Meaning ‘season’ in Sanskrit, Ritu not only captures the beauty of the different seasons in exotic India but is also a prism through which the circle of life is viewed . The vibrant dance of a springtime harvest The wondrous joy of a summer night spent under starlit skies The sheer exhilaration that greets the first monsoon showers or The festive cheer that lights up the country at the onset of winter… To each Ritu, there is a unique experience. Enjoy the experience of unraveling the heart, body and soul of this unique Indian wine story. Journey into the incredible land called India From magnificent forts to ethereal palaces, the landscape of India is dotted with a mixture of its roots and its western influences. Home to ancient civilisations, historic trade routes and vast empires, India is a melting pot of diverse cultures, art, festivities & the delicious array of cuisines. India’s winemaking history dates back to 4th Millennium BC Referred to as “Somarasa” during the Vedic period, wine was a part of social & religious drinking, festivals and celebrations till the medieval period. Viticulture was believed to have been introduced by Persian traders sometime in the 4th millennium BC. In the centuries that followed, wine became the privileged drink of the noble class; later India experienced fine wines from the royal vineyards when early European travelers graced the Mughal courts. In the 16th century the Portuguese and the British colonists further encouraged the wine drinking culture in India. The Indian wine industry was reaching a peak when phylloxera made its way to country and devastated its vineyards by the end of the 19th century. Artifacts found at the sites of Harappan Civilization Today, India is emerging as a new tropical wine producing region offering fine wines that are young, fresh and fruity. The picturesque Sahyadri Valley The cradle of Ritu The Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri, is a mountainous range along the west coast of India’s ancient peninsula and has a rich and intriguing history. Over time, Sahyadri has witnessed numerous climatic changes that helped shape the soils and geology of the hills; it is classified as the world’s ten ‘newest biodiversity hotspots’. Besides its breathtaking beauty, these hills are endowed with perfect natural conditions for nurturing the French varieties of wine grapes. It is in this grape heaven that the exquisite range of Ritu finds its roots. Terroir The Sahyadri valley forms an ideal terroir for grape growing: Iron rich gravelly soil with good drainage Mild weather throughout the year Controlled yield ensures concentration of aromas and a well-rounded structure on the palate; lends a distinct identity to each wine. The legacy of United Spirits Limited (part of the UB Group) United Spirits Ltd (USL) - the spirits and wine arm of the UB Group is the largest spirits company in the world by volume and has a global footprint with exports to over 37 countries. Besides Whyte & Mackay and Bouvet-Ladubay being 100% subsidiaries of USL, the company has 21 millionaire brands in its portfolio and is the undisputed market leader in India. The UB Group’s varied businesses United Spirits' brands have won the most prestigious awards for flavors, ranging from Mondial to International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) to International Taste & Quality Institute (ITQI); more than 165 awards & certificates. The Company is known to be an innovator in the industry and has several firsts to its credit: first pre-mixed gin, the first Tetrapack in the spirits industry in India, first single malt manufactured in Asia and the first diet versions of whisky and vodka in India. www.theubgroup.com www.unitedspirits.in Ritu wines – the latest offering from the Group As an export initiative, Four Seasons Wines Ltd. (part of USL) crafts the Ritu varietal and reserve wines for international markets. Currently Ritu wines are available in the United Kingdom, France and Japan with plans to expand further. Four Seasons Wines Ltd. crafts two brands of wines for the Indian market: - Four Seasons: Flagship brand & - Zinzi: Fun and easy drinking wine Four Seasons – India’s most awarded wine range Our Award Cabinet SOMMELIER INDIA WINE COMPETITION 2009 GOLD Four Seasons Viognier White wine SILVER Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc White wine BRONZE Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2008 Red Wine COMMENDED Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Red Wine COMMENDED Four Seasons Blush Wine INDIA WINE CHALLENGE 2010 BEST INDIAN RED WINE Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Red Wine BRONZE Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Red Wine DECANTER ASIA WINE AWARDS 2012 BRONZE Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Four Seasons state-of-the-art winery Nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri Valley in the village of Rotti in Baramati, Maharashtra The UB Group owned Four Seasons winery is modelled on a French château with elements of a palace and has a planned capacity of 1 mn cases. To be surrounded by 300 acres of vineyards when fully developed, the winery is soon to become a centre for wine tourism. With 14 suites, a large party deck overlooking the vineyards, a swimming pool, a restaurant, vinotherapy spa and a wine tasting room the Four Seasons winery is nothing short of a perfect gateway. This project acts as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the local community by imparting