Bringing the Thunder to India

Bringing the Thunder to India – Episode #533

September 4, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk has predicted India will make a big splash on the world wine scene in the next decade, will these 3 wines show that kind of potential?

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Comments on this episode(161) Leave a comment ›

“Very happy for you that you are bringing in information about smaller …” by Adrian aka AnGkEr
“Interesting results you came across. I’m kind of surprised that somet…” by K. Parashar
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Tiger Hill Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz
Chateau d’Ori Cabernet Syrah 2007

Links mentioned in todays episode.

The Thunder Cruise

161 Responses

September 4, 2008

David Dickinson
First! Whew Hoo!
September 4, 2008

Withnail
Kewl!
September 4, 2008

John Farrin
3
September 4, 2008

Solo_jeff
top five, woot!
September 4, 2008

Hinrgman
Great episode again.
thanks Gary
September 4, 2008

pawncop
Holy cow #5 Now to watch the episode!
September 4, 2008

TomW
6? cant believe it
September 4, 2008

Jens
Thanks Gary, finally.
September 4, 2008

Jens
Watch this: http://www.indianwineacademy.com/item_4_242.aspx#
September 4, 2008

CBG
You’re not in India….how do we know thats India?
September 4, 2008

pawncop
Good episode and I continue to enjoy the concept of expanding my palate.

QOTD I am glad for you but my excitement is about the wine.
September 4, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Very!
Great episode – interesting; hope you can follow up with more on India in the future.
September 4, 2008

TomW
Gary, Great show! It really rocks that you are in India. Can you bring back a few hundred cases of the d’ori for the vayniacs? I would be really interested to try out that wine. New adventures. It’s all good…. Nice laid-back feel in the darkness/
September 4, 2008

Hido53
Gary!

Back from vacation and am trying to catch up on the past week and a half of WLTV episodes. Great show! Love the energy! Was wondering what kind of wines India is producing and sure ‘nough, you came through!
Though I’m a Niner fan, I’m actually happy that you’re happy about #4. The Jets certainly are in a better position at QB than the Niners are
September 4, 2008

Michael
Nice show dude, I´m actually starting up a marketing Wineshow next week .. in Europe
September 4, 2008

Jens
Gotta seek out that Chateau d’Ori next February when the family and I find ourselves in India.

Have you tasted the whites from SULA Vineyards, Gary? They are much better than the red you had.
September 4, 2008

Tony V
Uh…Can someone please explain to me what the fascination is with being the first few people to leave a comment. Who cares?? Especially if you don’t even leave a comment at all. I guess I just don’t get it.

QOTD: Good job Gary landing the India trip and #4. But what’s to become of dear ole # 11 ?? Looks like he’ll prob be heading somewhere else…
September 4, 2008

everythingandnothing2
thanks for keeping it honest, Gary…

QOTD: thrilled that you’re so happy about your Jets. Me? Its my favorite season of the year…. college football time! Tailgating with great friends and great wine.. nothing much better!
September 4, 2008

JudeMurphy
See! I’m always quick to comment! haha

- Delighted for you, Gary! Go Jets!
Not sure about the whole asian wine thing…
just don’t want them butting into the European market, making Bordeaux prices ever higher so that I can never taste a Chat. Latour or a Margaux!
September 4, 2008

HuskerJamie
First commenters suck. Looks like an awesome place Gary. Now would you stop teasing us with the secret packs?
September 4, 2008

jason
finally, a postcard from india. good start for sure.
i am sure taking into consideration of the size of india, there must be some good hillsides that can do the job.
the thing that scares me though is a sense of place. why would i buy wine from india that tastes like Ca cab? i want the wine to taste like “india” and no where else
September 4, 2008

Toke-Dawg
QOTD: So lucky. I want to go to India! And it’s about time the Jets found a decent QB.
September 4, 2008

Richard Okimoto
Who wears their socks for a week?? NASTY

Very happy for you about FAVRRREE. I’m even excited about the game Sunday, which is unusual for me.
September 4, 2008

Omallley
Good show Gary!

Your rant at the beginning (about the taxation of exports to protect the local wine market) is the very same thing that was happening in Canada (especially in BC) before free trade. NAFTA opened the country up to much better wine at a much lower price and resulted in *many* vineyards replanting vines from a lot of hybrids to vinifera varieties.

