Sula Selections brings some cheer in the air with their most exquisite wines from across the world in its first ever roadshow, Globe in a Glass. By Devi Singh
The hot and muggy evening was rolled around with premium wines doing the rounds covering more ground than the upbeat party animals. And the bacchanal did cut the mustard for the roisterers befitting the festive mood of the month. Talk about festive carousal alreadyIJ Sula vineyards hosted worth a shindig in its first ever roadshow pertinently called ‘Globe in a Glass’ with all the imported wines under Sula Selections to sample. It was a tough call with around 40 wines and 20 spirits to choose from but the producers and ambassadors made a breeze of it.The three-city tour kicked off in Delhi on October 3 with much gusto, had a stop-over in Bangalore, and will have its grand finale today in Mumbai.
“We are really excited about the very first edition and plan to turn it into an annual affair. It’s a fun way to bring together sommeliers, ambassadors, oenophiles and people who want to learn more about these finest produces from across the world,” said Cecilia Oldne, Vice President and Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards. The interactive, informative and educative sampling session had people asking for more, and why not, it wasn’t a formal sit-down after all. “We basically wanted to do away with the snob appeal attached to wine and call on people from all walks of life. Almost anybody to everybody who loves wine! And did we expect such a turn out,” an excited Cecilia told us.
Some of the spirits presented were Mud House from New Zealand, Hardys from Australia, Trapiche from Argentina, Cono Sur from Chile, Ruffino from Italy and le Grand Noir from France to name a few along with their representatives enlightening the ones present with their great insights. “Most Sula drinkers and appreciators don’t know much about our imports and this event was put together for them. A great opportunity to indulge in stimulating conversations,” commented she. Making one such interesting observation was Robert Joseph of award winning le Grand Noir who opined how pairing a particular cuisine with a specific wine is over hyped and totally unneeded. “I don’t see a point on people being so finicky about food pairing. If people enjoy wine as it is, on its own, without any tidbits, then they can enjoy any wine with food. Also, it doesn’t really matter which wine you are having with what cuisine,” he said adding that it’s women who will drive a change in the wine consumption. “I see more women enjoying a glass or more of wine now than ever.”
Speaking of trends and growth of premium labels and brands in the country, Cecilia mentioned that there’s definitely a huge demand for imported labels as Indian consumers are far more discerning now, well travelled and know what they want. It’s the availability of wines that have been coming to the country from around the world that has made all the change. “People are moving from the ‘value wines’ to the premiums as they are more aware of different varietals and styles of wines. And that’s one of the reasons why we have added more labels to our premium segment.”
But that doesn’t mean the Indian produces lag behind or are seen any less. “I would say we have some really amazing produces which we import as well. I see a trend where our customers are buying more of our premiums than our imports.” she added. lately domestic wineries have been vying with international labels by selling at a higher price. “The cost of production is very high in India than other parts of the world, the grapes in India are costlier than the ones found in France and that’s why maybe a few wineries are increasing their prices. And that is actually the cost of producing wine. If you are putting all the quality then why not,” she pointed.
“Sula has been going strength to strength about the quality of their wines. If you can’t buy a particular wine from abroad then we give it to you with the same quality and assurance that it will taste the same or in some cases even better. Sula sells fresh vintage and that’s how we maintain the consistency in our wines.”
Talking about her preference, “When I came to India a decade back the quality was not up to my standard and I preferred drinking imported wines. But today Sula wines have upped their ante. But then again I like variety in life and sometimes I like to have different styles of wines. And that’s the belief we follow with Sula Selections as well,” she rounded off.