Produced by Napa based Hundred Acres known for its cult wine Kayli Morgan Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Gold’ is an un-oaked Chardonnay (70%) with a blend of aromatic Gewürztraminer and the spicy Viognier, making it a friendly wine with Indian food as well. The dosage of real 24 karat gold flakes dancing in the bottle, gives it the glam look and feel.

The producer and winemaker Jayson Woodbridge is highly regarded in California. Quite tired of the heavy oak style that rules the US and Australian Chardonnay, he decided to go for pure, clean and unoaked chardonnay without any oak contact to make a fresh wine. The pure and fresh aromas of peaches and pineapples, and the tropical scents of lichee and honey welcome you and carry it through to the flavour.

Using a clever and ingenious first time initiative in the industry, Woodbridge bottles and releases Gold twice a year. Wine released in July is made from the grapes from Barossa valley in Australia, shipped at sub-freezing temperatures of -3° C that keeps the juice fresh and preserves mouthfeel and freshness. The November release is from Napa Valley fruit. The dosage of 1-micron gold flakes is added before bottling in a clear French glass bottle.

Gold is also available at in a Pink version known as Vin Gris. Though the colour qualifies it to be a Rosé, the grape varietals include red Cabernet and the white Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Viognier (unlike a Rosé where the grape is usually red and the colour is extracted by bleeding the juice before the contact with the skins).

The surprising part of this wine is that it has been very reasonable priced, at least in the US market where both wines retail well under $30. Last year a Spanish producer had come to India looking for a partner to sell his Cava with gold flakes. His bubbly retails for €130 in Spain! And gold was selling much cheaper then.

Comparatively, Gold would be a great bargain for the flashy and flamboyant, young and trendy wine lovers or for those celebrating special occasions and could give Champagne a run for the money.

Both versions are dry, fruit-driven with a creamy texture and persistent finish and make excellent aperitifs. Pink is heavier bodied than the pale coloured Gold. This wine may not get the nod of approval from the purists who would not be impressed by the 999.9 purity of Gold in it. It is not meant to snub the snobs though many wine lovers in the restaurants may want to do just that.

Does Gold add to the health effects of wine? We have not been able to test the veracity but Ayurvedic tonics do use metals like gold and silver for their supposed aphrodisiac value. According to the ancient alchemist concepts, gold possesses legendary powers which contribute to a long and vital life. Incidentally, another label had entered in the Indian market a few years ago. One of their white wines also carried gold flakes. It caught on very well in Punjab where the young and rich took instant fancy to it as they presumed it added to virility.

Gold is being imported by Wine Legend India Pvt. Ltd. and will shortly be available at your favourite restaurant and night club where you should find it listed under Chardonnay. The total production being very small, around 2000 cases, the quota for India will be rather small and only select outlets could be entertained. More information may be available at raju@winelegend.com

So when you pick up that glass with this wine, say. Gold!!