When “old vines” means planted pre-88, you know you’re dealing with a young wine country.
September 4, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Good luck to your Jets, GV!
September 4, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: all I can say is Awesome Dude!!!
September 4, 2008

Adam Teece
QOTD: That’s really awesome you are in India. I just finished reading The World is Flat and have a whole new respect for them. As far as the Jets go though, I suppose I will let you have your little victory.
September 4, 2008

Sarah Newton
Look out for Delhi Belly 2008 Vaynerchuk!
September 4, 2008

Maria M.
Happy for you that you’re in India even happier for my husband about Favre. He’s a die-hard Jets fan here is Eagles land.
September 4, 2008

Paryb
Great show GeeVee This was when you were in India a couple weeks ago though right?

QOTD: I was damn interested to hear about Indian wine. I’m still working on getting you some New Mexico wine, because I love to hear about strange and wild wines coming from other places. As far as Favre? Well at least my Cowboys don’t have to play against him in the season now. Course, we’re going to beat your ass in the superbowl.

Seriously, if the Jets and the Cowboys end up in the superbowl, come to New Mexico, we’ll have a superbowl party to end all superbowl parties, I’ll make ya the best damn enchiladas in the world.
September 4, 2008

Eli2Tyree
QOTD I am happy it allows my boy eli to hide under the radar for a while which is good for my G-MEN
September 4, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Everybody is happy for you. A happy Gary is a fun Gary.
September 4, 2008

J Crazy
Stoked that you could go to India and drink some of her wines. I tried the Reveilo Chenin Blanc a couple of weeks ago and although I wasn’t super impressed I could taste the potential of the country. I’m more excited to see what comes out of India in the next say 5 to 7 years.

About Favre, I’m excited but I’m just wondering if he can run like he used to. Wheelchairs won’t roll that fast on turf. Also, if he takes too many time outs to change his Depends it might hurt the team.
September 4, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
Thrilled you are in India, I don’t think I have watched a football game since the early 70’s so have to pass on feelings for new QB.
September 4, 2008

Marc
QOTD: Lucky you!!
September 4, 2008

BobbyTiger
Although that looked like New Jersey at night, IF you are in India, I’m ok with that. Your the wine guy…………you go where the wine is, (although at this time it apparently is NOT in India.
Sorry Gary……………BobbyTiger doesn’t do football. GO CAPS!!!!!!!
September 4, 2008

Redmeat
Gary Gary Gary….Farve MAY( I stress MAY) get you to the playoffs this year,,,BUT(big Butt),,,,,don’t expect miracles my friend.

Oh…and Gary….Be prepared to get a little coal in your Christmas stocking early this year….because on Dec 21 MY Seattle Seahawks are going to hand you Little Jets a Spanking my friend…I will Put a Bottle of Mark Ryan on it GV!
September 4, 2008

Ashish Kushwaha
Gary! It was equally fun watching this show on-line as it was watching it live in Mumbai Looking forward to our next India trip!

BTW: Did you tell your audience that your main reason for India trip was to pray to the Elephant God and secure Brett Favre!

GO JETS!
September 4, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy!!!!
September 4, 2008

Ryne Nelson
Gary, this episode was definitely one of the most energetic and interesting that I’ve seen. I’ll be watching Farve and the Jets closely this season.
September 4, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Let’s see…”Oh Gary, oh Gary, we’re sooooo happy for you that all your damn dreams are coming true.” Hope is good, dashed hopes are crushing.
September 4, 2008

canadapete
QOTD – love to see you in India. An amazing and beautiful country of shocking contrasts. Don’t really see Favre doing a whole lot for you though, buddy.
September 4, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: Well, I’m glad for you and I hope that the Jets go all the way because it will make for a very interesting next year on WLTV.

–RH
September 4, 2008

Lord Nouda
Wow, India. You’re really seeing the world. Is that because of WL, WLTV or the TC?

QotD: Always very excited when you are in the actual places the wines come from – although a hotel in Mumbai does not directly count (or so I hope ). Keep it real!
September 4, 2008

Bill
Another excellent show. I must admit, though, I like it more when you slam a wine, e.g. the Sula Dindori, than when you praise a wine, e.g the d’Ori. An evocation of the 2 Buck Vaynerchuk classic ep. 212, I guess.

QUOD: Happy about both. May actually get me back into pro-football.
September 4, 2008

SpoiledinCalbyPinot
QOTD: Happy for you that you have Brett, but that is just the quarterback.
Good luck in your division.

India wow, did not know they made wines.
September 4, 2008

Dave Martorana
I spent some time in Mumbai (or Bombay, depending on how stubborn the person you ask and it’s an unbelievable country. For me, total culture shock, and minus my own distaste for curry, a totally fascinating country.

As for the Jets… meh. E-A-G-L-E-S baby! See ya Sunday!
September 4, 2008

Dominus
I love the global shows being the travel aficionado I’d like to become.

