article or the attachment for your reference. Prabhu

Posted @ September 23, 2009 11:00

Alok Chandra Says:

Subhash There is an intrusive ad by Google on the page that prevents one from reading much of the text, and which cannot be deleted Alok

Posted @ September 22, 2009 11:36

khumeer Says:

novotel hotel is coming up in bangalore may i know where it is coming and where its office is situated

Posted @ September 19, 2009 10:15

DAN TRAUCKI Says:

Congratulations Subhash on joining us at the Wine Century Club. Especially well done to be the first person in India to become a member,I was the second person in Australia to become a member. Here's cheers to all the poineers around the world- long may we enjoy different wines!!!

Posted @ September 12, 2009 04:53

Jim Budd Says:

‘Decanter who chose to canter without gathering all the relevant facts.’ Subhash- as a co-author of the Decanter news story I completely reject the suggestion that we rushed out the story. I became aware of the red notice on the Interpol site on Monday 31st August. Adam Lechmere and I worked on the story during the week – trying to check details, which included speaking to Pancho Campo and his lawyer. The story wasn’t published until the morning of Friday 4th September.

For a news story this is certainly not a canter more a slow walk. I came to the same conclusion as Robert Joseph that this is a valid news story. There is undoubtedly a red notice on Interpol concerning a warrant for Pancho Campo’s arrest for fraud issued in Dubai and he is organising a high profile conference in November involving many of the wine world’s luminaries.

I have never met Pancho and I have no idea where the truth lies. We have tried on several occasions without success to contact Jackie Wartanian, who filed the complaint and whose company is called Center Stage Management using the same initials but a slightly different logo from bankrupt Connections Sports and Music. By the way Jackie Wartanian is a woman. She is Armenian and runs CSM with her sister, Lara Teperdjian Incidentally it seems likely that the red notice was posted on the Interpol site in April 2008. You say ‘the alleged case has nothing to do with wine’. True the subject is different but the alleged fraud also concerned the organisation of an event – probably a concert featuring Enrique Iglesias at the Aviation Club, Dubai on Sunday 1st October 2000 – not very different from organising an international conference in Rioja.

You accuse us of running the story ‘without gathering all the relevant facts’. Subhash that is often the nature of news – history is written once you have all the facts. However, we made every effort to find out as much as we could before running the story. We sought to write a balanced story and gave prominence to statements from both Pancho and his lawyer, Alfonso Martinez. Given the constraints of not being able to speak to all of the parties, in particular, Wartanian. I think we succeeded. Indeed Melissa Campo told me that we had posted ‘a balanced story’. I’m happy to record that my phone conversations with Pancho and his lawyer were cordial and that Pancho invited me to phone him as soon as he received the email I sent to him late on Monday night.

I do think that when Pancho became aware of the red notice and people started asking questions that he would have been wise to have issued a statement, probably along the lines of the letter that has now been sent to members of Institute of Masters of Wine. ‘The least they should do now is to carry the story to its logical conclusion by digging a bit further into the facts.’

Subhash I can assure you that we are continuing to investigate and still hope that it will be possible to contact Jackie Wartanian and, among other things, hopefully be able to find out more about what caused the collapse of Connections Sports and Music as well as the truth behind the arrest warrant. It is a pity that you didn’t take the time to contact me before posting. Had you done so I could have provided you with information that would have made your comment better informed.

Posted @ September 11, 2009 23:18

Robert Joseph Says:

After talking to Pancho Campo today, and reading this blog, I feel I should offer a few words of response. I stand by my reply to the question of whether Decanter was right to cover the existence of an Interpol arrest warrant. After hearing from Sancho Campo, I was under the impression that the warrant existed - however questionable its justification. I now understand from Pancho Campo that no warrant for Mr Campo's arrest had in fact been issued. If this was the case, Decanter would obviously have been entirely wrong to publish. And should, when the facts are established, publish a correction.

In any case, I share Subhash Arora's suspicion of the Dubai authorities and, like other fellow speakers at Pancho Campo's Wine Future event, decided to offer him my full support. I would however, differ strongly with Subhash in believing that a person's reputation should justify a decision not to publish a news item about an alleged misdeed. There have been far too many recent dramatic falls from grace to allow any such reticence.

I also question the suggestion that a serious news editor of a wine magazine should ignore alleged misdeeds that are not associated with wine. Just as I questioned the belief in the 1980s by some wine writers that they could write about South African wines without mentioning anti-apartheid sanctions that kept those bottles out of some countries.

So, in brief: until I am given a very convincing reason to stop doing so, I support Pancho Campo wholeheartedly. But I also support serious wine journalists' right to publish factually accurate reports about the alleged misbehaviour of members of the wine world.

Posted @ September 11, 2009 19:39

Siobhan Turner Says:

I am relieved and pleased to see such balanced and fair reporting on this matter. Pancho Campo MW is a leader in his field, and has been open about this matter with all those who have dealings with him. It is a very difficult time for him and his family, and it is good to see the wine community supporting him as he has supported it for many years. Siobhan Turner Executive Director Institute of Masters of Wine

Posted @ September 11, 2009 17:18

Subhash Arora Says:

Mr. Subhasis Ganguli - President (M) +919830708091

Mr. P.P.K. Mitter - Secretary (M) +919830529787

Mr. Rupinder Singh - Treasurer (M) +919830440441

Calcutta Wine Club
C/o The Palladian Lounge
At The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry
6, Netaji Subhas Road, Third Level,
Kolkata - 700 071.

Posted @ September 10, 2009 11:30

Mridula Says:

Where can I find out about the members of this wine club? Is there a website for Calcutta Wine Club?

