Step into a world where each sip is a symphony of flavours, where the elixir in your glass tells a tale of craftsmanship and artistry—a world unveiled at the India Wine Awards 2023. Picture a night ablaze with brilliance, where 219 wines and sakes emerge victorious, crowned as the pinnacle of oenophilic excellence amidst a record-breaking 460 nominations. This fifth edition marked a significant expansion, embracing the nuanced world of sake and showcasing a remarkable 219 exceptional wines and sakes out of an impressive 460 nominations.
New Heights Reached At India Wine Awards
Amongst the glittering array of achievements, one luminary shone brightest: Rajeev Samant, the ingenious founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards. Recognised with the prestigious Indian Wine Industry Leader and Champion Award, Samant’s visionary contributions were hailed as foundational to India’s burgeoning wine industry.
The Awards Night, a glamorous affair held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, brought together 600 luminaries from the spheres of wine, hospitality, global trade, and winemaking. It was a toast not just to the winning elixirs but also to the resilience and innovation propelling India’s wine industry forward.
The esteemed panel of 20 jury members, led by Sonal C. Holland MW, donned their consumer hats in a blind-tasting spectacle, meticulously evaluating each wine on a 100-point score sheet. This rigorous process aimed to reflect the tastes and preferences of the discerning Indian consumer.
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Celebrating A Growing Wine Culture
The winners’ circle was an illustrious ensemble, boasting 79 gold and 110 silver winners, with 30 crowned as the Best in Show. The Best in Show accolades were diverse, featuring multiple categories and often leading to tough decisions, evident in some nail-biting two- or three-way ties.
Adding to the allure of the awards was the debut of IndiaWineAwards’ 50 Best Places to Drink 2023, a digital compendium celebrating the establishments crafting impeccable drinking experiences across India. Topping this prestigious list was Mumbai-based Americano, a testament to the city’s vibrant wine and dining culture.
The Best In Show At India Wine Awards 2023
The India Wine Awards 2023 were not merely a celebration of wines but a testament to India’s growing influence and stature in the global wine landscape.
- Best Champagne: Taittinger Brut Réserve, Champagne, Non Vintage (France)
- Best Indian Sparkling Wine: York Sparkling Rosé Brut, 2020
- Best International Sparkling Wine: Villa Sandi II Fresco Prosecco Millesimato Rose DOC, 2021 (Italy)
- Best International Sparkling Wine: Gramona, La Cuvee, Brut Gran Reserva, 2017 (Spain)
- Best International White Wine – Pinot Grigio: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, 2021 (Italy)
- Best Indian White Wine – Chenin Blanc: Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc, 2023
- Best International White Wine – Riesling: St. Urbans-Hof, QbA, Riesling “OLD VINES”, 2021 (Germany)
- Best International White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc: Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 (New Zealand)
- Best Indian White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc: The Source Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, 2023
- Best Indian White Wine – Chardonnay: Fratelli Master Selection White, 2023
- Best International White Wine – Chardonnay: Tormaresca Pietrabianca Castel del Monte DOC, 2022 (Italy)
- Best International White Wine – Indigenous: Michele Chiarlo ‘Rovereto’ Gavi di Gavi, 2021 (Italy)
- Best International Rosé Wine: Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Rosé, 2021 (Italy)
- Best International Red Wine – Pinot Noir: Domaine Chanson Gevrey-Chambertin, 2014 (France)
- Best International Red Wine – Sangiovese: San Felice Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, 2017 (Italy)
- Best Indian Red Wine – Sangiovese: Fratelli Wines ‘Sette’, 2022
- Best International Red Wine – Indigenous: Buena Vista Winery Legendary Badge Limited Edition Petite Sirah, 2020 (USA)
- Best International Red Wine – Blends: Bottega II Vino Degli Dei Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, 2017 (Italy)
- Best International Red Wine – Blends: M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine, 2016 (France)
- Best International Red Wine – Blends: Tenuta Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore, 2019 (Italy)
- Best Indian Red Wine – Shiraz: Vallonne Vineyards Syrah Reserve, 2021 (India)
- Best International Red Wine – Shiraz: Metala White Label Langhorne Creek Shiraz, 2021 (Australia)
- Best Indian Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon: Vallonne Vineyards Anokhee Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve, 2019 (India)
- Best International Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon: Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Collection Reserve Speciale Pauillac, 2020 (France)
- Best International Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon: Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 (Australia)
- Best International Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon: Viña San Pedro Sideral, 2020 (Chile)
- Best Indian Wine in a Can: Dia White Wine Sparkler by Sula Vineyards, 250 ML (India)
- Best Sake: Masumi Sanka Junmai Daiginjo Sake (Japan)
- Best Sake: Born ‘Gold’ Junmai Daiginjo Sake (Japan)
- Best Sake: Gekkeikan Nigori Sake (Japan)
These winners across various categories were the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistry in the world of wines and sakes, showcasing exceptional quality and variety.
Cover Image Courtesy: Press Release
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