Whether you like white, red, Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet, International Wine Day (May 25) is a celebration every wine lover can get behind. Instituted in USA by winemakers who wanted to showcase their products, it has now spread across the world.
Taj Coromandel, Chennai, chose to launch their private label, Kalpavriksha, to mark their 40th anniversary — a white Casone Pinot Grigio and a red Casa Sola Chianti Classico. The label is named after the fabled Kalpavriksha tree, which is said to grant the wishes of anyone who rests under its shade. To commemorate the launch, a 10-day-long celebration of wines from around the world — Italy, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Austria — was put together at their Italian restaurant, Prego. Apart from having wine by the half glass, full glass and bottle, a Wine Flight, where one can taste four different varieties, is also on offer. One can choose to taste the same type of wine, say a cabernet, from different countries, or let the sommelier guide you.
Rynelle, our sommelier for the evening, says, “It took a few months for us to taste and decide which wines truly represented us. Both are from Italy, and from houses that have a rich legacy as well.” As she starts us off on the white, she says, “The Pinot Grigio has a peachy palate and a floral accent with a crisp finish; when you take a sip, you should be able to tell immediately.” My friend and I are no novices when it comes to drinking wine, but we take our time sniffing, swirling and sipping slowly and looking out for the flavours she is talking about. It’s light, crisp and easily one of the best whites we’ve had, and certainly our most favourite of the wines we have this evening. It goes perfectly with vapour-cooked asparagus served with parsley and garlic cream and scamorza orbs with puttanesca and seafood fritto misto.
After a slow-cooked chicken dish with Kalamata olive and ricotta paired with Norton Malbec, Mendoza from Argentina, spaghetti lamb ragout with ricotta salata paired with Montes Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and parmesan crumbed peppers with Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc from France, it’s time to sample the red Kalpavriksha.
The Casa Sola, Chianti Classico, Rynelle tells us, is characterised by a freshness that makes it a pleasant and easy-to-drink wine. “It’s young, yet historical and made primarily from the Sangiovese grape, which means ‘blood of Jove’, blended with Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. And it can be matched with a wide variety of traditional Tuscan and Italian dishes,” she says, serving a dish of grilled red snapper with whipped lemon potato on the side to go with it. We’re told to look out for the slightly tart, fruity flavours of blackberry and plum, and if we had more experience, we might be able to detect hints of liquorice and vanilla as well.
Both wines are great for novice drinkers, and with the 100 ml glasses, it gives an opportunity to sample more than just one variety. The Kalpavriksha wines will be available only at the Taj Coromandel, by the glass, bottle or case.
The International Wine Day celebration is on till May 31 at Prego, Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