QOTD: I am jealous though very happy for you being in India. The Indians I have met are very friendly and an intelligent society.

Good show
September 4, 2008

Matt
Really interesting to know they’re making wines.
September 4, 2008

Robin C
India. Hope you had a chance to do some sight seeing. I’m glad that Brett is doing so well.
September 4, 2008

sam
Good to see that despite the distance, you are still close to home and to what you care so much about (i.e. wine and the vayniacs). I’m sure all your fans are both envious and thankful at the same time. Hope India treated you well. Enjoy your séjour in the East. Looking forward to your return!
September 4, 2008

Yvette W
Egypt, now India, wow, you’ve really expanded our palettes!

QOTD: Happy for both!
September 4, 2008

Matt Trevors
QOTD: I work with an offshore team in Chennai, always wanted to visit. I just hope you had all your shots … Also, I couldn’t be happier for you and the Jets getting Brett; I hope you go 2 – 0 vs. the Pats.. I watched your ustream interview today. Hypothetically, if you actually do get to own the Jets, what would your first roster move be?
September 4, 2008

ScottEJ
Love the dedication.

QOTD: a) Indian food is a top 5 for me, so I’m all about your trip; b) Dude should ride off into the sunset instead of trying too hard to stay relevent. He’s all yours.
September 4, 2008

DogD
Lucky dog! When it rains it pours….and it looks like you’re getting showered with good fortune brethren. Ultimate bad ass situation: Favre guest appearance to try some….I don’t know maybe New York wines out of the Big Ass Glass (BAG)? We need to get the Vaynernation to push Favre to wear the wrist band in a game (would the NFL let him)?
September 4, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice show.

QOTD: I am very excited for you because you brought the walking interception into your fold. He will help you in the regular season because you ground game should be sick with faneca and woody making holes, but favre will do what he does best in the playoffs = end the season on a big int because he takes too many chances.
September 4, 2008

sleh
india yes, farve no
September 4, 2008

Kevin
It will be interesting to see how Favre fits into a new offense after so many years at Green Bay. He has looked good so far in the preseason, but just two years ago Brett look like a disaster.
September 4, 2008

Phil G
Yes, I am excited for you that you were in India. I’d love to check it out one day…

I am worried, however, that #4 won’t be able to get into rhythm in the new offense.
September 4, 2008

Anthony L.
I don’t know about Indian wine. I’ll try it but I won’t expect much
September 4, 2008

Oscar Falcon Lara
QOTD:

Yay for the India Trip… it’s always nice, at least for me, to hear about food and wine from other countries.

Go Jets !
September 4, 2008

Tyler Walker
Didnt even know they made wine in India….thanks for bringing some thunderous info to the memory bank….
September 4, 2008

flamaq
I’m confused, I thought the Favre thing happened already? Is there a delay between taping and release? or Is this episode an anomaly being from India?
September 4, 2008

Kelly Goff
Glad you had fun in India and I can feel the joy about Favre oozing from your being!!
September 4, 2008

pete c
Happy!Happy!
September 4, 2008

tiffanygladson
QOTD: I’m SO happy that you were in India, although I am a bit jealous. I can’t wait to go there myself. And scoring Brett Favre is also pretty cool. I had a crush on him when I was younger.
September 4, 2008

Rowland
Gary i have to disagree with you on the tariff issue. the ‘free market’ doesn’t care about India or anywhere else. if the market had its way, there would only be yellowtail, cause that the cheapest production. you must always remember that wine is basically an agricultural product, if you want any agricultural industry to establish, grow, and flourish, you must protect. If India removed those protections, people like you (no offense) would flood Indian consumers with wine produced more cheaply somewhere else, effectively killing any domestic wine industry. Even France subsides most agriculture. Im facing a similar problem here in the Hudson Valley, New York. Even though one could, in theory, produce top quality wine grapes here, the economic reality is that land is roughly $8-10,000 an acre, and the best wine grapes sell for less than $2,000 a ton, and your not likely to get more than 2 tons per acre; you do that math. that is why most of our wineries use grapes sourced from cheaper growing areas. Even though establishing quality wine production in the valley is a priority for lots of people, unless some form of official protection or subsidization occurs, the invisible hand of the Market will not allow it.

aaah i knew there were people there. you panned Egypt so hard, then said similar things but scored India higher.
September 4, 2008

Rowland
and yea its about time you rolled out some video from india. you told us about it for mad long, but this is the first weve seen of it.
September 4, 2008

Rowland
oh yea and whats the deal? your comming to woodstock on the 20th? gimme the word im right next door, we will throw you a party (me and friends work at the farmers market so lots of awesome local wines, fruit and veggies!).
September 4, 2008

Russ Conklin
As a Packer fan, it was sad to see Brett go, but am happy that he landed on the Jets roster. With their new additions they should have a great season.

