25 October,2010 06:25 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
Mumbai doesn't Really match up to Milan's cellar doors. However, the recently opened Juben Wine Cellar and tasting room in Juhu, is a step in the right direction
If you haven't watched the wine road trip favourite Sideways, you can gleefully relive the vino experience, at least in your head, thanks to an enterprising initiative at Juben's Wine Cellar and Tasting Room. Tucked in one corner on the second level of a shopping mall, this refreshing new trend will surely add to a new chapter to the city's tipple quotient.
Juben Savla will give you a crash course in wines with a little help from
the Italian-made Enomatic Wine Tasting Machine. pics/Santosh Nagwekar
The owner, young Juben Savla, greeted us enthusiastically into the tastefully done interiors, white luxe couch et al. Curious at the piece de resistance, the Italian Enomatic Wine Tasting System at the entrance, we didn't hesitate to play guinea pig for this wine tutorial. "You can chose the taster card, if you're a starter," said Juben while handing us a plastic card, worth Rs 750 (for beginner) that had to be inserted into the system, so we could begin our tasting experience. Rates for tasting cards increase according to tasting portions. "It's a great way to introduce people to wine tasting," she reasons.
We listened as Juben gave us the abridged sessionu00a0-- how to stir a wine in a glass, how to "nose" its aroma, and savour it. Confident, we began our sojourn into wine territory. We placed our wine glass under the nozzle that spurted Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc 2007 from South Africa. This white wine with a straw colour with apple green tint was the perfect starter. Next up was the award-winning St Urban-Hofs 2008 Riesling ufffd elegant, crisp, fruit, with a hint of natural elegance, it had us sold. "Very slowly, allow the wine to coat your palate; don't swallow it in one go," advised Juben.
The Chablis is a classic white wine made from chardonnay grapes grown around France's Chablis village in Burgundy region. Emerging from New Zealand's family-owned wineries, the Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough didn't disappoint, with its intense aromas of blackcurrant, white currant, and passion fruit. My tasting partner, a self-confessed red wine drinker, was ready to shift loyalties.
The Malbec from Argentina initiated us into red wine country. Made from the Malbec grape, originally from southern France, it's now used to create one of Argentina's signature varieties. Liberally oaked, this is a powerfully aromatic red wine, rich in purple hue, and alive with enjoyable flavour.
Bran Caia 2008 was a heady offing from Italy's Tuscan wineries. This vintage from the estate of Castellina was a perfect balance of colour, acidity, alcohol and tannins. Our last stop was at the Mas La Plana 04, one the best wines from Torres in Spain. A bit thick for our Indian palate, this is usually served with red meat.
"I paid Rs 13 lakh for this system that comes with nitrogen cylinders so the wine retains its age and aroma, irrespective of repeated corking and uncorking of each bottle," informs Juben as he shows us around the extensive red and wine retail sections that showcase an enviable range of international brands. There's also cheer for beer drinkers who can select from numerous fizzy favourites. And, don't forget to catch Sideways on DVD.
AT: Level 2, Shoppers Stop, near Chandan Cinema, JVPD Scheme, Juhu, Vile Parle (W). Call: 26204444
Juben Wine Cellar and Tasting Room didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for
its meals
