Uncorking Wine

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 27 October, 2024

A Journey Through Tastings, Traditions, and Travel

‘A couple of weeks ago, I played host to my dear friend and neighbour, Apurva Gawande, a certified wine expert and educator, for an episode of our podcast and video series Travel Explore Celebrate Life! So continuing the conversation, this week, I wanted to dive into the sophisticated yet approachable world of wine. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, this is the perfect space to demystify the process of enjoying, tasting, and understanding wine. But first, let me emphasise – while we are exploring the world of wine, we are not promoting alcohol consumption irresponsibly. Please always remember to drink mindfully and never drink and drive. With that said, let’s uncork this topic!

The Mysteries of the Wine Label

For many of us, reading a wine label can be daunting. The names can be difficult to pronounce, the terminology seems complex, and the year or grape variety doesn’t always offer much clarity. To tackle this, during the episode, Apurva introduced us to two bottles.

The French wine label, ‘Gevrey Chambertin’, was an old-world label. Wines from old-world regions like France, Italy, and Spain are often intentionally mysterious, reserved for those who ‘know their wines’. But Apurva reassured us: It’s not about elitism; it’s a tradition.
In contrast, the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was a new-world wine with a clearer label. New-world wines, from regions like Australia, the U.S., and Argentina, tend to simplify things, making them much more approachable for beginner enthusiasts.

Does Wine Really Get Better with Age?

A common myth surrounding wine is that the longer you keep it, the better (and more valuable) it becomes. As appealing as that idea may be, Apurva clarified that this only holds true for specific types of wine. Most wines, particularly those produced in India, are made to be consumed young, within a few months to a couple of years of bottling.

Wines with aging potential, typically found in prestigious European regions like Bordeaux or Burgundy, have the structure to develop over time. However, unless you are storing these wines under ideal conditions, aging may not work out as planned.

The Art of Wine Tasting

Tasting wine can feel intimidating, especially when a sommelier is watching you swirl, sniff, and sip. But as I found out on the episode, it’s less about getting it ‘right’ and more about discovering what you enjoy.

Here’s a five-step approach Apurva recommends:

1. See: Look at the wine's colour and clarity. This can give clues about its age and quality.
2. Swirl: Gently swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas.
3. Sniff: Inhale deeply—aromas are a big part of the wine experience. Does it smell fruity, floral, or earthy?
4. Sip: Take a small sip and let the wine coat your palate. Notice its sweetness or dryness.
5. Savour: Finally, reflect on the wine’s texture, acidity, and flavour profile. How long do the flavours linger?

Wine and Food Pairings

One of the most exciting aspects of wine is pairing it with food. Traditional rules dictate that white wines pair with white meats, and red wines with red meats. But Apurva challenges this notion, especially when it comes to Indian cuisine, which offers such a diverse range of flavours and spices.

Rather than sticking rigidly to old-school pairings, focus on matching the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the dish. For example, a rich tandoori chicken would pair better with a robust red than a delicate white.

A general rule for Indian food and other spicy cuisines is to opt for wines with lower alcohol content. The reason? High-alcohol wines can intensify the burning sensation from chilli spices.

Top Wine Destinations

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the world of wine, there is no better way than to travel to the vineyards themselves. India’s Nashik region, with its renowned Sula Vineyards and Chandon’s estate, offers great options for those who want to explore wine domestically.

Internationally, regions like Champagne and Bordeaux in France are iconic. Champagne is like Disneyland for wine lovers—its underground tunnels are filled with bottles of the world’s best bubbly. Italy’s Tuscany and California’s Napa Valley are equally inviting, offering guided tours, tastings, and the chance to savour some of the world’s finest wines at their source.

Many countries have their own unique traditions and customs around wine. Here are a few fun and quirky wine traditions from around the globe:

Georgia: The Birthplace of Wine

Georgia is often considered the cradle of wine, with archaeological evidence suggesting wine production dates back over 8,000 years! Georgian winemakers use large earthenware vessels called ‘Qvevri’ that are buried underground to ferment and store wine.

Spain’s La Batalla del Vino (The Wine Battle)

In the town of Haro in Spain’s Rioja region, there’s an annual wine festival like no other—La Batalla del Vino. Every June, locals and tourists gather to drench each other in red wine during an all-out wine battle. Afterward, everyone celebrates with traditional food, dancing, and, of course, more wine—this time for drinking.

Italy’s Wine Fountains

Imagine being able to stroll through the Italian countryside and stumble upon a wine fountain. Yes, in certain parts of Italy, particularly in the Abruzzo region, these fountains offer free flowing wine to all travellers!

South Africa: The Constantia Wine Route

South Africa boasts one of the oldest wine routes in the world, found in the Constantia Valley, near Cape Town. This route is particularly famous for its sweet wines, like the world-renowned Vin de Constance, which was adored by historical figures such as Napoleon and Jane Austen.

Wine Festivals and Beyond

All around the world, countries host annual wine festivals that bring together music, culture, food, and, of course, delicious wine. Imagine sipping on a glass of local vino while dancing to live music in the Italian countryside or cheering on participants in Spain’s wine battle.

For those planning a trip soon, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of these vibrant festivals:

Feria de Jerez (Jerez Fair) in Spain: Known for its Sherry wine, this Andalusian fair is a celebration of flamenco, traditional horse parades, and sherry tastings that takes place in May.

Nuits-Saint-Georges in France: Held in March, this Burgundy festival brings together wine lovers for tastings of world-class Pinot Noirs while also celebrating the region’s culture with music and festivities.

Cape Wine Festival in South Africa: This biennial festival showcases the best wines from the Cape Winelands, offering a chance to explore South Africa’s rich wine culture in a vibrant and educational environment.

So, whether you are pouring a glass at home or planning your next wine destination, remember—it’s all about exploring, savouring, and celebrating life with every sip. Enjoy your Sunday!