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R.C. Rajamani

Australia boasts a rich heritage in wine making and has over 1,600 wineries, which use over 1,000 varieties of grapes, to ensure that the country produces a wine for every cuisine.

Have you ever felt apologetic about drinking wine? Don't. Wine drinking is part of diplomatic culture and associated with sophistication and sociability. The remarkable thing about wine is that it can be made at home or at multinational factories.

Of late, wine, in moderate doses, is recommended on health grounds, with researchers finding that the French who drink red wine in greater quantity than most other nationals, have a higher percentage of good cholesterol in their blood and thus run a reduced risk of cardiac diseases.

Though many countries produce wine, the drink is associated more with France and its famous vineyards. Nevertheless, each country's wine has its own flavour and finesse. Australia, for example, has emerged as a leading producer of wine in recent times.

Many of Australia's leading wines were on display at India's Food and Wine Show held recently in New Delhi. As the Australian High Commissioner, Penny Wensley, put it, "The Australian wine industry is providing an exciting range of full-flavoured elegant wines not only to wine connoisseurs but to the expanding and emerging wine markets." The Australian wine industry has now matured with a global focus, and a significant presence in world markets. Australian wine makers have much to offer India, in terms of supplying wine, down to collaboration in the cultivation of grapes (viticulture) and the science of winemaking.

David Dean, Marketing Manager of the Australian Wine Export Council, was present during the show where a number of Australian companies were represented. These included established companies such as Hardys, Jasmine Wines and Australasian Wine Exporters, as well as emerging producers including Osborn, Mountford, Annvers, Turramurra Estate, Merum and Hungerford Hill wineries.

With a rich heritage in wine making, Australia has over 1,600 wineries, and is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world. In the year ended October 2003, Australian global wine exports were valued at A$2.43 billion. The show provided a valuable opportunity for the Indian wine Industry representatives to learn more about the Australian wine industry and sample a range of fine Australian wines.

When asked why New Delhi was chosen for the venue, Elizabeth Sullivan, Trade Councilor, Australian High Commission, said, "Hotel purchasing policies are often made in Delhi. That is a good enough reason for the city being the venue." This was the second show held by the organisers in New Delhi, focusing on the wine industry. She added that Australia showcased a broad spectrum of wine varieties including the fruit driven fresh Sauvignon Blancs and complex Chardonnays to elegant Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignon and, of course, Australia's internationally recognised variety Shiraz.

Australia has over 1,000 varieties of grapes, which means that there is an Australian wine for every conceivable type of cuisine. "As a result of the show, some of the wineries are now in discussion with both importers and hotels to have these wines available to the Indian public," said Elizabeth.

She suggested three components for increasing wine consumption in India.

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Heady business Down Under

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