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A Rose by any other name...

MYSTERY GUEST

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Nistula Hebbar New Delhi
Last Updated : Jun 14 2013 | 5:37 PM IST
Bagging the perfect bottle of wine requires knowledge and experience. But at the Khan Market liquor shop, there's enough help forthcoming.
 
My previous experience of buying wine had been confined to answering the two-word query: "Red or White"? That's right, I am a wine ignoramus who does not know her Chardonnay from Sauvignon; someone who feigned an aversion to Merlot just on the basis of that wine road movie Sideways.
 
At the Khan Market liquor shop, I homed in straight to the section at the back, which has an extensive selection of wines. I collared one of the employees with the first of my queries. "What's the price range for wines here?" "Between Rs 360 for Indian wines to
 
Rs 1,080 for imported ones," replied the assistant. At this, I crinkled my nose and sniffed that I had expected more expensive (read better) wines. I then informed my helper that I knew nothing of wines but had to present one to someone who did.
 
"What is Cabernet Sauvignon? How is it different from Chardonnay or Bordeaux?" I said. A look of dismay flashed across his face and he turned to his colleague who came to his rescue.
 
"Actually, the distinctions are related to the types of grape, unless the wine is from really famous areas like Bordeaux. We also have Rose which is sweeter," said assistant number two. "Is Rose a place or a grape?" I said. "Madam I don't know this much, whatever I have told you I have learnt from other customers," he said, nearly in tears.
 
As I kept agonising over my choice, a Caucasian lady piling up bottles, joined in my wine education. "If you are presenting wine to somebody, the basic question is Red or White, if it's Red, then Bordeaux is the best choice," she said.
 
"Don't buy Chardonnay Blanc, it gives me a headache," she said with a wink. I strolled out with a bottle of Bordeaux which set me back by Rs 925. But for the aggravation I caused, it was priceless.
 
SCORE: Since I could stand to be in the shop for more than 10 minutes, something an unaccompanied woman can't do in most liquor vends in the city "" 7/10

 
 

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First Published: Jan 07 2007 | 12:00 AM IST

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