The Sweet Taste of Italy in New Delhi

The Sweet Taste – a workshop showcasing Italian food and wine with an aim to find fresh business synergies between Italy and India was conducted under the aegis of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) on 27 Apr 16 at hotel Leela Palace, New Delhi.  The workshop, which was a day long affair saw informative talks by business leaders from both sides, coupled with food and wine workshops by experts. The audience comprised of business leaders, trade professionals and selected media.

The proceedings were opened by Francesco Pensabene, Trade Commissioner Italian Embassy in New Delhi followed by a welcome address by H.E. Lorenzo Angeloni, Ambassador of Italy to India. Different sessions interspersed with live demonstrations/workshops followed thereafter.

The overall ambit of “The Sweet Taste” being food and wine, sessions ranged from market dynamics, typical challenges and the recommended way forward to promote trade between India and Italy in these sectors collectively valued at € 33 bn of Italian exports engaging 58,000 companies.

The major food items encompassed within the workshop were  pasta, fruits and seeds, cheese, chocolate, cured meats and  olive oil. Italian wines formed the other important part, for which Dr. Giuseppe Martelli, an accomplished wine personality of Italy, also the current President of Italy’s National  Wine Committee specially arrived.  

Restricting  our focus on the wine component of the fixture, let us have a look at some statistics related to Italian wines in the following image:

The workshop on wine started with  Dr. Martelli presenting several distinct advantages that the country possessed on the front of winemaking. These are:

• The benefits of ‘hillside farming’ to produce superior quality grapes facilitated by a continuous mountainous terrain running from north to south of the country. Italy is probably the only country in the world to have such unique terrain advantage.
• Access of international market to even the smallest of wine producers by means of Cooperatives so that everybody has a place under the Sun.
• Most stringent wine laws of the world with customer as the central focus.
• Only  100% grape originated product qualified to be called as ‘wine’.

A very important aspect of the Italian wine quality pyramid was highlighted by Dr. Martelli where the highest DOCG classification is accorded to wines  that show commercial aggressiveness in the Italian as well as international markets- which implies that after achieving all the quality systems in place, a particular wine has to demonstrate that it is indeed appreciated by the end consumer.  

However Dr. Martelli also added that this does not mean that other wines are any lesser , as the Italian wine quality pyramid addresses different needs that are dependent on occasion, cuisine, price and similar such variables. 

A guided tasting of the following eight wines was led thereafter by Dr. Martelli, assisted by  Atul Tiwari, India’s Champion Sommelier 2014. The emphasis was to highlight wine styles from different regions (wines lined up L-R in the photo below in the sequence of description):

Dr, Giuseppe Martelli introducing the wine session

Wine line up for the day (L-R) as described below

Ti Amo Prosecco DOC

Region: Veneto

A simple, light and fruity sparkling wine with no additional complexity- as described by Atul Tiwari. According to him such wines makes the job of a Sommelier simple since they are straightforward ‘easy to enjoy’ wines.

Bepin De Eto Prosecco SuperioreDOCG  Conegliano  Valdobbiadene Brut

Region: Veneto ( Sub-region Conegliano Valdobbiadene- the best classified Prosecco region)

An elegant sparkling wine with a floral bouquet and crisp palate. In the words of Dr. Martelli,given the delicate nature of this wine, it would be best with starters when thinking of  classical Indian cuisine with gravies and rich flavours.

Piccini Pinot Grigio IGT delle Venezie IGT 2014

Region: Veneto

A medium gold coloured wine with aromas of stone fruits and flowers. Refreshing  on the palate with a distinctive gooseberry finish. Sommelier Tiwari educated the gathering that white wines constitute just 15% of Veneto’s production- the remaining being red. According to him, this is again an easy going wine that can be enjoyed well during Indian summers.

Banfi Le Rime Chardonnay Pinot Grigio  Toscana IGT 2014

Region: Tuscany

Coming from one of Tuscany’s famed producer Castello  Banfi, this wine is an interesting blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Dr Martelli highlighted that the blending with Chardonnay affords  this wine with roundness and weightiness. Sommelier Tiwari added that owing to malolactic fermentation, the wine is smooth and buttery, hence it can be an ideal candidate with creamy and curry dishes.

Planeta La Segreta  DOC Sicilia 2014

Region: Sicily

Dr Martelli brought to the attention of the gathering that apart from the wine-tasting moving from North Eastern  to Central and now to the southernmost part of Italy, this wine was the first for the day  to incorporate indigenous Italian varietal Grecanico as major part of the blend. The wine is a blend of 50% Grecanico, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Viognier and 10% Fiano (another native Italian varietal).

The wine had earthy aromas and a crisp palate of green apples and pears  followed by a long finish.

