The Bangalore Club is one of the premiere clubs in India, on par with the likes of the Delhi Gymkhana Club and the Bombay Gymkhana, all of which were established by the British nearly 150 years ago. The members of these establishments are convivial but conventional — very much “old school tie”, the type who will drink to your health with Scotch or (these days) a single malt.
But the times, they are a-changing. Last week the Bangalore Club organised a Wine Carnival on one of its many lawns. Ten stalls, each showcasing relatively unknown labels (Sula and Grover were conspicuous by their absence) which gave those attending a chance to sample (and order) a good variety of new wines at relatively approachable prices. Here below are the 10 to try out.
Alpine Wineries: the new Karnataka-based winery which is making waves with its Oro, Vindiva Classic, and Vindiva Reserve red wines. Ponytailed owner Raghavendra Gowda was on site, along with his entire team. The foreign interns even took wine education classes for members.
Bhafra Wines & Spirits: This new Bangalore-based wine importer, bringing in wines from France, was the only vendor of international labels, as others were still awaiting state government clearance following a recent price change. Proved surprisingly popular.
Chateau de Banyan Wines: This Goa-based company produces wines under the Big Banyan label, and the range includes all conventional whites and reds (as well as the Bellissima Late Harvest Chenin Blanc). Good wines, with a growing loyal consumer base.
Heritage Wines: Another new winery from Karnataka, located off the Mysore Road, better known for its eponymous port-style wines, was showcasing its first vintage from wine grapes (Cab and Shiraz). Drinkable wines at low prices — I booked six bottles straight away!
Krishnamurga Vineyards: Set up 110 km north of Bangalore by one of the largest wine grape growers, they produce just two wines under the Black Buck label: a Cabernet Shiraz red and a Viognier white, both quite drinkable.
Mandala Valley: Ramesh Rao has teamed-up with Krishnamurga to produce two reds and a white under the Jouvin label, an interesting development.
Nandi Valley Wines have been marketing wines produced in Bijapur under the Kinvah label for two years now, and have quickly carved a niche for themselves by aggressive sales and approachable quality.
Nirvana Biosys produces a range of wines near Delhi under the Luca label — including the Luca Exotic Lychee wine I’ve written about earlier — and proved one of the most popular stalls.
Pernod Ricard was of course there with its Nine Hills range of wines, always a favourite with wine-drinkers.
United Spirits was last (but not least) with Four Seasons. The Barrique Reserve is always worth a try.
An interesting attempt to promote wines. That it happened in the Bangalore Club is terrific, because it signals that wine is becoming mainstream. I do hope that other leading Clubs in India take the point and make their own efforts to promote wines.
Wines I’ve been drinking: Boekenhoutskloof “The Chocolate Block”, Paarl, South Africa, at a small tasting organised by Vishal Kadakia of Wine Park at Olive Beach restaurant in Bangalore. The winery’s name is a tongue-twister (it means “Ravine of the Boekenhout”, a kind of tree), but this 90-point wine’s aroma of dark chocolate leaps out of the glass and across the table in stunning fashion, while the smooth, spicy, fruity, full-bodied taste keeps you wanting more.
Cheers!
Alok Chandra is a Bangalore-based wine consultant
