From Sparkling to Still. Chandon Introduces their new Still Wine, Aurva

From Sparkling to Still. Chandon Introduces their new Still Wine, Aurva

By Author

Published on October 27, 2023

When you think of Chandon, sparkling wines probably come to mind. However, the luxury brand is breaking new ground by introducing a still red wine made in India, and it's making quite an impression. Named Aurva, which translates to 'of the earth' in Sanskrit, this wine is a testament to Chandon's commitment to innovation and the diverse wine culture in India.

Chandon, a label known for its sparkling Chenin Blanc and Shiraz-rich Rosé, decided it was time to offer something for those with a taste for red wine. It's a significant departure from their usual offerings, and it aims to change the perception of India as solely a brown spirit market.

Aurva is a 100% Shiraz red wine, and its character reflects the rich red soil of Nashik's Dindori region, an unconventional but promising terroir for wine production. The winemakers have gone to great lengths to ensure its excellence.

The journey of creating this exquisite red wine involved meticulous care. The Shiraz grapes, cultivated in Nashik's unique climate, were trained with only one shoot per branch. They were closely monitored to allow a fixed number of bunches, and vertical shoot positioning ensured the right amount of sun and ventilation. The result: a vibrant, aromatic, and sensuous red wine.

This wine goes through a 10-day fermentation process and is then aged in both new and old French oak barrels for ten months. The French oak barrels from François Frères, renowned for their high quality, lend depth and complexity to the wine, making it an experience worth savoring.

When you pour yourself a glass of Aurva and let it breathe for about 30 minutes, you're in for a treat. It's a deep ruby Shiraz with a purple hue, offering rich fruit aromas, a velvety smooth texture, and flavors of cloves, cherry, blueberry, and plum. As you swirl, you'll also notice hints of vanilla, coffee beans, chocolate, and the subtle influence of oak. It's a wine that combines tradition with finesse.

While Chandon's sparkling wines have been their forte for a decade, the introduction of Aurva is an exciting new chapter in their winemaking history. It's a reflection of the brand's dedication to pushing boundaries and bringing innovative wines to the Indian market.

This exceptional wine stands as a symbol of India's potential in the world of luxury wines. While Indian consumers are exploring various wine styles, Chandon's Aurva is set to stand out as an elegant choice for celebratory evenings, complementing a wide range of contemporary and traditional Indian dishes. It pairs perfectly with grilled and barbecued meats, full-flavored curries, roasted vegetables, and cheese.

Moët Hennessy India, a leader in the luxury wine and spirits segment, has distributed Aurva, further emphasizing its commitment to excellence in India's wine culture. This premium red wine is available at select retail outlets and five-star properties in Mumbai, as well as the Chandon winery in Nashik. Soon, it will be accessible in other key markets across India, making it a wine to watch out for.

Chandon's introduction of Aurva is a significant step in India's wine journey. This premium red wine pays homage to the rich terroir of Nashik, celebrating the land and mythic beauty of this unique region. With its delightful flavors and aromas, Aurva is poised to become a classic choice for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs in India and beyond. Cheers to the new era of Indian winemaking!


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

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  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 29, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun recently brought the city’s culinary heritage to life with a vibrant Avakaya Mixing Ceremony, honouring the age-old Andhra tradition of mango pickle preparation. Held on May 25th, the immersive event welcomed chefs, food enthusiasts, and guests to celebrate the arrival of the mango season through this beloved cultural ritual.

Hosted at The Terrace, the event was a beautiful blend of heritage and hospitality. Attendees gathered around freshly chopped raw mangoes, gingelly oil, and traditional spices, joining hands to prepare Avakaya in a communal spirit. The evening began with refreshing local drinks like Mango Ice Apple Smoothie and Watermelon Mint Mojito, followed by a spread of nostalgic handcrafted snacks including Mamidi Tandra, Tati Tandra, and Kobbari Mamidikaya Mukkalu.

Hotel Manager Manish Pathak shared, “This event beautifully bridges local culture with contemporary hospitality, embodying the core ethos of Novotel Vijayawada Varun. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony offers our guests an authentic taste of tradition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to community engagement and preserving Andhra’s rich regional flavours within a refined setting.”

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The culinary journey continued with a curated menu featuring regional specialties such as Korrala Gunta Puli Bongaralu, Kotha Avakaya Mudda Pappu Dumplings, Metha Chekkalu, Mamidikaya Bhajji, and Perugu Awada. Guests also enjoyed an Araku Filter Coffee and Masala Tea Bar, paired with local snacks, as live instrumental music elevated the immersive experience.

To mark the occasion, guests received handcrafted jars of Avakaya—a delicious takeaway that not only symbolised the start of the pickle season but also served as a flavourful reminder of Andhra’s gastronomic roots.


Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Rajasthali Resort & Spa has unveiled an inspired culinary journey at Jharokha, its signature fine-dining restaurant, through a reimagined menu that pays tribute to Rajasthan’s royal culinary heritage. The refreshed offerings honour time-honoured flavours while welcoming a contemporary twist that caters to modern tastes.

Crafted by the resort’s culinary experts, the menu showcases a thoughtful fusion of traditional Rajasthani recipes and global cuisine, bringing together rich flavours and refined presentation. Signature dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, and Jungli Maas, all prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the grandeur of Rajputana feasts.

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Vegetarian favourites like Gatta Curry, made from gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt gravy, continue to reflect the essence of Marwari home kitchens. Highlights from the new menu also include the aromatic Gosht Dum Biryani, and Chicken Parmigiana, where Western comfort food is infused with Indian warmth.

For those preferring plant-based indulgence, the Subz Khubani Kofta Curry, combining apricots, vegetables, and a nutmeg-spiced tomato velouté, stands out as a blend of heritage and imagination. Fresh offerings like the Rajasthali Garden Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa Mix bring light, refreshing balance to the rich main course selections.

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No royal feast is complete without dessert, and Jharokha’s sweet offerings—such as Kesari Rasmalai and Moong Dal Halwa—bring a luxurious close to the meal, embracing India’s love for soulful, traditional sweets.

“This new chapter at Jharokha is a culinary tribute—crafted not just for the appetite, but for the soul,” said Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, Rajasthali Resorts and Spa. “Every dish is a celebration of legacy, reinterpreted with artistic finesse and global elegance.”

Located on the Jaipur Expressway in Kukas, Jharokha at Rajasthali Resort & Spa invites food lovers, cultural explorers, and connoisseurs of regal flavours to indulge in a royal gastronomic experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

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