The first edition of ProWine Mumbai at The St. Regis, Mumbai showcased over 200 brands from across 13 countries. Here’s a round-up of some those that stole the spotlight!
The wine and spirits industry had a gala 48 hours at the first edition of ProWine Mumbai hosted at The St. Regis, Mumbai. ProWine Mumbai is a part of the globally iconic ProWein World, and is jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice.
Following the several lockdowns since the beginning of the pandemic, this was the first on-ground trade fair for the wine and spirits sector in India. ProWine Mumbai was well received and featured over 200 brands from 70 companies across 13 countries.
Complete with masterclasses, tastings, and seminars, the four exhibition halls were buzzing as the industry caught up with each other and facilitated business meetings. The attendees at ProWine Mumbai ranged from large hoteliers, prominent restaurateurs and bar owners, importers, distributors and retailers, sommeliers, chefs, and food and beverage teams.
Of the several exciting wines and spirits available at the event, here’s a few that you can’t miss!
McAfee’s Benchmark
One of the notable bourbon whiskeys at ProWine Mumbai was McAfee’s Benchmark. A rye-recipe Kentucky straight bourbon from the award-winning Buffalo Trace distillery, it is also a former gold medal winner at the International Spirits Challenge.
Since its origin in 1773, the McAfee Company eventually followed a native trail overland that led to the creation of the Buffalo Trace distillery. It’s the spirit of these early American explorers that the bourbon whiskey honors.
The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. Robust and sturdy palate, with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak, and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.
Argmanac de Montal
Situated in Gascony, the elected land of the de Montal Armagnacs, the vines bear fruit of a long and rich lineage.
De Montal Armagnacs’ traditional varieties of vines (Folle-Blanche, Ugni-Blanc, Colombard, and Baco) provide white wines that are accomplished and refined thanks to their low alcohol content.
The Montal distillation is most natural because every oenological product is prohibited. The distillation takes place in the freshness of the night immediately after the harvest, to preserve the maximum aromas.
The Argmanac de Montal is another such perfect creation spotted at ProWine Mumbai.
Champagne Bernard Loncals
Bernard Lonclas Selection Brut is a sparkling complex-traditional style of champagne, produced by Champagne Bernard Lonclas in the, well, the eponymous Champagne region of France.
The Maison Lonclas was founded by Bernard Lonclas in 1976. Nestled in the heart of the Bassuet village, it is surrounded by slopes whose precious soil is perfect for growing chardonnay grapes.
The brand is a result of the joint effort of father-daughter duo Aurélie and Bernard Lonclas. The latter distinguishes himself by rigorously selecting his grapes during harvest-time as well as carefully choosing his different batches. They specialize in three Champagne grape varieties —Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Rahasya Vodka
One of the spirits turning quite a few heads at ProWine Mumbai was Rahasya Vodka. Its website waxes eloquent about the mystery of the myriad of cultures across India. Through extensive travel, the creators were exposed to endless ingredients that would come together and create the unique blend that is Rahasya.
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Good Drop Wine Cellars
Founded in 2009, Good Drop Wine Cellars Pvt. Ltd. is India’s first specialist sparkling wine producer. The winery in Vinchur Park, Nashik is at the forefront of the Indian wine revolution.
It was chartered accountant-turned-winemaker, Ashwin Rodrigues’s effort to translate his craft to high quality wines suited to the Indian palate. The versatile wine portfolio, which includes the three brands—Casablanca (sparkling wines), Good Earth (still wines) and Rio (fizzy wine coolers)—makes Good Drop one of the few companies whose offerings range across palates and price points.
The brand uses a mix of innovative technologies, selective local grapes, and obsessive attention to technique and delivers the best.
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Maka Goa
A refreshing break from wines and hard spirits at ProWine Mumbai came in the form of Maka Goa beers.
The self-touted global and local drink lives up to its etymology. The word Maka in Konkani means me, and this one delivers you to your comfort zone with every sip. Currently, you can choose from the Honey Ale, Belgian Tripel, Belgian Blanche, and more. Or go a little experiemental with brews such as Shandy at the moment, and more lined up!
Montrius La Domaine
Domaine Montirius was one of the stars of the show, and deservedly so. Christine and Eric Saurel represent the fifth generation to work this 57 hectare domaine in the heart of Vacqueyras, which is farmed entirely by biodynamic principles.
Choose from the Bio and Bio-Dynamic AOC Gigondas, AOC Vacqueyras wines, AOC Côtes du Rhônes and ‘Vin de Pays’, all made from bio grapes and grown with bio-dynamic methods. Labour-intensive and rigorous, low-yielding old vines on optimal soil provide the perfect raw materials, and a careful three week maceration allows the full expression of the terroir.
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