“My wines are like my little babies,” said the celebrated winemaker Tommaso Cavalli and the oldest son of iconic Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who recently showcased wines from his prestigious house of Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei titled “Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei 2006” and “Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei 2007 at Varq at Taj Mahal, in association with Aspri Spirits in the capital recently.
The bond between Tommaso Cavalli and his land located near the charming village of Panzano in the heart of Chianti, Italy originated the true passion that has taken shape in the form of the estate owned by the family since the early seventies. “The property where we produce our wines belongs to my father, which we started 40 years ago. I was very young and used to go there during weekends and summers. I got attracted to this site on this countryside. After completing my studies, I decided to go there to follow my passion. Infact I moved to Panzano in 1989, which became my first passion and my first work. Later, I discovered the passion of producing wines and so we planned a first vineyard in the year 2000,” he said.
The Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei wines captures the senses, harmonising the aromas of aromatic herbs, balsamic overtones and fruit with balanced acidity. About the wine culture in India, Tommaso said, “I think knowledge of wine is growing in India. My rich red wines combine well with the typical spicy Indian food. After getting a good response from Mumbai, it is a good opportunity to launch it here in Delhi as well. The price of the bottle may make some raise their eyebrows, but then it is for the high-end clients. India is ready for this luxury brand. A lot of Indians keep travelling abroad and they have sipped this drink. It is travel and exposure to other cultures that has also given a boost to the wine industry here. So, it’s good that it is now available in their country. Wine-n-cheese events and wine dinners are no more rare treat,” he feels.
While the ultra premium designer vodka is more connected to his father’s name, he connects with the wines to the core. “This is my young project, which is very niche and quality wine. It has limited production — only 25,000 bottles. I wasn’t ready for the wine. I accepted it and slowly we’re approaching newer markets,” he shared
With the new emergence of wine cocktails, he disagrees with the idea of blending wine with any other flavour. “It’s just about mixing the drink according to your palate. But in my opinion, it’s not really good to experiment with wine. Basically, people do it with sparkling or not so fine wine. To enjoy the taste of the wine to its best, you need to enjoy it pure.”
His suggestion to wine lovers, “Many a time, the first impression after opening a glass of wine is not right. The taste of wine is like one entire life. To get the real opinion about the wine, one needs to wait till the end of the bottle to feel its essence,” he sums up.
The award-winning Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei wines
are available at Hotel The Taj Mahal, Delhi.
Priced at `5,700