Oh yeah, and great episode Gary
September 4, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: It’s cool that you’re going to places like India and Egypt and helping us broaden our wine horizons. As for Favre, I don’t follow football, so…meh.
September 4, 2008

amgryger
I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a bottle of wine from India.
September 4, 2008

Moselman
I think I’m too old to be interested about when Indian wine might be a market influence.

QOTD: We’ll see how Mr. Favre reacts to the new terroir. Many of his vintage have proved to be corked…
September 4, 2008

Andrew D
Excellent

QOTD: excited! India is a fantastic oppurtunity. Have you done much otehr traveling overseas GV? What about checking out some of Australia’s other wine regions…

Andrew
September 4, 2008

LittleJonnyH
Happy to see some of the footage from your trip. Did you videotape anything from the vineyards? If so, would love to see some of it posted!

QOTD: I’m pissed that Brett came to the AFC, and is likely going to lead the Jets to steal the Wildcard spot from the Browns
September 4, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: I’m HAPPY for you and your beloved NY Jets. They certainly have to have a much better performance this year than last. Glad you have the opportunity to travel to so many places, meet every person in the world, and spread the thunder.
September 4, 2008

KW
I was recently in Delhi and visited the Taj Mahal. Looks like Mumbai may be nicer than Delhi. The hotel was great – Taj Mahal group.
QOTD: Jets with a winning season! Will they make the playoffs – to be seen…
September 4, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary,

Frankly, I am expanding my palate every day but India is not yet on my list, simply not interesting enough. Too much Portuguese wine (not to mention the other 46 and China) to try before I do India…
September 4, 2008

brorjace
Cool show, I’ve never even seen Indian wine in this country.

QOTD: Pretty old, i’ll answer nonetheless. Favre is better than Pennington but its not going to matter much, 8 wins, tops.
September 4, 2008

nickelanddimer
Where in India are these wines grown?
September 4, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: thats awsome im happy for like a man can be happy for a cold beer on a hot night
September 5, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I’m quite certain that I’ve never seen Indian wines except at the casinos.
I guess I’m happy for your getting to go to India. Hey, why not?
Now look for wines grown by Native Americans. Less expensive trip and shorter travel tim.
September 5, 2008

Dustin
Great episode Gary!
September 5, 2008

Ben
QOTD: India seems cool but when are we going to Dubai?

And who are the jets? sorry i dont watch basketball
September 5, 2008

B. Moore
Gary,

Haven’t seen any Indian wines here in Chicago, but will make sure that I keep my eyes open.

QOTD – As a life long Packer fan and shareholder, living in Bear country, I couldn’t be happier for your Jets. With a back like Jones & the receiving group you have, I expect a great year out of Favre as does my Fantasy team.
September 5, 2008

Paul V
QOTD:
I’m thrilled you’re (were) in India. I would love to visit someday.
Football on the other hand – I really enjoy watching the games, but I just can’t get into following the sport all that much. I dunno. I’m happy YOU’RE happy.

Great show today. I can’t wait to see the rest of the India videos.
September 5, 2008

jsrassat
Stoked. Looks like you’re enjoying everything. And as always, great to hear of wines that would normally just slip under the radar. Cheers!
September 5, 2008

Big D
Gary,
I’ve been to Mumbai a couple of times and I did not care for the experience. Before going you need to make sure your immunizations are up to date and even then you must be very careful of what and where you eat. I fly for an airline and several crew members have come down with various unique maladies including intestinal parasites. The drive from the airport to the hotel is a real eyeopener. Every time the hotel van stops or even slows down it is mobbed by beggars knocking on the windows for money. The divide between the haves and have-nots in India is a gaping chasm that makes the US look great in comparison. The streets are full of people, many of whom live on the street and defecate in the gutters of the main roads. It is a vibrant country that is booming but it is not for me. The Cab Shiraz sounds like a good start but one wine doesn’t make an industry.
September 5, 2008

thehit
@Big D,

World travel isn’t for everyone, and clearly not for you.

Gary, keep us updated on Indian vino!
September 5, 2008

vibemore
India, cool.

QOTD: I have twin sisters who were adopted from India and I would love to share some Indian wine with them.
QOTD2: It is strange not seeing Favre in a Packers uniform. Then again, I’m glad to see him out of the NFC as he kept beating up our Seahawks. Good luck to you on Sunday.
September 5, 2008

Shawn_944
Hey Gary, awesome show all though the first two wines were duds, but I guess that is how it rolls, keepin it real right!

