New Issue: From the Editor, Reva K. Singh

This edition of Sommelier India — the last of the year — is filled with tastings and tasting notes. At the front of the book read about Orange wine (p.9) and Champagne (p.12), both imported by The Wine Park. The wine recommended under “Which Wine” (p.4) is Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2014 from Brindco. I can’t have enough of Penfolds.

What’s unique and special about Penfolds is its house style and the longevity of its wines, based on a winemaking heritage and craftsmanship handed down through generations of winemakers. I met the Penfolds team in Delhi just before they left for Vinexpo in Mumbai.

Vinexpo from all accounts (I couldn’t attend because I was ill) has finally come into its own and was a great success (p.7). Winners of the Wine and Spirits Awards were announced at the event. You can access the full list of winners, judged by a distinguished jury headed by Sonal Holland MW, at www.sommelierindia.com.

Further down in the magazine (p.38), you will find vignettes of six wines that are pure reading pleasure even though the wines may not be in the country yet. Elsewhere, learn about Pinot Noir (p.16) and Blaufränkisch (p.68), two red grapes, beloved of many, not forgetting Grenache in “Shades of Rosé”. The article on Blaufränkisch includes tasting notes as does the article on Spanish rosados (p.50). Be sure to read the piece about the shortage of sommeliers in the UK (p.46) and what it means to be a master sommelier in the interview with Kamal Malik, India’s first ever Master Sommelier (p.42).

Our cover story, “On the Zinfandel Trail” (p.28) sets the record straight about Zinfandel being the original, heritage wine grape of California which originated in Croatia. It’s a fascinating tale.

Happy reading and Greetings for the Festive Season.