MUMBAI(Commodity Online): Which are the best wines available in India? With the Indian market flooded with domestic and imported wines, it might be difficult for the average consumer to answer. Once the Sommerlier India Wine Competition (SIWC) gets going in December, may be consumers may have a fair idea.

The SIWC held in association with The Wine Society of India is organised for the first time in Mumbai on 19 & 20 November 2009 at the ITC Grand Central, Mumbai. SIWC is an Indian competition created by Indians, and judged by the best Indian palates for the benefit of the Indian consumer, the orgnaisers said.

The objectives of the competition are to provide an independent forum where domestic and imported wines available in India can bejudged and rated by an independent panel of wine experts.

The provision of bottle-stickers showing the award received will provide easy recognition and identification of the winning wines. This will give the Indian consumer an easy-to-understand reference guide to what arethe best wines available in the Indian market in order to make better buyingdecisions, both at retail as well as restaurants.

The distinguished panel of judges is headed by world-renowned wine expert, Steven Spurrier,who knows India well and is the Chairman of The Decanter World WineAwards, the world’s largest wine competition (10,000 labels entered), as well as The Japan Wine Challenge, thelargest wine competition in Asia.
Explore Commodity Online Mobile Services

The judging panel comprises experienced wine tasters andexperts who are knowledgeable and passionate about wine. As an Indian competition for the Indian market, the SIWC panel of judges are predominantly Indian or international wine experts based in India. The wines will be judged‘blind’, ie, the label will not be visible, ensuring that the judging is fairand honest.

SIWC is already being heralded as an India organized world-classwine competition and a transparent platform to advise and guide the Indianconsumer and trade, alike, on wine choices.

“The Indian wine market is flooded with wine brands from allover the world and Indian consumers are looking for a voice that can guide them with their purchases. The Sommelier India Wine Competition gives the Indianconsumer the power to make an informed decision,” said Steven Spurrier.

“SIWC will help consumers decide between the good and thenot-so-good or the good and the excellent, when selecting wine,” said Reva K.Singh, editor of Sommelier India – The Wine Magazine. “An Indian winecompetition is a logical step for a publication dedicated to fostering the wine lifestyle in India and I see SIWC as a force for good in the Indian winemarket.” (IndiaPRWire)