Feb 02: Master Vendors and their Retail Shops in Delhi have taken upon themselves to prove the pundits wrong with Whisky Theka, being one of these groups owing 54 shops in 2 zones, announcing yesterday the incredibly reasonable prices, making the frequent visits to Gurgaon totally redundant, writes Subhash Arora who feels that even Gurgaon residents might be driving to Delhi soon to pick up their weekly quota but being warned that it remains illegal to carry more than a couple of bottles across the porous borders
You have heard of whisky and all kinds of liquors being sold at ‘Wine Shops’ throughout India since the British days. Now get ready to buy wines from a Whisky Theka in Delhi
JSL group which is a conglomerate of 3 different styled businessmen, and including a local well-known family jeweller who partnered with two other moneyed bags and formed JSL group, picking up 2 zones Vends at the Delhi Government eAuctions around 6 months ago. They own 54 stores and the prices announced yesterday are extremely reasonable. While the industry was expecting a slight increase in prices, the wine prices have been brought down by almost 30%!
The sun is surely going to rise from the East tomorrow and set in the West, but it does seem to be a case of Ulti Ganga behani! (River Ganges flowing in the opposite direction!). Everyone including delWine has been talking about the Delhi government’s policy making Gurgaon a gold mine for business because they have been selling in big numbers since the new policy was announced. Nobody in his wildest dream would have imagined that the prices in Delhi in all segments would be lower than Gurgaon, what with the bidders paying Rs. 9000 crores at the auction without any portfolio.
Indian wines are priced at prices similar to Gurgaon-some are good deals but a few like Sula Zinfandel Rose at Rs. 660 are great deals. Unfortunately, the prices on the above wines are so decently priced that they will make life extremely difficult for Indian wines-certainly the Gurgaon buyers would be happy sticking to their purchases in Gurgaon.
Imagine buying Jacobs Creek wines at Rs. 795!!Black label st Rs. 1995 and Red Label Whisky at Rs. 995 are cheaper in Delhi. Grey Goose Vodka at Rs. 2395 is cheaper by 31% of the MRP of Rs. 3530! Or Amrut Fusion single Malt at Rs. 2830.
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| Some Examples |
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| Here are some of the prices that would give you a pleasant shock: |
| Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cadet d’Oc 3 variants |
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Rs. 925-940 |
| Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cadet d’Oc Pinot Noir |
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Rs. 980 |
| Jacobs Creek Classic Shiraz-Cab and Chardonnay |
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Rs. 795 |
| Two Oceans 3 variants |
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Rs. 1160 |
| Lindeman’s Premier Selection |
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Rs. 830 |
| Emiliana Merlot and Chardonnay |
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Rs. 965 |
| Cosecha Cab- Sauv and Merlot |
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Rs. 765 |
| Jacobs Creek Chard/PN Sparkling wine |
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Rs. 1160 |
| Concha y Toro Casillero Dei Diablo Merlot |
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Rs. 1595 |
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| If you drink slightly better wines look no further: |
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| Dr. Loosen Dr. L Riesling |
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Rs. 1900 |
| Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc |
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Rs. 1250 |
| Danzante Pinot Grigio IGT 2010 (though an old/ tired vintage) |
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Rs. 1150 |
| Villa Maria Pinot Noir |
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Rs. 2420 |
| Chateau Puygueraud Bordeaux (great value for premium wine) |
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Rs. 4980 |
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If you are scratching your heads on how this could have happened, buy a couple of bottles or more with friends and open them at home and have a discussion if you come across an answer, do share on this Post. Most will opine that the proof of the pudding is eating and the pleasure of tasting delicious mangoes is just enjoying them and not wondering where they came from.
Incidentally the same rules apply for the porous borders-it is as illegal to carry more than a couple of bottles from Delhi to Gurgaon as in the earlier lucrative direction.
For a complete List of 54 stores call or whatsapp- 88607-17895. It would be nice if you sent us a Thank you note if we deserve it. We do not have any interest-commercial or otherwise, except promotion of wine for consumers-though this group has decided to give discounts of up to 31% in all categories beyond wine-including whisky, spirits and beer.
Jai Ho!!
Subhash Arora
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