Delhi

2009 Fritz Zimmer ‘Maestro’ Riesling, Pfalz, Germany
(Pron. frit s zim-mer my- strow reess-ling, faalts)

In response to clamouring demand from members, this stunning, crisp, yet slightly sweet wine is the first Riesling we have ever promoted in a Discovery Selection.

As a perfect introduction to Pfalz and its elegant wines, we have selected the Fritz Zimmer Maestro Riesling, made by the ancient wine-making firm of Eiffel-Pfeffer, and named for the singular talent of one of the finest 20th Century German Winemakers.

Typically Riesling in its vibrant minerality, sweet honey, acidity flowers and slight tell-tale hint of petrol, this is also characteristic of Pfalz, showing juicy fruits, including citrus and pineapples.A great pairing for a vegetable Lasagne, or Hyderabadi Biryani.

2009 Beaujolais Chedeville ‘Cornediable’, Beaujolais, France
(Pron. bow-jol-ay shed-e-vee ‘leh corne-dee-abla’)

Yet when we tasted the phenomenal quality of the wines of the 2009 vintage, we realized that 2009 Beaujolais is the perfect red wine for the climate.

The ‘Cornediable’ (devil’s horns) from Chevenottes has a classic Beaujolais profile of red berry fruits, including raspberries and cherries, with tangy minerals, delicious sweet earthiness and a hint of incense.

The palate is juicy and textured, with lovely bramble flavours and more delicious English garden fruits. Delightful with fine cheese, wild fowl or even Reshmi Kebab.

2009 Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz, India

The Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz is deservedly one of India's most famous wines.

Its grapes are chosen from specific vineyards that dot the foothills of Dindori just outside Nasik.

The mineral-rich soils of these vineyards produce exceptional-quality Shiraz, which after being aged in oak for a year produce a juicy, elegant and smooth wine, with lush berry flavours and silky tannins.

Pair with robust dishes like Hyderabadi lamb curry, or a vegetable korma.

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2010 Domaine de l’Arjolle Viognier/Sauvignon Blanc, Languedoc, France
(Pron. doe-main duh lar-jol vee-on-yay / sow-veen-yon blon)

The wonderful Viognier grape is typically low yielding (less berries mean more concentrated flavour), so it tends to be expensive to produce, and therefore to buy.

As such we were extremely lucky to find Domaine de l’Arjolle. The winemakers at l’Arjolle have blended this rich, waxy, fruit dominated grape with another cool climate import, vibrant, high acidity Sauvignon Blanc to stunning effect.

These usually stand-alone northern grapes work perfectly together in the southern climate to make a wine that is fresh with apples, honey, hazelnuts and bright spring blossoms on the nose. And with a palate that is textured, deliciously waxy and yet utterly vibrant, with light fruits and a lovely acidity.

Glorious with a Thai Green Curry, or richer Mediterranean fish dishes.

2009 False Bay Pinotage, Somerset West, South Africa
(Pron. peen-oh-taj)

Like its famous ancestor, Pinot Noir, the uniquely South African Pinotage grape variety can be difficult to grow, but in the right hands makes wines of great power, fruit and complexity. The False Bay Pinotage is such a wine.

Just east of Cape Town, the vineyards of False Bay benefits from mineral rich soil and South Africa’s signature maritime climate, producing wines with Old World structure, and New World fruit intensity.

The False Bay Pinotage is a dark and rich wine, possessing a varietally typical smokiness, with red berries and hints of pepper. The palate is deep with juicy red and black fruits and fresh tobacco leaf.

Pair with roasted meats or Mushroom Masala.

2009 Cavalieri di Moasca Piemonte Cortese, Piemonte, Italy
(Pron. cav-a-lee-air-ee dee mow-aska pee-eh-mon-teh cor-tay-zeh)

Cortese is the classic north-west Italian white grape variety, known, like other Italian white wines, for its delicacy and floral notes.

The cooperative of Cavalieri di Moasca (knight of Moasca – a local medieval town) produces very high quality wines, in traditional Piemonte style. We are lucky to have this wine, as it is in such high demand at home that precious few cases are exported.

The cooperative of Cavalieri di Moasca (knight of Moasca – a local medieval town) produces very high quality wines, in traditional Piemonte style. We are lucky to have this wine, as it is in such high demand at home that precious few cases are exported.

Their Cortese has a typical light, floral nose, with notes of lime and almond. On the palate, the satisfying oily texture is balanced by a lovely food-friendly acidity, backed up by light, simple minerals and more juicy lime. Pair with grilled fish, Sookha Aloo, or paneer/tomato salad.