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!


Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

image

Event Details:

  • Date: July 7, 2025

  • Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

  • Fresh Cream Truffle

  • Matilda Cake

  • Chocolate Noisette

  • Chocolate Praline

  • Chocolate Éclair

  • Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.


Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

image

image

The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

image

The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.