Ivelle is a blend of two popular European grape varieties- Gewürztraminer and Müller Thurgau, which are grown also at Akluj vineyards in Solapur District by Fratelli Wines for the last few years. The former variety is extremely popular in Germany and the Alsace region of France but has its origin in Traminer village in Alto Adige in Northern Italy. It is difficult to grow on Indian soil but Fratelli has been successful in cultivating quality grapes.

Müller-Thurgau (also known as Rivaner in some countries) is a white grape variety, created by Prof. Hermann Müller from the Swiss Canton of Thurgau in 1882 at the famous Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute in Germany. It is a crossing of Riesling with Madeleine Royale. Suitable as an aperitif, to accompany seafood appetizers and delicate fish dishes, it is also excellent when paired with vegetables or mushrooms, risotto or with pasta and offered a good choice as a blend with Asian foods to Fratelli.

Cantonese food has been traditionally known to make a text-book classic pairing with the perfumed Gewürztraminer. The blend with Mueller Thurgau was possible only because of the successful planting of these grapes by Fratelli and it gives a wider spectrum for food- wine matching possibilities with its spiciness. After a successful launch in Mumbai it has now been introduced recently in Bangalore and will find a good market pan India for wine lovers who like lighter white wines with good acidity and aromas.

At the time of its launch, the group Sommelier of the holding company that owns Yauatcha had noted, ‘While profiling the flavours for Ivelle, we understood the similarities shared between the Indian and Chinese palates. We wanted the wine to not only complement our offerings at Yauatcha but also cater to Indian taste preferences.’

The Brand Ivelle is based on a name inspired by a French-origin word that means love, and perhaps describes the mood of this wine. It also rhymes well with Nouvelle, which means new for Cuisine (Nouvelle Cuisine means modern style of cooking) and thus Ivelle seems to be a perfect label for the modern wine for elegant cuisine. Priced at Rs. 950 a glass and Rs, 4500 a bottle, it is not exactly cheap but you may start by ordering a glass; soon your penchant for a spicy, light wine with tropical notes might make you order a full bottle at your next outing to the restaurant.

Fratelli has been increasing its focus in making high quality private labels in the last few years. It had recently introduced a few labels with Mansionz by Living Liquidz, a chain of stores selling super premium wines in Mumbai. It has also tied up successfully with a few 5-star hotels with Pan-India reach.

The slightly sweet and fruity wine with tropical flavour that goes very well with Indian palates and Chinese food, can make an excellent and rather unique offering for a wider spectrum of Indian white wine lovers craving for Indian vegetarian cuisine as well. With a gradual shift taking place from red wine to white in India, it should find many takers.

Subhash Arora