Xenius Wines and Cavas From Penedes Region Enters India

There are few Spanish wine brands present in the Indian market at the moment. Though Spain is blessed with great wine regions such as Rioja, Catalonia’s sub-regions such as Priorat, Penedes, Galicia-Rias Baixas (RYE-us BYE-shus) in the north-west and Ribera del Duero etc., not many of the wines from these regions have found home in India. Thanks to the Government of Catalunya office in Mumbai and the wine importer IXORA vineyards, from this month onwards Xenius, the wine label from Covides Vineyards-Wineries from Penedes region will be available in the country.

Covides is the first wine co-operative in Catalonia and also the 6th largest producer of cava and one of the most important wine producers from the region with 2,300 hectares of vineyards.

Ricard Gil, Director General and Maria Serret Jovells from the export department of Covides were also present at the dinner hosted by Suprio Bose, Trade Commissioner, Govt. of Catalunya office in India. Here are the five wines from Xenius available in Mumbai.

Xenius Rose Wine – The wine is made from a selection of the best Tempranillo grapes. Very attractive strawberry-pink colour, fruity aromas, fresh, crisp and well balanced with medium acidity. Perfect for an Indian summer, brunches or as an aperitif. Good value for money.

Xenius Barrica – A blend of Tempranillo and Merlot from the mature grapes of the D.O. Penedes area. The wine aged in oak barrels and in bottles. Deep red colour, hint of spice and smoke aromas, medium bodied.

Xenius Merlot Barrica – Deep red colour with hint of violet, full bodied, powerful and elegant wine on the nose as well as palate. Balanced medium tannins and acidity. 100% Merlot grape and has 13.5% abv.

Xenius Cava Semi-seco- A blend of Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada grapes. A cava with pale gold in colour, consistent bubbles and a nice head. Fruity aromas on the nose, honey, butter and soft on the plate. This being an off-dry sparkling wine will surely appeal to many Indian wine drinkers.

Xenius White Wine – Predominately Xarel.lo with other grape varieties such as Macabeo and Parellada. This is a still white wine. Though this will be available in the market, it wasn’t available for tasting last evening.

Sachin Rane, Managing Director, IXORA vineyards said that the wines will be available in major retail stores, hotels and restaurants in Mumbai by end of this month. All the wines are priced between Rs 1200-Rs 1800.

Note : In the past Torres and Raventos wines from Penedes regions have been introduced in the Indian market. 

Where is Penedes?

The mediterranean coast of Spain is mainly divided into sub-regions such as Catalonia, Valencia and Murcia. Catalonia region is famous for the sparkling wines Cava, the complex and full-bodied red wines from Priorat. Penedes is located in the same Catalonia region, just one hour drive in the south of Barcelona city. Miguel Torres is one of the most popular wine producers from this region.