QOTD: However not an NFL fan, I am excited cause your excited and I envy you for you trip to India
September 5, 2008

Eduardo
I have a question of the day for you: Where is the place that doesn´t have wine in the world? or better: Where´s the place that can never have wine in the world. Otherwise is just matter of time and wait in patience….right?
Second question: What kind of music do you hear? Please listen to this: Avantasia – Lay all your love on me (ABBA cover of corse) See ya in Argentina!
September 5, 2008

Fatdoi
err….. don’t give a hoot about usa ‘football’……. i follow the english league….
September 5, 2008

Brian I.
Tar, week old socks, gasoline on the hands?…….did they run it through a REFINERY rather than a winery ? I’m glad I wasn’t tasting that so called wine. Was the hazmat symbol not on the label ?

B.
September 5, 2008

Tim Wiseman
Great episode Gary, super glad that you got to visit India. I really want to try the Chateau d’Ori…
September 5, 2008

orie0704
Good on you for getting out here/there. Just got back from India a couple of days and had some appalling wines, but I agree, there are occasional surprises…
September 5, 2008

Chippewamike
Great episode! Very happy for you to be in India giving us the lowdown on their wines! Happy also that the Jets got Favre and that he is no longer in the “NFC Norris Division”. The Lions are happy to see him go elsewhere.
September 5, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
Answer to QOTD: I’m very glad you can be our pointman for scoping out wines in India–that’s not a place I thought would be a player at all in this arena. As for Brett Favre, I like the guy, and could give the Jets a spark. I, however, am a Giants fan, so the Jets still get the thumbs-down from me.
September 5, 2008

Dan
QOTD: I’m going to say I’m 312 happy for you on a scale of 1 to 328 points… That’s pretty happy really. If someone were to give me an open ticket anywhere in the world – India would be my destination.

Favre should be nicknamed the Oakmonster I think… he creeps in and dominates both the field, the media and the hype wherever he goes. Some people love the Oakmonster some people hate him but everyone knows he’s there.

Favre for Oakmonster 2008

I think India may explode on the world market (not just wine but economically, socially, etc.) after China swells and calms down a little and it’d be great to see a solid wine effort out of them in the international markets. India is a sleeping giant for sure. A little nan and a bottle of wine sounds like a good time to me.

Cheers
September 5, 2008

italianwinelover
I have never ran into a wine from India – thanks for opening up my pal again!!!!

QOTD: To be happy for someone else is truly the best way to your own happiness! Hope your football predictions pan out!!! You Rock!
September 5, 2008

IPBrian
Wish I was in India…

QOTD: Super redonkulously happy!
September 5, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: I am very happy for you Gary! Cool episode
September 5, 2008

Clayton Havens
QOTD: Your making me sick to return to India… I spent 2 weeks Jaipur last year and loved it. My hosts were wine fanatics so I got the chance to try the same wines you did. Definitely ‘young’ wines but I could so see the potential of India being the next Australia I can’t wait until I see more wines from India in the states. And I so can’t wait to see Brett blow out the Dolphins on Monday night.
September 5, 2008

Glen.... (winecrazy.com)
Homey…. you’re one wild and crazy guy!!!! India huh!. Nice.

You look tired homey. I’m starting to worry about you. Maybe it was late and you had jet lag…???

I think that you being in India is a great thing and I’m happy you can do things like this. You are having fun and that’s really what lifes about.

As far as the Jets go….. you know I don’t follow the sports thing. But I will kick yo’ a** in pool whenevea yo’ ready to loose…..

You do play pool don’t you?
September 5, 2008

Lb in KS
qotd…. i’ll be even MORE happy on 10/26 when Herm goes back and releases the youngins’ onto brett favray
September 5, 2008

wayno da wino
That Chateau d’Ori sounded like an interestin’ Vino !!

QOTD: Yo G, I’m soooooo Happy for Ya, I can’t stand it……Happy…
Happy…Haaaaaaappy…Happy…Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaapeeeeeeeee…..
September 5, 2008

Jerry Bob
Stoked!
September 5, 2008

J Dubb
QOTD: I am a Favre fan as well as a Green Bay fan. I still can’t believe Brett Favre of all people was not welcomed back with open arms not to mention not welcomed back in Green Bay! Are you kidding me?!?!?!

Anyway, the Jets got a hell of a QB, I just wish I was going to be able to see more games. Living in Minnesota I will not be able to catch too many on TV. I still haven’t decided if I am going to buy a jersey, although buying a Jets jersey is going to be easier than if Favre would have ended up here with the Vikings.
September 5, 2008

thefaamakesmedrink
Gary,

If you want the J-E-T-S (Jets, Jets, Jets) to make the post season, just do what I do. Schedule one creampuff after another after another after another.

