 Sula won the honours for their sweet Caroline- the 2008 Late Harvest Chenin whereas Château d'Ori and Champagne Indage won the medals for their Cab Merlot 2007 and Marquise de Pompadour NV sparkling wine resp.
Sula Blush Zinfandel, Grover Cabernet Shiraz, Ch. Indage Ivy Brut, Nine Hills Shiraz Rose and Indus Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 had to be content with Bronze.
Indian wines managed a lion's share of Seal of Approval with 31 out of a total of 129 went to the domestic wines.
A total of 501 wines had been entered from 16 countries representing an increase of about 40% over last year's participation.
Top Honours for the international Best Red Wine went to Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2006 while Spy Valley of New Zealand romped home as the Best White with its Gewürztraminer. Devaux Cuvee D Brut Champagne won the Top Honours in the sparkling wine category beating Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Being imported by Sula, which also won a gold.
The Shiraz had an Amarone from Gerardo Cesari Bosan as the nearest rival whereas a gold winning Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand missed being the Best White Wine of the Show.
Speaking to the Media organised by the Hyatt Regency Robert Joseph, Chairman of the India Wine Challenge, the Indian wine 'Olympics' said the results showed that the industry had made a lot of progress since last competition and if it strives to improve its quality in the vineyard and winery, it would go a long way.
The competition was judged by a panel of about 14 judges on 2 days with Robert Joseph (Chairman), Subhash Arora, President of Indian Wine Academy and wine journliast and Magandeep Singh, a Sommelier and wine writer being two panelists on both Indian judges .
The judges from overseas came with a wealth of information and history of making good wines . The Hyatt outdid itself in efficient and professional handling of the wine service and proved itself to be a perfect venue for the competition with its General Manager, Tim Bruce overlooking minute details. The excise department was also very co-operative and helpful.
Robert Joseph, Chairman of the competition will make the presentation at the IFE-India to be held on December 2-4 at Pragati Maidan.
Subhash Arora
November 12, 2008 |