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 You may say it with chocolate or flowers
But the Rose Sparkler she is sure to devour.
Valentine’s Day is that time of the year that you would not find in a Hindu calendar or even any old Indian calendar. But it has been a commercial success over the past couple of decades despite the moral police in Maharashtra and many other places. It’s also an occasion where one may express his (and her, of course) love for the other-be it girl friend, wife or in rare cases, the mistress. It would be naïve to suggest that flowers or chocolates are passé but it is certainly an attractive option. It would be still better if you would send a bottle of Rose sparkling wine with or without flowers and chocolates. Never before have there been such delicious options available. The quality has improved and the prices are reasonable.
Chandon Rose Brut
With the launch of Chandon by Moet-Hennessy India which has been hitherto importing and distributing the ubiquitous Moet Chandon Champagnes here, there has been a bigger buzz for sparkling wines, especially the Rosé Brut which has been liked by everyone. Although only marginally better than Sula, Chandon has a stronger branding power, being from a Champagne producing specialist, and at the price of Rs. 1400, though 300-400 more expensive than its competitors, it does have a marketing edge. With the specialist knowledge of sparkling wine production, the gap may even increase in the coming years with their own winery coming up this year, but it ought to be the favourite of connoisseurs for their valentines.
A unique factor in this new wine is that it has the same retail prices of Rs.1200 for Brut and Rs.1400 for the Chandon Brut Rosé all over India, which for the moment is available only in Mumbai and Goa.
Sula Rosé Brut
 Sula Rose Brut is an interesting alternative to Chandon because of its chic packaging and its continuing improved quality. It was re-launched a few months ago with shades of Pinot Noir added to give complexity and finesse. This is also a well made, fruity, crisp and balanced wine made from Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir grapes, a bottle of which can be emptied by a loving couple at one romantic sitting.
It is full of zing and zest and is a very versatile wine that pairs well with slightly spicy Indian and Chinese cuisine. The salmon pink-copper coloured wine is very clean on the nose, with a touch of strawberry and freshness. The flavour is quite fruity, slightly yeasty with just the right amount of sugar (the standard level for a Brut in Champagne is 0-15 gms-it felt like 8-9 gms when I tasted in the winery during the launch in October, 2013). It impresses with crisp acidity though is slightly short on the back palate and medium long aftertaste. It has low alcohol of 11.5%.
The price of Rs.950-1050 and availability in practically every major city in India would make it a favourite choice for your valentine.
Zampa Soiree Brut
Grover Zampa introduced the current version of Rose Brut about 4 years ago before the two companies were merged. But the labels hadn’t been touched. It uses 100% Shiraz grape. It has a nice salmon colour, engaging berry aromas and fruity flavours of strawberries on your palate. It is fresh and crisp andthe fizz lasts on your palate long enough. The tannins are soft and mellow but the distinctive presence of mild tannins leaves a nice impression even with vegetarian fare.
The sugar level has been slightly decreased to 7-8 gms/liter from the initial 11 gms/liter, making it pleasant even without food and it does not giving a cloying feeling. Properly chilled, the flavours make it an easy drinking wine with or without snacks and also a great condiment with most dishes. At Rs.990-1100 in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Goa, Rajasthan and Bangalore, it is another  good option. Unfortunately, it is not available in Delhi this year as well and you will have to wait for the next Valentine’s Day for that.
Despite their high ended full-bodied label ‘Chene’ flowing freely at the Great Grover Stomp in the Nashik vineyards where it is made exclusively and at exorbitant rates, I spent the entire afternoon sipping on the bubbly and feel that the quality has improved even more since it was introduced about 4 years ago. If you have more than one valentine you may send a bottle each or a set of 2-3 wines. They will remember you and you would also help promote the wine culture.
Fratelli Brut
If you or your Valentine do not like Rosé, do not despair. Fratelli introduced a Brut last October – a Chenin Blanc based sparkling wine which is closest to Champagne in that the aromas are yeasty and toasty and give you a whiff of the real thing which will set you back by over Rs. 5000 if you want to splurge on her. But a clean, fresh and young Fratelli Brut may be good match for your girl.
A great number of restaurants stock at least one of these sparkling wines. But you may want to take the Rose as a gift and drink whatever she decides anyway.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Subhash Arora
Tags: Champagne, Chandon, Chandon Brut Rosé, Sula Rose Brut, Grover Zampa, Fratelli |