Regards,

Jim Tressel

P.S. Could you ask the Vayniacs in Souther California to ask Pete Carroll to call off the dogs next Saturday at some point? These Ohio State cranks ACTUALLY BELIEVE I’m a good coach and I don’t wan’t that ruined. Thanks!
September 5, 2008

Scott Breffle
Gary, I think its great you visited India. I was there several years ago (Mombai, Goa, and Delhi) and was facinated by it, so I’m also a little envious too.

I’ve had the Sula Shiraz at a restaurant here in SF (Dosa in the Mission), and, yeah, let’s just say I havent been aching to try it again. I agree with you that isolation through high tariffs or for other reasons will not help your wineries get better. South Africa under aparthied versus now is a good case study.
September 5, 2008

Sassodoro
Interesting show, Gary. I’d like to hear more about the wine scene in India,
September 5, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Pretty cool your in India.
QOTD: The Jets still have a football team?
September 5, 2008

DAve A
India!? Wine?! wow. I would not have guessed! Interesting show. Like watching the Discovery channel. haha. No place I’ll be going to, but interesting.

Hey, contact Craig Ferguson and do a show with him. He’s a recovering alcoholic, so will need to spit with you. haha. You two would ignite the skies together!

Come back, Gary , to wines we can purchase !!! smile.
September 5, 2008

Jay
It’s hard for me to enjoy this episode after a terrible season opener for the Skins… God, they looked bad. Get the ball in Cooley’s hands.
September 5, 2008

barrelmonkey
QOTD: Very happy!

Nice show, Gary. I’ve been to India many times, but never had wine there. I’m glad one of the bottles you tried brought some thunder!
September 5, 2008

Derek F.
QOTD: Very excited that we now have a thunder show taped in India, thanks for that bro…very cool.
As far as the jets go…I am very happy for there new addition, I wish them all the luck with the up coming season, I think it will be much better then last year.
September 5, 2008

Oakmon's BF
All right! This is the show I’ve been waiting for since you got back from India.
September 5, 2008

spoon
QOTD: I am stoked that you’re in India! I have been working on getting some Indian wines into my shop lately, so this was a great episode to see today. Keeps me on my toes to look for super cool stuff.

Come back to Oregon!
September 5, 2008

IASHERMAN
Hey Gary:

Pretty cool that you went to India to try those wines. Hopefully, I will get to go there sometime. Bold prediction on the Jets winning the Superbowl. Let’s see if they can get past Miami. It will be a tougher game than one may think. Chad may have his revenge!!

-Ira
September 5, 2008

Connie
Gary – Glad to hear you had a good time in India. It is indeed one of those countries that, if you have an opportunity to go, you should definitely do so. I have never had any Indian wine, so will need to find some around here to try.
September 5, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: That’s awesome that you are in India! It’s one of the places that I want to visit someday.

As for the Jets and Bret Favre? If you’re happy yay, otherwise I have no idea, I don’t follow the sport =P
September 5, 2008

Deano
Gary awesome episode India in the background looks awesome.

QOTD:
-Very happy for you and the Jets
September 5, 2008

CindyW
It was great fun to watch today’s episode. My husband tasted some sauv blanc while he was in India last Spring and remembers chatting with you about the trip when you were in Seattle. He’s been sending the URL to all of his Indian co-workers, and they’re enjoying it.

I’m looking forward to joining Jeff on his next trip, maybe in December or January later this winter. We’ll have to search for some d’Ori while there.
September 5, 2008

David
QOTD – Im stoked for you being in India! But sad about the Gov tax issued you bring up…my wife is Indian and I keep telling her we need to move there and open a wine business, but maybe not…
Farve? Should have stayed a Packer and retired with grace and dignity!
September 5, 2008

Andy
Never knew about Indian wine G ………. Interesting info.
Your Jets are still going to have a hard time .. Farve is washed up..
September 5, 2008

Jeremy
Indian wine is definately an interesting concept. I am taking your advice and trying some wines outside of the napa valley land scape.
I am currently drinking a bottle of Uriah from spring valley vineyard in Washington. It’s a great bottle, and I probably would have passed if not for the show.
Thanks!
September 5, 2008

Damon
Indian wine is an up and comer for sure. Great Episode.
Try Virginia and North Carolina Wines, They are up and comers too!
Word Gary Veeeeeanerrrrrchuuuckxy
September 5, 2008

