August 2013

Moet & Chandon is one of the biggest selling champagne brands in India

A few weeks ago, I was at a friend’s milestone birthday being celebrated at one of the city’s top hotels. The massive bar was loaded with every premium spirit imaginable, and right in front was a bottle of GH Mumm NV. Okay, this was an evening that called for champagne, I thought, and asked for a glass.

A while later, a senior member of the staff came up to me and asked if I wanted a refill. Yes please, I said, I’m drinking champagne. He was back in a jiffy, presently me with another tall flute, beaming. I took a sip. “This isn’t champagne,” I told him. “It is, ma’am,” he insisted. “No, it is not,” I was firm. “Maybe Prosecco?” His face froze into a rictus of embarrassment, but he wasn’t about to give in. Just then, a regular waiter who knew me well passed by. He assessed the situation and re-appeared in a flash with another tall flute. I sipped. This one was champagne. (more…)

Some love the beach. Others head for the hills. Many like to explore new cities, others enjoying hiking in the countryside. What is your idea of a perfect holiday?

Me, I like doing all of the above, of course. But the ideal holiday for me is discovering a wine region. Driving around, discovering the countryside, the people, talking to the winemakers, absorbing some of their passion and listening to their stories. Above all, sipping on the wine. Each wine tells a story of the place it is from, the people who have made it, and what it means to them.

On my itinerary – Mas la Chevalière near Beziers

I am far from being a Jancis Robinson, Robert Parker or Antonio Galloni, famous names who are fortunate enough to make a lucrative career out of doing what they love. But I am very lucky nonetheless. Lucky to have several friends, acquaintances and business associates, not to mention family, who are on the same wavelength, who speak the same language, enjoy nothing better than that glass of wine straight from a winery’s cellar, or accompanied by the food of that region; notching up some of those perfect moments which go towards creating a memorable holiday.

I have been fortunate to have had several such perfect moments. Sitting in the room at Krug, tasting Clos du Mesnil 1998, with Joseph Krug’s diary in its glass case alongside. (more…)