Posted @ September 10, 2009 11:27

Subhash Arora Says:

Pl contact Erika Gallon directly at erika.gallon@perlagewines.com for more information regarding availability in South Africa

Posted @ August 31, 2009 16:29

Patricia White Says:

Where can I order Animae champagne

Posted @ August 31, 2009 16:28

Raghunandhan Says:

Dear Mr. Subhash, Many thanks for replying on my questions. You were of great help.

Posted @ August 31, 2009 11:35

Girish Says:

Dear Subhash Indage incident is the better lesson for all existing and up coming players , how mad race can end up in spoiling self and also total climate. Pl tell not to make wine for only sake of money itis to be enjoyed & loved by producers as well consumers then only consumer crowd can be created.

Posted @ August 31, 2009 11:30

Rishi Chandra Says:

Hello Subhash, Its good to see articles from you. I have been a big fan of Indage wines and i drink them regularly and as a wine drinker what matters to me is a good quality wine. My favourite Chantilli. i don't know whats going on within the company, but as long as they deliver good wines like before, all should be fine. Best of luck to them.

Posted @ August 26, 2009 16:45

Saswati Basu Chatterjee Says:

Great news guys! At last calcutta has got some wine lovers! Visiting India (Cal) in Dec so pls keep me informed about your events in Dec. Like to catch up with u all.

Posted @ August 26, 2009 16:30

Anoop Says:

hello mam myself anoop want to be well known someelier.can u pls advice whatihave to do to become awell known sommelier

Posted @ August 25, 2009 11:45

Seth R. Freeman Says:

As a foreign shareholder based near San Francisco and the Northern California wine industry, this would seem to be a great opportunity for Indage to find a strategic partner from Napa or Sonoma. seth.freeman@emcapitalmanagement.com

Posted @ August 25, 2009 11:40

Heramb S. Says:

want to see Indian wine to mark its presence in international market. all the best!

Posted @ August 25, 2009 11:36

Subhash Arora Says:

email id: : patashwini@gmail.com

Posted @ August 25, 2009 10:50

Neelam Shelke Says:

I would like to conyact Aswini ma'am for her stupendous success. I have just completed my M.Tech (Biotechnology)from Dr.D.Y.Patil institute and I am very interested in making a career in wine technology. I request you to please forward me her telephone no. or her email address or her whereaboutsin taasgaon, Sangli.

Posted @ August 25, 2009 10:40

Rengaswami Says:

Hi Subash, I don’t understand what is there to carry on. The company has been systematically ripped apart & ra*** by the EXTRAVAGANT top management without any accountability thus floundering the hard earned sweat of Chairman Mr. Sham Chougule. If you recollect i was one of the first persons to comment that the company is in run down condition and there is no hope unless it is put on ventilator and resuscitated We are hearing news of Arun B Shah, of PRIME SECURITIES & Asian Electronics fame taking Rs.90 Crore stake through rights issue which has not been substantiated by Ground Reports of Company revival. So the question, what is there to carry on with no employees, no marketing, no customer, no banker support, and no light since MSEB bills are not paid, no branch offices since they are shut, no dealers, or dalal st support? In God we trust for our dues as vendors to INDAGE to be repaid. Rengaswami K

These are this reader's personal views and have not been verified by us, according to our normal practise. Editor

Mr. Rangaswamy, My sympathies are with you and all the employees who have not been paid their salaries. But Carrying On also means the salary and other similar issues of non-payment would have to be resolved. Please don't forget that even a scam like Satyam is past us and the employees are getting their salaries and keeping their jobs. Besides, the wine industry and the consumer needs companies like Indage, for lower prices and better quality. I wish you all the very best and sincerely hope the salary problem is the first to be resolved on priority. Subhash Arora 

Posted @ August 25, 2009 10:26

S.P. Sukumaran Says:

Mr. Subhash Arora, If you don't want to publish the comment as i said and you want to correct or delete some sentence from my comment. Then better not to publish it and don't do any favour for me. Be with your client and appreciate the work of your client.

Your comments are not clear. You are insinuating we are protecting our client. Please understand only wine and wine drinkers are our clients. All comments are subject to minor editing. We do not encourage personal attacks and try to stick to facts and issues. Subhash Arora

Posted @ August 24, 2009 14:40

Subhash Arora Says:

I really appreciate your balancing views, Dan. Subhash

Posted @ August 24, 2009 13:45

Dan Traucki- Wine Assist Says:

Sure whilst there are some Chinese 163 Visa applicants in Australia who are looking for cheap wine as a way to expedite their visa, they still have to turn over $200,000 p.a. for two consecutive years. $200,000 is a quite a bit more than a "once off" container of wine. A container of "cheap" commercial value wine is worth around $AUD 40,000 -so on that basis the applicant needs to buy 5 containers a year to meet the visa criteria. Given the explosion in interest in wine in China over the last 3-4 years, I would venture to suggets that there are a significant number of serious Chinese wine buyers as well as the "tyre Kickers". The trick is to sort the wheat from the chaff. I have recently conducted some wine education sessions for Chinese migrants on behalf of Business SA who run the 163 program in South Australia and the level of interest and the standard questions/ participation was simply outstanding.It reminds me of the outstanding interest in wine that we saw at the wine tasting we did at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi in 2004 during the South Australian Premier's first visit to India. Which incidentally is where I met Cav Subhash Aurora. Another thing is that not all of the 163 people are looking just for cheap wine. I know from personal experience of some who export wines whose equivalent retail price in Australia would be $AUD 15-$30 per bottle. So let us be weary of tarring everybody with the same brush and instead consider each case on its individual merits. Cheers Dan Traucki Director Wine Assist P/L

Posted @ August 24, 2009 12:52