Slushpuppy
In your dreams!
Smell it first.
September 5, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
I’m happy for you and for me that you are in India. I’m sure you are having a great time, and I hope that down the road I will get to try some good wines from India as a result of your trip.
September 5, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Very nice ep and good luck with the Jets winning the SB.
September 5, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: Great trip huh?! Good for u on Farve, Steelers first though.
September 6, 2008

The Tasting Note - Peter Wood
QOTD – Thrilled to bits for you about the Jets thing, envious of the India part!
September 6, 2008

Kirk (aka: Slave2thevine)
QOTD: I am very happy that you are out in India trying some local wines…any time our industry gets further exposure it’s great. As for Bret…I’m very happy for you and I certainly hope that you get your day in the sun when they play the Giants.
September 6, 2008

M
My son has Brett Favre on his Fantasy Football team but he’s starting Drew Brees this weekend.
September 6, 2008

Karl Laczko
I have the basic Sula shiraz, so your description of the Reserve is not filling me with confidence!

QOTD – I am happy for you Gary, plus you made it out alive without getting any serious stomach bugs or mosquito bites (I’ve been to India, that’s no mean feat!).
September 6, 2008

BargePlus
Keep these on-location episodes coming!!!!!! Really enjoy having an eye on the rest of the world.
September 6, 2008

Matt W
QOTD: Happier that you’re in India. I think you are right in that there is huge potential, but isn’t the majority population in India non-alcohol drinking Muslim?
September 6, 2008

Susan
Gary- India???????????????????? WOW!!! Glad to see you are in Mumbai !!!! Great Stuff!!! Can’t wait to try wine from India……………….
September 6, 2008

Mike L
Hey! Give us our QB back!

I hope Favre does great things this year. As a Packer fan, I miss him, but I consider it a bonus that he’s still playing and the Aaron Rodgers era can begin.

QOTD: I’m insanely jealous that you’re in Mumbai but happy that you get to travel the world, that’s the fruit of a lot of labor and love. You earned those miles. Keep up the awesome work.
September 7, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I am happy that you had a chance to be in India, but I am not happy that Brett Favre is a Jet, since I am a Packer fan.
September 7, 2008

Tyler RM
QOTD: Excited, but I don’t think that I’ve seen any Indian wine available in my area wine shops.
September 7, 2008

Shiv Singh
Gary, I enjoyed the episode especially because it was focused on India. I’m glad you drawing attention to the Indian wines and the challenges faced over here. The market is definitely young (as was the US market 30 years ago) but there’s a lot of excitement both on the wine producing and the consuming front. Everyday more and more Indians are taking to wine and are trying wines from all over the world.

For those interested in learning more about the Indian wine scene visit the blog of Sommelier India – The Wine Magazine. We’re India’s first and only magazine dedicated to wine. We’d love your feedback!
http://www.sommelierindia.com/blog/
September 7, 2008

Shiv Singh
By the way, Indian wines are available in the States. For example, you’ll find Sula, Grover and Chateau Indage in most Indian restaurants and some retail outlets in New York. The retail shop in Curry Hill carries Indian wine.
September 8, 2008

Rick O'Shea
I wish my local wine store stocked Indian wines. Oh..and I also wish my state would allow me to receive wine by mail. Guess I’ll have to go to India myself.
September 8, 2008

Colin Komar
QOTD: Awesome show from India! I am so jealous! Congrats to the Jets for scoring Brett and congrats on your first win yesterday!
September 8, 2008

JayZee
Nice show – I’ve certainly never had wine from India before. Intriguing possibilities though.

QOTD: Well, you WERE in India and I don’t care about YOUR New York Jets. But congrats on your opening win and on the hated Patriots losing Brady for the season.
September 8, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
QOTD: PUMPED that you “were” in India, and the Jets have and always will suck…signing Favre will not change that.
September 9, 2008

Manidipa
Writing in from India to say thanks! Also…

@Matt W: No, the majority population in India is NOT Muslim
September 9, 2008

Tobias
Very happy on your behalf, as you should be when in India, because it’s en excellent place to be. May your stay not be too short.
September 9, 2008

James B
Hey Gary

Great episode, “for lack of a better word….was poor” had me ROFL.

