|  'I am extremely happy that Hotel Hyatt Regency has agreed to host the venue and take control of the wine service. Neutrality and blindness in the process of the wines tasted is crucial and their professional approach will ensure objectivity,' said Robert.
"It will be our pleasure to host the venue for the India wine challenge at our wine cellar, says Prasanjit Singh, Resident Manager, Hyatt Regency Delhi . 'Our beverage strategy focuses on wines business in our restaurants, bars and lounges. The various wine dinners and wine related events hosted by the hotel throughout the year showcases our commitment towards wine awareness in the country. Hosting IWC only reinforces our dedication to quality wines", he adds.
Joseph is aware of the feeling of anxiety that goes with such competitions in early stages. 'I hope the producers and importers in India understand that this competition is a tool to help them sell the right type of wines. The consumer benefits in a big way too, as the award on a label help him decide amongst a plethora of wines available on the shelf,' he says.
He does not agree with the observation made by some people that it is too early for a competition of this sort. In fact, 'it is the right time to make a beginning for the Indian wines that are coming to the market to get a professional and objective feedback. It can help them improve the quality of their wines significantly.'
Robert has in fact offered to prepare a report for all the Indian participants based on the judges' comments.' For $160 (Rs.6500) a label the producer gets the feedback from people who are as objective as any, especially keeping in mind the Indian palate. This is the best value-for-money advice available to the producers who are keen on improving the quality of their wine,' adds Robert.
The competition is open to Indian and foreign wines-whether selling or not in the Indian market. It makes sense for only those foreign producers to enter, who want to market their wines in India . Over 250 labels were submitted in the first leg of the competition held in London on October 31 and November 1in the offices of Montgomery International.
One unique feature of the competition is the food pairing with the award winning wines. As is the international practice, wines will be tasted and awarded without any food. But the judges will have an opportunity to pair food prepared by the chefs of Hyatt Regency with the intention of experimenting whether the award winning wines can be a match with the Indian food.
'This is an experiment we want to try and see how the Indian, spices and curries change the complexion of the food when matched with wines. After all ethnic cuisines have their own characteristics even with their spice component.'
The results will be announced at the IFE-2007, the premier Food and Drinks Exhibition being held from 6-8 December by Inter Ads Montgomery India Pvt Ltd, Gurgaon based Exhibition specialists, in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi . A few of the medal winning wines will be available for tasting.
'It is a pity that we nay not be able to taste all such wines at the Show,' says Subhash Arora, president, Indian Wine Academy , who is organising the Guided wine tastings and generally supervising the wine tasting programme at the Show. The reason is the excise laws. Although all participating wines are customs and vend fee paid, the permission is granted only to hold the competition at the venue and not beyond.
'Hopefully, the next year's competition is held a month or so in advance so that one could arrange the supply of wines through proper channels,' adds Arora. Meanwhile, Hyatt and a couple of other hotels have indicated their willingness to organise a wine week with the award winning wines of IWC, once the permissions are received and they can be made available through proper channel.
The wines can be submitted from any part of the world before November 26. Rules and other details are available by clicking the logo above.
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