knowledge, sharing technical expertise with the farmers and generating both direct & indirect job opportunities for the people of Baramati. Technologically advanced with latest winemaking equipment imported from France & Italy Barrel Room French oak barriques used to mature the Reserve wines. Maturing and ageing in oak gives the wines added complexity while at the same time smoothing out the tannins. Grape Bunch sorting Grapes are sorted under strict quality control guidelines. Inertis Press This machine presses the wine grapes in the gentlest manner possible and in oxygen free conditions which ensures a quality wine. Bottling Line The bottling line is imported from Italy and has a speed of 2500 bottles per hour. It is fully automated ensuring hygiene and quality control at each stage of cleaning, filling, closing and labeling. Fermentation Hall The fermentation tanks are all temperature controlled which is vital for quality winemaking in hot countries. A connoisseur and his creation Mr. Abhay Kewadkar – Business Head and Chief Winemaker of USL, Wines holds the distinction of being one of the first Indian winemaker who has shaped the country’s commercial wine industry in a large way since its independence. His proficiency was further perfected during his stints at various French companies like Champagne Mumms, Champagne Veuve Cliquot and Barton& Guestier among others. In 1998, he also worked alongside Mr. Michel Rolland from Bordeaux, deemed to be one of the best consultants on wines. Today he personally crafts the wines produced at Four Seasons and makes sure they complement the global palate. The French connection In 2006 the UB Group made headlines by being the first Indian company to acquire a premium French winery Bouvet-Ladubay and enter the wine business in India. Situated in Saumur in the breathtaking Loire Valley, Bouvet-Ladubay boasts of a heritage of one hundred and sixty years and is world renowned for its “methode traditionnelle” sparkling wines. Associated with luxury, class and sophistication Bouvet has won around 340 awards in the last three decades alone. Four Seasons and Bouvet-Ladubay work closely today, sharing techniques and collaborating on ideas to create and perfect new blends of Indian wines that suit the international palate. The enchanting range of Ritu The Ritu range of varietal and reserve wines are a fine representation of the Indian terroir. The varietal range of wines are fruit forward and styled to suit the diversity of global cuisine. The premium range of Barrique Reserve Collection are made in limited batches and undergo a nine month maturation in French oak barriques that lends these wines a subtle complexity and good structure. Our award cabinet Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2012 Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2009 Blush Blush (paired with Chicken Tikka) Viognier (paired with Pad Thai) What Food, What Wine? 2012 3 Star Blush (paired with Chicken Tikka Masala) Wine Style Asia Award 2011 Bronze Viognier Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2010 Bronze Bronze Viognier Sauvignon Blanc Snapshot: Ritu Portfolio Mapping Ritu Wine Selection Barrique Reserve Collection Style Grape (s) Alc % Premium oak barreled wine with complex character & good structure Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Still Dry wine (Barrel aged) Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Shiraz (10%) 13% Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2009 Still Dry wine (Barrel aged) Shiraz (87%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Viognier (3%) 13% Varietal Range Available in 3 whites, 1 Blush and 3 reds Viognier Still Dry Wine Viognier 12.5% Sauvignon Blanc Still Dry Wine Sauvignon Blanc 12.5% Chenin Blanc Still Off Dry Wine Chenin Blanc 12.5% Blush Still Off Dry Wine Shiraz, Zinfandel 12.5% Merlot Still Dry Wine Merlot 13% Cabernet Sauvignon Still Dry Wine Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Shiraz Still Dry Wine Shiraz 13% Ritu Barrique Reserve Collection RITU BARRIQUE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 Still Red GRAPES: Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Shiraz (10%) ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 13 % TASTING NOTES: A deep purple-red colour with a complex aroma profile that has a good expression of crushed blackcurrant, and a touch of spice on the nose. On the palate it is richly fruity with notes of vanilla and a touch of mint. Good concentration of well integrated soft tannins and a pleasant lingering finish. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 18° - 20° C. A fine wine to go with fine cuisine like slow roasted ham, tenderloin, rack of lamb and oven roasted vegetables. Mature cheeses like comté, beaufort and abondance also pair well with this wine. Ready to drink now but connoisseurs will realise that this wine will age well over 5 years. WINEMAKING: Selection of quality grapes from our oldest, controlled yield vineyards. Long fermentation of about 3 weeks ensures good extraction of structured tannins which are further complemented by maturation in French oak barrels for about 9 months. The final blend is crafted so that there is a good balance between fruit and oak. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Reverse Tapered Bordeaux Bottle Closure: Natural Cork Pack size: 750 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml): 260mm (l)* 170mm (b) * 355 mm (h) RITU BARRIQUE RESERVE SHIRAZ 2009 Still Red GRAPES: Shiraz (87%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Viognier (3%) ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 13 % TASTING NOTES: A deep inky-red coloured wine that has a plumy depth of ripe blackurrant and some savoury spices on the nose. Intense smoky and earthy flavours on the palate. Has the true richness of Shiraz with its spices. Full-bodied and complex. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 18° - 20° C. A fine wine to go with fine cuisine like herbed duck confit, charcuterie, barbequed red meats, wild mushroom ragu and chargrilled vegetables. Mature cheeses like livarot and reblochon also pair well with this wine. Ready to drink now but connoisseurs will realise that this wine will age well over 5 years. WINEMAKING: Selection of quality grapes from our oldest, controlled yield vineyards. Long fermentation of about 3 weeks ensures good extraction of tannins which are further complemented by maturation in French oak barrels for about 9 months. The final blend is crafted so that there is a good balance between fruit and oak. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Reverse Tapered Bordeaux Bottle Closure: Natural Cork Pack size: 750 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml): 260mm (l)* 170mm (b) * 355 mm (h) Ritu Varietal range RITU VIOGNIER Still White * GRAPE: Viognier ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 12.5 % TASTING NOTES: A lovely medium gold colour. Intense perfume of blossom, with delicate hints of white apple, dried apricots and peaches balanced by a hint of spice. Well-rounded with balancing acidity and an attractive lingering finish. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 10 ° - 12° C as an accompaniment to sprout based salads with fruity dressings, or light fish and chicken dishes. Also pairs well with mildly spiced Indian and Asian cuisine. WINEMAKING: Fully ripe grapes grown on warm sunny slopes in the Sahyadri valley are pressed and fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature to retain the aromas of this variety. The wines are then racked, chilled to stabilise and filtered before bottling. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml ): 260mm(l) * 170mm(b) * 335mm(h) * Won the medal for its excellent pairing with Pad Thai RITU SAUVIGNON BLANC Still White GRAPE: Sauvignon Blanc ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 12.5 % TASTING NOTES: A lovely light sunny yellow colour with wonderful aromas of asparagus, gooseberry, melons, green pepper and herbs. A refreshing wine with zesty acidity which carries the ripe taste of the fruit well on the palate. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 8° - 10° C. Makes a perfect aperitif or pair it salads, green vegetables , fish & seafood dishes and strong cheeses. Also pairs well with tomato based sauces and dishes cooked with herbs and vegetables. WINEMAKING: Well matured grapes grown in warm sunny slopes of our vineyards in and around Barmaid are cold pressed, juice settled and fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature. Part of the wine goes through “sur-lie” treatment. The wines are then racked, chilled to stabilise and filtered fine before bottling. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml ): 260mm(l) * 170mm(b) * 335mm(h) RITU CHENIN BLANC Still White GRAPE: Chenin Blanc ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Off Dry; ALC.: 12.5 % TASTING NOTES: An inspiring golden creation with an enticing blend of banana, guava and fresh apples. An easy to drink wine with a balanced and rounded finish. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 8° -10° C as an accompaniment to green salads, light fish and chicken dishes. Also pairs well with mildly spiced Indian and Asian cuisine. WINEMAKING: Fully ripe grapes grown in warm sunny slopes of our vineyards in and around Baramati are pressed, juice settled and fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperature. Care is taken to leave back some residual natural sugar for the off dry style of wine. The wines are then racked, chilled to stabilise and filtered fine before bottling. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml ): 260mm(l) * 170mm(b) * 335mm(h) RITU BLUSH Still Rosé GRAPE: Shiraz, Zinfandel ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Off Dry; ALC.: 12.5 % TASTING NOTES: An attractive salmon-pink wine with a mesmerising bouquet of violets, roses, strawberries and sweet spices. Its crisp acidity with a pleasant, fruity and refreshing taste makes it a fun and youthful wine. * SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 8° - 10° C. Perfect as an aperitif or pair with Indian tandoori dishes, any mildly spiced Asian cuisine or tomato based world cuisine. WINEMAKING: Juice is left with skins for 12 to 24 hours with cold soaking, in order to extract aroma and structure. Juice is then settled and fermented at low temperature. The wines are then racked, chilled to stabilise and filtered fine before bottling. PACKAGING: Bottle: Flint Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml ): 260mm(l) * 170mm(b) * 335mm(h) * Won 2 Bronze medals - one for its excellent pairing with Chicken Tikka & the other in the Rosé wine category RITU MERLOT Still Red GRAPE: Merlot ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 13 % TASTING NOTES: Ruby red in colour with a hint of garnet. Delicious aromas of ripe black fruits, especially plums. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a pleasant lasting finish. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 16° - 18° C with medium spiced Indian dishes as well as roast lamb served with vegetables and potatoes. WINEMAKING: Fully ripe grapes grown on the sunny slopes in the sahyadri valley are cold soaked initially to extract colour and then fermented at 25°C with maceration continuing for 2-3 weeks in order to further extract colour and tannins. The wines are then settled, blended, coarse filtered and bottled. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml): 260mm(l)*170mm(b)*335mm(h) RITU CABERNET SAUVIGNON Still Red GRAPE: Cabernet Sauvignon ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 13 % TASTING NOTES: A dark cherry red creation that combines a fruity nose of blackcurrant and berries with a hint of tobacco. This wine has lots of structure and a good concentration of soft tannins due to the controlled yeild. A very impressive full-bodied wine with a lingering finish. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 16° - 18° C with barbeque dishes, steaks and / or medium spiced heavier Indian and international cuisines. WINEMAKING: Fully ripe grapes grown on the sunny slopes of our vineyards in and around Baramati, are cold soaked initially to extract colour and then fermented at 30° C with maceration continuing for 3-4 weeks in order to extract more colour and tannins. The wines are then settled, blended, coarse filtered and bottles. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml): 260mm(l)*170mm(b)*335mm(h) RITU SHIRAZ Still Red GRAPE: Shiraz ORIGIN: Baramati, Maharashtra STYLE: Dry; ALC.: 13 % TASTING NOTES: A classic wine that has a ruby red colour with a hint of inky blue. A whiff of violets and raspberries, with a spicy and smoky character adds to the complexity of the aroma profile. Good natural tannins on the finish and nice length of fruit. Savour the full-bodied richness of this wine. SERVING SUGGESTION: Enjoyed best at 16° - 18° C with barbequed red meats and game. This wine’s spicy character makes it an ideal accompaniment to Indian cuisine, particularly tandoori meats and biryani. WINEMAKING: Fully ripe grapes grown on the sunny slopes of our vineyards in and around Baramati, are cold soaked initially to extract colour and then fermented at 25° C with maceration continuing for 2-3 weeks in order to extract more colour and tannins. The wines are then settled, blended, coarse filtered and bottles. PACKAGING: Bottle: Green Bordeaux bottle Closure: Natural cork / Screw cap (Depending on the market) Pack sizes: 750 ml, 375 ml Outer carton size (6*750ml): 260mm(l)*170mm(b)*335mm(h) A few words of praise RITU Shiraz Very good deep colour, smoky black fruits nose, good smooth flavours and oak and alcohol well-blended in, good depth of concentration and length. Rating: 16.5 / 20 (equivalent to Decanter’s Bronze award) RITU Viognier Bright medium yellow, good florality and good fleshy fruit, nice lift of acidity on the finish. Overall quite a supple, rounded wine. Rating: 15.5 / 20 (equivalent to Decanter’s Certification of Commendation) Steven Spurrier World renowned expert authority on wines & Consultant Editor, Decanter Magazine Ritu Viognier I greatly preferred this wine. Lighter and drier than the Sula, it is pleasantly floral in style, with good peachy fruit. Ritu Barrique Reserves: I have been impressed by the recent releases. Like most Indian Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots – all of which have to be picked before the monsoons – it has the green pepper character of insufficiently ripe fruit, tasting more like a red Loire than a red Bordeaux. As Indian winemakers introduce Shiraz into their red blends, they tend to achieve greater success. Robert Joseph Wine expert and award-winning author of over 28 books “The whites have good structure, especially the viognier. Reds are fullbodied, complex with ageing potential. Well done!” David Bird Master of Wine, CChem, MRSC, MCQI, RITU Sauvignon Blanc Beautiful gold – green colour. The nose is fruity with a stony pastry flavour and a little bit of sweet almond. The mouth is fizzy smooth. On the finish this wine has a perfect balance of acidity and the typical perfume of Sauvingnon. RITU Blush The colour is very attractive, quite vermillion. The nose has a bit of pastry with an end of red fruit. The attach is balanced to explode on a fantastic ripe fruit. This nose is amazingly long. RITU Barrique Reserve Shiraz 2008 Bruno Paumard Finalist Best Sommelier of UK in 1989 & Author of best selling books on wine The colour is deep purple with a hint of tile. The nose has a perfume of spices, vanilla and dry prune fruit. The attach is smooth and subtle, to explode on the perfume with a little dryness aromas at the end. RITU Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 A very rich dark red-purple colour. The nose is little liquorish and fruity. The mouth is round and very well-balanced with a very long after taste. Events London’s premium supermarket chain Waitrose introduces Ritu Viognier Press Clippings Appeared in The i Appeared in The Times Appeared in Daily Telegraph Appeared in The Daily Mail Ritu Viognier featured in BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen Live Uk’s most popular TV programme on BBC One with over 2 million hits and viewers. Chefs Cyrus Todiwala and Atul Kochhar joined James Martin in the kitchen, and wine expert Olly Smith presented his choices to accompany the dishes prepared in the studio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALWVWTisPmc Thank You