QOTD…..I’m not happy your in India because I’m JEALOUS!! =) I’m happy that your happy about Favre tho.
September 10, 2008

Frank
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……ahum…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
September 14, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Q-Better you in India than me, Brett’s no spring chicken anymore…good luck.
September 14, 2008

Dan-o
Good show – glad that the last wine redeemed the wine in that country.
QOTD – I am happy that you are in India, but I am sure that you would prefer to be in Bordeaux or Toscana!
September 22, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: VERY excited about the temporary relocation of the thunder saddle to Mumbai and I look forward to boosted quality from India soon. Yeah yeah- yay for you and your Favre.
September 22, 2008

Harry
Glad you loved Mumbai, which personally I advise people to avoid, like the Indian wines i’ve tried. Both were dirty and harsh, although there were some beautiful points mixed in. I do love India though (Madras, Trivandurum, even New Dehli were all great, just not a fan of Mumbai after spending 3 weeks there) and am glad you found a well made wine there – I stuck with beer after several terrible wine experiences.
September 28, 2008

Sharon
Hey, your N.Y. Jets were victorious today. I hope they continue to improve (except against the Pats, of course). I watched a bit of the game today and couldn’t figure out why they were wearing blue and gold uniforms.
October 10, 2008

yowens
I didnt realize how far behind I was on episodes until today when you starting talking about just aquiring Favre! QOTD: Very excited, hope you had a great time
December 1, 2008

Kristen
Glad you could spotlight Indian wines. I read about some of your comments in a Time article on Indian wine:

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1642444_1857084_1857081,00.html

QOTD: Very happy.
January 21, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Very happy for you that you’re in another part of the world. It has to be amazing to soak in another culture. Enjoy every moment. Couldnt care less about Farve, though. Hate his guts. Im sure you do now, too, after he become a INT throwing robot this season.
May 1, 2009

K. Parashar
Interesting results you came across. I’m kind of surprised that something like Chateau D’Ori could come out of India this soon. It always seemed to me that the biggest thing about wine in India hasn’t been about people not knowing how to make great wine, but about the buying constituent preferring certain ranges — Sula’s blushes/roses are popular in _India_ for a reason, after all. The market in India has much more experience and exposure when it comes to beer, rum, and gin than they do with wine.

I was kind of curious on one thing, though, and that is the matter of wine pairing with Indian food. I’ve often found that wines that have a whole lot of complexity and a whole lot going on tend to be a bit too much when taking Indian food (particularly North Indian dishes which are cut with cream/butter) because the food itself is loaded with a pretty complex web of flavors and aromas, both in terms of spices and in terms of aromatics like onions, garlic, etc. Maybe it’s just me and my palate not having the strength to take it all on the chin. Similarly, high alcohol is generally not preferable to me with the food of certain regions in India (particularly areas like Andhra or Goa). Mainly because there’s a lot more use of pure heat in the food, and high alcohol makes that heat just burn. I don’t like more than 12% alcohol content with Indian food, save for desserts. Acid is fine, and generally a good thing for heavier, richer North Indian dishes (which you’ll run across in restaurants but less so in homemade “grandma” stuff), but then a lot of South Indian dishes tend to have their own strong acid component through the use of tamarind, lemon/lime, yogurt/buttermilk, and I find that that the acidity of most any wine gets squashed in the face of that.

Some South Indian dishes are comparatively simple and more or less water-based, and then you can get away with more complex wines to complement them, but even then, it’s still always a challenge to find something that works. A few local restaurants I’ve found will actually take common South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa and in order to get a good wine pairing, they have to take a hacksaw to the food and remove many aspects of the base recipe and the way it’s served and you end up with a poor facsimile of the food just so that you can get a decent white to go with it. Personally, I’d prefer a substandard wine that pairs well with good food than substandard food that pairs well with a good wine.

Comparatively speaking, beer is easy to work in, and it’s probably because its primary angle is bitterness, botanicals, and floral notes. Medium-hoppy lagers almost always work well with North Indian foods of any type, though I might lean a little towards strong ales for South Indian, maybe even porters with certain items popular in Goa and West Bengal. Although there are plenty of beautiful wines for pairing with Indian desserts, particularly since many of them are nut-based or dairy-based, the big thing is that whether it’s wine or beer, it always seems like you get the biggest bang if you focus on bringing out qualities of the sweets more so than qualities of the beverage you’re drinking.

I’d love to see you do a show on wine pairing with Indian food. It seems like so many people refer to it as sort of the “Everest” of food-wine pairings.

@Matt W : Muslim population in India is the 3rd largest in the world at about 150 million people, but they’re only about 13% of the population, with about 80+% being Hindu. I’d also add that a measurably large section of the Muslim population who stayed in India and didn’t head into Pakistan with the split actually did so because they wanted to avoid prospects of Sharia and lead a less religiously-ruled lifestyle. As such, it’s not that unusual (though not common) for even Muslims within India to be okay with drinking alcohol, as they are effectively “moderate” Muslims.
July 19, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
Very happy for you that you are bringing in information about smaller wine producing countries to the masses.