KĀDU is Sula’s first wholly ‘Made in Karnataka’ wine that launched to public in November.  Sula is partnering with Sanctuary Nature Foundation (SFA), which supports conserving wildlife and the Majestic Tiger.  Blue Ginger by Taj West End was the chosen location for the special launch event.  Event was attended by Rajeev Samant – CEO Sula Vineyards, Bittu Sahgal – Founder of Sanctuary Nature Foundation and selected guests.

Event Highlights

Kādu was launched by Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards Bengaluru on 6th November.   Few words spoken by Rajeev during the event, “The Kādu wines are the most significant launch for Sula in the past 10 years. Kādu is our first wholly ‘Made in Karnataka’ wine.  Karnatakai one of India’s most important wine regions and is the fruit of Sula’s efforts to bring the best from Karnataka’s to your glass.”

Bittu Sahgal, Founder, Sanctuary Nature Foundation was also part of the event.  He seemed quite excited to associate with Sula and the support will allow them to extend conservation effort across to Bhadra reserves in Karnataka.  During the event, Rajeev presented the first Kādu cheque to Sanctuary Nature Foundation.

Cecilia Oldne, VP Marketing & Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards/Kādu also added, “Kādu is a dream come true for me! Conserving wildlife is a cause very close to my heart – and so is wine! One can taste the range and learn more about Kādu at our winery in Channapatna. Here’s to raising a toast for a good cause!”.

History of Kādu Wines

The production of wine is increasing in Karnataka due to favourable climatic condition for Grape production.  Sula realized the potential and decided to come up with KĀDU Wines (in Kannada means ‘Wild).  Kādu Wines are completely made in Karnataka and they are the first to come up with the concept, ‘Wine for a cause’.

Karnataka is home for the wildest tigers on the planet in many reserves.  Tiger is also one of the most endangered animals that we need to conserve.  Keeping this thought in mind, Sula jumped in with idea to donate a part of earning from each bottle-sale, towards Tiger conservation.  This is one of the most novel concepts.

To start off the process, Sula came up with a beautiful label depicting tiger in all its glory.  Simon Frouws, the renowned label designer has designed the label.  Sula is collaborating with Mud on Boots (pioneering initiative by Sanctuary Nature Foundation) to ensure the optimum end-use of the funds.

Winemaker Gorakh Gaikwad has crafted the Kādu Wines  by selecting some of the premium Karnataka wine grapes.  There are 4 variants including – Kādu Chenin Blanc, Kādu Sauvignon Blanc, Kādu Shiraz Rosé and Kādu Cabernet Shiraz.

Kādu Wine Tasting & Pricing

Kādu Chenin Blanc – A bright, slightly sweet, floral & fruity white wine.  The Chennin Blanc has a light pale-yellow colour, is refreshing and fruity with delicate aromas of peach and a hint of honey.

750ml: ₹ 625 | 375ml: ₹ 340

Kādu Savignon Blanc – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc has delicate aromas and flavours of passion fruit, fresh cut grass and green peppers.  The wine has a light pale straw colour and a refreshing acidity.

750ml: ₹ 675 | 375ml: ₹ 365

Kādu Shiraz Rose – The Shiraz Rose is light, fruity and full of luscious berry flavours.  This wine has a pretty color with a light ruby hue.  The aromas of white pepper, strawberry & peaches are prominent, and finish is as pleasant as the appearance.

750ml: ₹ 650 | 375ml: ₹ 350

Kādu Cabernet Shiraz – The red in range is lush, medium bodied and peppery with subtle oak.  The wine has a dark ruby colour and aromas of red berries, chocolate and tobacco.  The alcohol % in this win is the highest at 13.5%, rest are at 12%.

750ml: ₹ 695 | 375ml: ₹375

My personal favourites included Kādu Chenin Blanc and Shiraz Rose.  Enjoyed these wines with some of the wonderful Veg starters including – Paneer Tikka, Mushroom Tikki and Cheese.

About Wine

Wine (from Latin vinum) is an alcoholic beverage drink made from grapes.  Generally Vitis vinifera, fermented without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, water, or other nutrients.

Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts produce different styles of wine. These variations result from the complex interactions between the biochemical development of the grape, the reactions involved in fermentation, the terroir, and the production process.

History of Wines

Wine is one of the popular drinks that has its history dating back to as early as 7000BC in China, 6000BC in Georgia and 4000BC in Sicily.  The first known mention of grape-based wines in India is from the late 4th-century BC writings of Chanakya, the chief minister of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

The drink is popular across many of the European countries and America.  Italy, Spain, France and USA produce the maximum wine across the globe.  Consumption of wine is the highest in these countries in the world.

Wine making has existed throughout India’s history.  Portugese and British encouraged Wine Making during the period of Colonization.  The major states producing wine in our country includes – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Andhra, Punjab and Kashmir.

Overall Experience

This was a wonderful evening spent at the launch of Kādu Wines launch event, ‘India’s first wine for a cause’.  It was great to hear the voices of Rajeev Samant, Bittu Sahgal and Cecilia.  The evening was fun chatting and interacting with fellow Wine Connoisseurs, Chefs, Bloggers and friends.  Thanks to Murali & his team for doing the background work and making the event a success.  I am looking forward to trying the Kādu Wines in future and recommend the same to all.

Social Media Details

Website                http://www.kadu.co.in
Facebook              https://www.facebook.com/KaduIndia/
Instagram              https://www.instagram.com/kaduindia/
Twitter                  https://twitter.com/kaduindia

References

Wine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine

Indian Wine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_wine

Sula Wines
https://www.sulawines.com/

 Picture of souvenir given by Kādu – Sula Vineyards/Wines.

Select pics taken during the event.