Piccini Chianti DOCG 2014

Region: Tuscany

 Dr Martelli described this wine as youthful, with a brilliant colour and a well balanced lingering palate. Sommelier Tiwari described Chianti wines as a versatile range- from simple and youthful to extremely complex. He also drew an interesting parallel of tannins in Chianti wines as being  similar to those found in Indian tea, hence an attractive proposition to Indian wine lovers.

Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba DOC 2013

Region: Piemonte

Undoubtedly the best Red of the day, personally speaking as well as going by the audience reaction. Dr Martelli said that quite like Sicily and Puglia, Piemonte is also a red wine predominant region. Sub region Langhe, where this wine is produced, is also a protected UNESCO heritage site.

The wine had a light red ruby colour and a complex nose of blackberries, chocolate and other emerging layers which can well qualify it as delicious on the aromas front itself! The palate met the expectations with a dense character, berry compote and spice followed by a lingering finish. 

Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2014

Region: Abruzzo

Made from another indigenous grape varietal that is cultivated mostly along the Adriatic coast, this was a ‘fresh’ red wine with a rounded yet powerful character. A well balanced acidity made it one of those reds that you can enjoy without food as well.

Towards the evening, the Ambassador, H.E. Lorenzo Angeloni hosted a warm reception at his residence where wine and Italian food was savoured by the guests amid lots of Indian-Italian bonhomie. The Ambassador informed that promotions like these will continue with an aim to achieve a win-win situation between the two countries where quality Italian produce will have access to the vastly promising Indian market.

Wine lovers in India will sincerely hope this vision to come true!

H.E. Lorenzo Angeloni, Ambassador (R) with Mr. Francesco Pensabene. Trade Commissioner (L)
addressing the guests at the Italian Ambassador's residence in New Delhi

 

Spotlight: Carolina Vasquez, Trade Commissioner ProChile India

A friendly demeanour, a deep composure and a personality that could give a run for money to showbiz models, these are a few words that come to my mind while describing Carolina Vasquez, Trade Commissioner ProChile, at the Embassy of Chile in New Delhi. As I met Carolina in her office recently, we ended up discussing much more than just the agenda i.e. wine, and that afforded me to acquaint with her both as a professional and as an individual.

Carolina arrived in India on her present assignment in May 2015 amid a positive business atmosphere where the new Government had already initiated a slew of measures for simplifying trade. 

Having been to the country thrice earlier on official trips (a visit to the Taj Mahal already accomplished), India is not new to her, but this time there is a lot to discover, courtesy her ongoing stint as the Trade Commissioner.

About ProChile

ProChile is the institution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile in charge of promoting exports of products and services. Its primary responsibilities are dissemination of foreign investment opportunities and tourism promotion. With a network of over 50 offices worldwide it aims to boost Chile's export sector and position the country in international markets.

Here's getting upfront with Carolina Vasquez (CV), starting with turning the Spotlight on her :

Me: A few words about yourself .

CV: I am from Santiago, the capital of Chile and have lived throughout in the same city.  I am a Commercial Engineer and  an MBA.  

Me: Considering the trade between India and Chile,which are the key sectors on both sides?

CV: The key sector for Chile is mainly copper which represents a little over 90 % of our exports to India. However we are working to diversify the exportable offer to India as wines , fresh fruits, nuts, and seafood . It is noteworthy to mention that  around 27 Chilean vineyards are already selling their products in India. Given the positive forecasts for wine trade in India, we would like to expand this presence.

As for Indian exports to Chile, the key sectors are automobiles and pharma, but clearly our country offers more space for Indian products such as textiles and handicrafts. 

Me: Chile being one of the major wine producers of the new world how would you plan to promote your wines to compete against other new world biggies like  Australia and the USA?

CV: We believe that before considering what actions to take with reference to "competition” it is more important that we generate a recognition of  Brand Chile and the products from our country. It is precisely why we are working on market awareness programs like “Foods From Chile”, of which wine forms an important part. 

We also believe that it is vital to generate a plan with Indian consumers who are recognised more as whisky drinkers- wine being a relatively new product for them. Additionally, the Embassy is working together with our Commercial office for possible visits by relevant authorities from our country with the aim of developing promotional activities around these visits.

Me: India is a major market for Spirits ( 5th largest importer). Are there any Chilean Spirits (like Pisco) currently in the Indian market? How would you like to tap this lucrative market?

CV: Presently Chilean Pisco is not present in the Indian market. However, Chilean companies are very much interested to explore the Indian spirits market and I agree that a lucrative opportunity exists in this segment. We would do everything within our means to support Chilean producers for getting access to the Indian spirits market.

