A wine tasting session by Pause Wines generated a lot of interest among the invited F&B managers, special guests and the media, who became aware of the wide range of wine varietals being offered by the company, which aims to popularise its moderately priced wines in the domestic market By Sudipta Dev
Pause Wines is a part of Prarthana Group of companies, which is primarily into real estate. The group is headed by Rajesh Patil, CMD, Pause Wines, who decided to enter into the business of making wines in 2007. It was in 2009 that the company started selling in the retail market. The vineyard, spread over a 100 acres, is in Dindori, near Nasik. Pause Wines has a portfolio of 16 wine varietals including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Rose’ wines. “We also have blended varietals. Our wines are moderately priced in the Indian market. Our aim is to produce wines for everyone – not only just the wine drinking people of India who normally travel abroad to European countries and are well versed with the wine culture,” said Ranjit Surve, GM- sales and marketing, Rendez-vous Wines India.
The first wine served at the wine tasting session was Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was a bit sweet and off dry. It was particularly liked by those who prefer a dry wine and others who liked their wine a bit sweet. This was followed by a round of Shiraz, which had won two awards in sommelier competitions. The wine had a tinge of spices and is perfect for the Indian palate. Next came Cabernet Sauvignon, which is considered as the Queen of Red Wines. The wine had a berry flavour, more fruity, tangy and dry. It was followed by the medium bodied Tempranillo, which has an aroma of cherry and cloves. It pairs well with medium spicy dishes and pizzas. “Tempranillo was actually launched first by Pause Wines, but the company did not do a press conference to announce the launch, then Sula launched the wine,” mentioned Surve. Next to be served was the Indian Nector dessert wine which is naturally sweet, with no added sugar. It can go well with ice creams and fruit salads.
The popular wines among wine drinkers are Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, acknowledged Surve, who also pointed out that the general public likes sweet wines and port wines. “For them we have Pause Puro White, Pause Puro Red, Premium Port No. 1 (White and Red),” he added.
The company will introduce a sparkling wine soon. “We already have a still wine ready with us for that. It will be a white sparkling wine,” informed Surve.
The domestic market for wines is growing at a rate of 14 per cent every year. “People are becoming health conscious and they know that wine is a healthier alternative to liquor consumption so they have started preferring wines,” commented Surve.
Though the company is primarily focused on the domestic market, it is planning to also export wines to China now. “In the domestic market we have started selling the wines in district areas as well. We do not plan to stick to only metros, though they sell more wines when compared to urban and rural areas,” stated Surve. Despite the fact that wine consumption is limited in rural areas, now Pause Puro White / Red is selling well in rural areas. These are economic wines and anybody can afford them, priced between Rs 150 to Rs 200.
