Phenomenal World was invited for the launch of Janus Brandy @ Movenpick Spa and Resort, New Bel circle, made from 100% Indian grapes combined with the savoir faire of French distillation especially in Alembic copper pot stills. However, Brandy cannot be separated from its sister the sophisticated wine and how can the launch of a brandy start off without wine tasting?
Cecilia Oldne, Global Brand Ambassador and VP-Marketing, Sula Vineyards, spoke about the products and about the wine and its notes. It was an interesting session that did manage to raise my awareness a few notches more.
Some of the wines from the tasting and from their bouquet….
Sula Brut, a sparkling wine with a complex blend of Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Riesling, Zinfandel. This is one of the few “Methode Traditionelle” wines in the world to be crafted from 7 different grapes, to create an incredibly complex flavor. Best paired with fried or creamy dishes because of its buttery smoothness. This came in a limited edition bottle that made it even more interesting
Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp & dry white wine with aromas of bell peppers, freshly cut green grass & refreshing acidity on the palate. Hints of green apple.Goes well with chicken and seafood
Riesling, similar to a German Kabinett and a recipient of many awards, is fruity & aromatic with hints of green apples, grapefruit, peach & honey. A very versatile wine which pairs with many cuisines and enhances the experience of the food
Dindori Reserve Shiraz, matured for 10 months in American oak barrels with a blend of 85% Shiraz and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is full bodied dry red wine powerful and intense with flavors of vanilla and berries. Goes well with red meat especially kababs and roasts of lamb. I can picture myself having a lamb grill rack with a sip of this.. Sigh!!
Late Harvest Chenin Blanc,India’s first dessert wine, with flavors of mango, honey and tropical fruits.
These went well with the various crisps, finger food and the meat and cheese platter they were served with. Cheese and wine of course is the best combo ever… Period….
Rasa Shiraz is another full bodied red wine. I kept eating this wasabi flavoured peanut (or something) throughout the session and I just could not get enough of it. It was that addictive 🙂
After this rather intoxicating session, Yogesh Mathur, VP Manufacturing, Artisan Spirits Pvt. Ltd. (100% subsidiary of Sula) took an informative session on the history, the different varieties of grapes used and also a tasting session of the brandy…
It is made from 4 varieties of grapes that also includes Bangalore purple and Thomson Seedless grapes and the rapid Indian weather adds to the terroir.
The packaging is inspired from the Mid-19th century, a style known as ‘standard fifth’ or ‘lettered brandy’ with embossing.
It has notes of fruits and hint of apricot, had a taste of vanilla, cinnamon and pepper and a long finish of cloves and other fruity flavors.
Priced at Rs. 1500 in Goa and Pondicherry (no wonder they are called heaven), Rs. 2000 in Karnataka and Rs.2300 + in Andhra and Telengana
India has been really rising in its ability to produce fine spirits in single malt (Amrut, Paul John), Rum (Tiger Rum and 2 Indies Rum) and now has produced a winner in Janus brandy which has already won the bronze award in comparison to well known brands.
Janus is named after the Roman god Janus depicted with two faces and is known as the god of new beginnings so here’s to new ones to the indomitable Indian spirit (pun totally intended!!)
The goody bag I got had the limited edition Sula Brut and a quarter of the Janus brandy.. Ye gods am I happy or what?? 😉
The icing on the cake was the weather which was pouring. Made for a rather good finish (pun again
Sounds like you had a good time. I’m not a drinker – few sips of wine is all I can manage. My favourite is Jacob’s Creek Caberet Shiraz
Never tried these this one… wasabi flavored peanuts sounds very yummy … I wonder how strong the flavour of wasabi is though. The bottle of Sula is very beautiful.