Me: Any thoughts for promoting wine tourism in Chile?  Especially considering the heightened interest of wine lovers and professionals from this region in visiting vineyards across the world. 

CV: Turismo Chile is the office responsible for promoting tourism in our country. They are working hard in promoting wine tourism in Chile where many Chilean wineries offer a number of activities and options like one day wine tour,  massage therapies with wine etc. The offers in our country are very diverse in this area. There is a whole section dedicated to these activities in the official website of  Turismo Chile : http://chile.travel/que-hacer/vinos-y-comida/rutas-del-vino/

Me: Are Visa arrangements between India and Chile simple enough? How long does it take for an Indian to be granted a Chilean tourist Visa? 

CV: The Chilean government has simplified the Visa application process significantly. One can now register for a Chilean Visa online by going through the link https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl. Approval of Visa application could take up to 15 working days from date of on-line registration.  Once the Visa application is approved, the applicant has 90 days to make the payment and withdraw his passport. After Visa issue , the applicant has 90 days to enter the national territory of Chile. 

For applicants from outside the National Capital Region of Delhi who are unable to visit the embassy personally, they can authorize a third party to represent them by presenting the original letter of authorization / power of attorney duly notarized, for collecting the documents.

Me: If you may like to share, what are your engagements outside the professional space in India?

CV: I have a small family in India with my husband and our two cats who traveled with us from Chile. We are rather simple people who like the simple pleasures of life such as enjoying a movie or listening to music with a glass of wine. We chat and laugh a lot all the time , sometimes we go out to Delhi on a motorcycle. My husband is a Computer Engineer, two very different streams that keeps monotony at bay. It also affords us to have completely different perceptions on various subjects, making it stimulating to exchange views wherein a simple conversation can be transformed into a debate of ideas, which I think is a wonderful thing.

Me: One thing each, that you like and dislike about India.

CV: What I like about India is the large number of spices that can be found easily.  The flavors I can find here are very different than those I  have come across earlier. Since I like to cook, it is a subject that captivates me. Therefore I love going to the market for the spices and spend hours touring each of the shops enjoying each one of them at leisure.

What I do not like in India or perhaps in Delhi are the noisy streets with lot many horns blaring. But the positive aspect is that the scenario has improved a lot from the last time I was here. 

Me: According to you, Which is the most common aspect between Chile and India?

CV: The love for  food

Me: And the most different aspect? 

CV: The climate :)

Unwined-ing around Castello Banfi Wines

Innovation and enthusiasm go hand in hand. It is only the enthused who innovate. Conversely, innovation  generates further enthusiasm. 

Over the past one month I attended a series of innovative wine sessions called 'unwined' which look at breaking the stereotypes often associated with wine tastings. The sessions were hosted by Madhulika Bhattacharya a.k.a. Madame La Cave, the prolific owner of La Cave - the best wine store of current times  in New Delhi. Just a day back I attended an 'unwined' dinner with wines from Castello Banfi - the famed producer from Tuscany. (If you would like to know more about La Cave, click here to read my article on the store, published in vino india)

As the name suggests, 'Unwined by La Cave' are wine tastings/dinners that urge wine lovers to approach the tastings in a care-free manner with the sole focus of unwinding around wine. Hence there is no dress code, expectations of  technical jargon or anybody treated more equal than others. 

But the most appealing aspect of these sessions is Madhulika's endeavour to time them with the visits of respective winery representatives, resulting in first hand interaction between producers and end consumers. For the Banfi dinner, Guillaume Blanchard,Regional Manager Banfi, South East Asia did the honours.

Upping the fun quotient at 'unwined' sessions:
(L-R) Guillaume Blanchard, myself and Sagar Nath, Marketing Manager, Brindco Sales

Coming back to the innovation theme, while I was sharing a pictorial of the Banfi dinner on my official Facebook page 'Colonel Joe' , I realised that we keep duplicating content on the World Wide Web on different platforms to reach different sets of audience. What if the same content could be reused across platforms with a little context tailoring relevant to each? It would  result not only  in a faster dissemination of information but also spare the planet some unnecessary carbon emissions arising from data duplication and computing resources. The idea of "Quick Posts" on Guns 2 Gewurztraminer was born.

In this inaugural quick post, I am sharing below, the aforesaid  FB pictorial of the Banfi dinner. Hope it will convey the essence of the event aptly. For later quick posts, I visualise having feed from multiple channels in a single blog post.

Enjoy and do share your feedback in the comments space below. 

Cheers, Santé and Salud!

(P.S. Click here if the pictorial does not load or is taking too long to load)

La Cave- the most talked about wine store in Delhi has been conducting innovative wine sessions called 'unwined' that...
Posted by Colonel Joe on Wednesday, April 6, 2016