As far as lockdown experiments go, self-cut hairstyles, do-it-yourself breads and cheeses went viral. But on the slopes of the Nandi hills in Karnataka, Grover Zampa vineyards was quietly experimenting with grapes and casks to create its premium Signet assortment.
The wine was lately unveiled in Chennai over a charcuterie board laden with cheese, olive tapenade, bowls of hummus, nuts, crackers and grapes unfold throughout what appeared like a 12-foot lengthy desk. On both aspect sat wine fans and connoisseurs all set to style the Signet assortment for the primary time.
The occasion, held to rejoice Indian Wine Day was organised by Chinmaya Arjun Raja of Tasting Pleasures – Wine Education & Library in collaboration with the Indian Wine Academy, and was a part of a week-long collection of Indian wine occasions in Chennai and Puducherry.
Excited for fellow oneophiles to attempt his winery’s newest grape experiments, Ravi Viswanathan, chairman of Grover Zampa vineyards, who curated the expertise, mentioned how the wine was aged in foudres, amphoras and concrete tanks.
Dinner started with whites from the Grover Zampa vineyards that paired nicely with a grilled coconut sprout salad with virgin coconut oil dressing made by Chef Ajeeth Janardhanan of the Residency Towers in Chennai.
The first glass was Signet Shiraz which was aged 24 months in French Barriques. The 2017 classic had a delicate fruity and earthy flavour with notes of tobacco giving a nicely rounded mouthfeel. “The time the wine took to age in the oak casks reflected in the leathery complexity and it is only going to get better over the years,” stated one of many tasters.
The second Shiraz Signet was a 2019 classic that was aged for 12 months in a 1,000 litre foudre. It had hints of cinnamon and vanilla with highly effective tannins giving it a robust construction. The subsequent Signet varietal was additionally a 2019 classic aged for 12 months however aged in a 2,000 litre foudre. The deep ruby purple dry had notes of tobacco with smooth tannins making it a well-balanced wine.
The fourth wine tasted, once more a 2019 classic, aged in an Amphora for 12 months – a nod to the traditional Roman growing old method. As tasters swivelled their glasses and tried the wine, Viswanathan stated, “The terracotta clay amphora allows micro oxygenation that softens the tannins giving it an intense yet fresh flavour.” Its wealthy and earthy notes linger on the palette giving it a rounded mouthfeel.
Swirls, sniffs, refills and a spherical of selecting favourites later, the following Signet was poured. This was a mix of Shiraz, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Muscat. The 2019 classic was aged in egg-shaped concrete tanks that permit even fermentation. This wine had notes of liquorice and almond rendering a robust mouthfeel.
The Signet assortment was launched in 2021 and might be bought from Grover Zampa’s wineries in Bengaluru and Mumbai. They are additionally accessible in choose eating places in Mumbai.
Source: www.thehindu.com