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| The New Kid on the Indian Wine Block | |||||||||||||
| By Ravi Joshi | |||||||||||||
| It is not only flowers that are blooming this Spring, the season is abuzz with wine activity. An extra splash of colour coming from a new bouquet of wines gives a whole new meaning for wine lovers. Riya is a new venture launched by Neeraj Sachdeva of the Gurgaon based distribution company, Lakeforest Wines. With technical assistance from Rajiv Seth, seven wines have been launched. | |||||||||||||
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At the Riya launch |
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| Riya has been produced using the ‘Custom Crush’ approach that was made famous by Napa wineries, and has been used by many Indian winentrepreneurs. Seth highlights that this arrangement between the winery and the wine company is mutually beneficial, as it enables both to focus on their respective strengths. Riya chose not to be specific about their winery partner, saying that they had co-opted a number of small wineries. | |||||||||||||
| Terroir and Cépage | |||||||||||||
| The grapes for Riya come from the Sahyadri valley, nestling in the lap of the Western Ghats on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. The region is classified as one of the world’s top ten ‘newest biodiversity hotspots’ and is acknowledged as being well suited for viticulture. The day and night temperatures vary in between 10 to 15 degrees, which facilitates slow ripening and concentration of flavours in the grapes. The resultant wines are thus complex and well structured. | |||||||||||||
| The range | |||||||||||||
| The varietals launched under the Riya brand are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz and the popular misnomer – a 'Port' style wine. The idea is to offer the range as easy drinking and affordable. The drink-when-young and fun-to-party-with style wines can be enjoyed without inhibition. | |||||||||||||
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The wines |
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| My tasting | |||||||||||||
| Riya Chenin Blanc 2014
Alc: 13.5% MRP: Rs. 600 Medium lemon colour with aromas of wild flowers and tropical fruits. A light bodied dry palate with refreshing acidity and a “Riesling like” flavor profile apparently due to a strong tropical fruits orientation. A good aperitif wine. |
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| Riya Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Alc: 13.5% MRP: Rs. 600 Light lemon colour. Peach, gooseberry and green pepper aromas. Refreshing dry and light bodied palate with noticeable peach and bell peppers. |
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| Riya Zinfandel Rose
Alc: 12.5% MRP: Rs. 650 Deep pink colour with orange hues. Aromas of fresh red fruits and a little spice. Light-medium body. Off dry mouth filling with teasing tannins and well balanced acidity. A Rose that can carry itself with élan without accompaniment. |
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| Riya Cabernet Merlot 2013
Alc: 13.5% MRP:: Rs. 650 Medium ruby color with garnet rim. Aromas of plums, dark cherries and intense spice. Full bodied dry and luscious palate with flavours of black berries, cherries, vanilla and discernible oak. My pick for the day. |
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| Riya Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Alc: 12.5% MRP: Rs. 650 Deep ruby with garnet rim. Aromas of black fruits and spice. Dry, medium bodied palate and medium tannins. Subdued fruit flavours due to dominant oak. Less expressive than the Cabernet Merlot blend. I would want to try it again to get a clearer understanding. |
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| Riya Shiraz 2013
Alc: 13.5% MRP: Rs. 650 Deep ruby with purple reflections and a fading rim. Aromas of dark berries and sweet spice. A full bodied palate with flavours of assorted wild berries, black pepper and cinnamon. A lingering oaky finish. A typical food wine. |
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| Riya Port 5000 Gold
Alc: 14% MRP: Rs. 400 Unfortunately, Riya chose to follow the pack and did not honour the Geographical origins of the appellation Port. A blend of Shiraz and the native Bangalore Purple varietal, it is fortified and matured in oak casks. Seth shares that it is an attempt to identify with the strong beer (Hayward’s 5000) consumer. |
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| The annual production capacities that Riya has established are 700,000 litres and the initial run has been with 200,000 litres. I am told that the wines will be available in Delhi and Gurgaon with a pan India footprint planned in the coming months, since many states seem to be "enquiring". | |||||||||||||
| But how will consistency be maintained in an industry that is devoid of a tangible quality framework? Riya expects to self regulate by drawing upon Rajiv Seth's knowledge base. | |||||||||||||
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