There was a time international alcohol labels got pride of place, locally produced were considered lesser or not just as good. We can safely say now that it was just a phase. Times have changed and the alco-bev scene in India has blown up, with homegrown brands taking the spotlight. With every kind of alcohol produced in the country, consumers are getting experimental and willing to experiment with equally good Indian alcohol brands. Seeing this shift, a few luxury hotel chains introduced their own private alcohol labels, mainly wines–Taj and ITC collaborated with Fratelli, and Pullman New Delhi Aerocity with Grover Zampa. Recently, restaurants have followed suit. We list 4 restaurants that have ventured into private alcohol labels that are produced in India. And they’re making it in such a way that it pairs well with the cuisine served at that restaurant.
1. Ivelle by Yauatcha
There’s another reason to visit Yauatcha, besides its tantalising Pan-Asian food and indulgent desserts. You can now pair your favourite choice of dim sum or noodles and rice with Ivelle, a light and refreshing white wine launched by Yauactha in collaboration with Fratelli. The highlight of Ivelle is the way it is manufactured. The winemakers have managed to grow two German grapes, Müller and Gewürztraminer on Indian soil. There is a certain patch of land found in the Fratelli vineyards which is ideal for growing these grapes. Ivelle has a zesty flavour which comes from the acidity in the Müller grape whereas the Gewürztraminer adds the sweet floral notes, making Ivelle a well-balanced drink. Expect a different drinking experience with every sip of this aromatic wine.
Availability: Ivelle is available in Yauatcha’s Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata outposts
Price: INR 950 per glass; INR 4500 for the bottle
2. CinCin Rosso & CinCin Blush by CinCin
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The Italian restaurant became one of the first restaurants to launch their own private wine label back in 2018. CinCin Rosso is exclusively created by Vallone Vineyards in Igatpuri, Nashik. A blend of Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, the CinCin Rosso is made with the idea of being an approachable and easy-drinking wine with vibrant acidity and fine tannins with aromas of raspberries, red cherries, crushed black pepper, red currants and long lingering finish. In 2021, the restaurant also launched CinCin Blush (again by Vallone Vinyards)–a fruity, floral and easy-drinking rose wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Pair your choice of wine with your favourite Italian dishes on your next visit to CinCin.
Availability: Both wines are only available in CinCin
Price for CinCin Rosso and CinCin Blush: INR 2,950++ for the bottle and INR 650++ by the glass
3. Foo Brew Craft Beer by Foo
If you love the combo of beer and robust Asian flavours, you must try Foo Brew at the Tham Brothers’ Foo or Koko. Being a rice beer, Foo Brew is crisp, light and refreshing, and has a bitter after taste along with a hint of sweetness.
Availability: Foo Brew is available for delivery in growlers of 1 litre with a shelf life of 48 hours and should be stored in refrigeration. It’s best to consume at an optimal temperature, immediately once opened. It is exclusively available at Foo and KOKO, Mumbai.
Price: INR 575 for 500 ml; INR 990 plus taxes for the 1 litre growler
4. Falak Wine by Falak, Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru
Made in collaboration with Grover Zampa Vineyards, the Indian fine dining restaurant, Falak in Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru launched its own wine this year. The complex wine has aromas of red berries and cherries perfumed with floral notes of violets and potpourri roses. Available in two variants, the young Chardonnay and the Cabernet Shiraz have been aged in oak wood barrels for over a year to give them a good structure and well-balanced tasting notes–which makes it ideal for pairing with Indian flavours.
Available at Falak, Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru
Price: INR 4,500 for 750 ml
Heading to Goa any time soon and wondering which homegrown alcohol labels you must buy? Bookmark this list.
