KRSMA’s vertical tasting showcases evolution of their Cabernet Sauvignon

KRSMA’s vineyards
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sniff. Sip. Swirl. Sip. Savour.

Repeat.

KRSMA was hosting a vertical tasting and there was an alluring array of wines from their cellars. Vertical tastings are where one gets to sip on wines of the same varietal from different vintages, and are relatively rare in India.

According to Uma Chigurupati, co-founder of KRSMA, the reason for introducing the concept of vertical tasting in India “is because people should know what is a vintage.” Founded in 2008, KRSMA’s vineyards are situated in Tavaregere, en route to Hampi, and celebrated its first harvest in 2010.

At the tasting which began with a Sauvignon Blanc 2024 as an apertif, KRSMA showcased how their Cabernet Sauvignon has evolved over the years, and “what it speaks about — whether it is full of tannins or less tannic, silky and delicate.”

How does one vintage differ from the other? “A vintage is a revelation on the transformation natural fruit goes through. Climate changes, the temperature, rainfall, terroir and similar factors play a part in the harvest in any given year. When we don’t tamper with the grapes, it speaks volumes about that vintage and what that particular year has been like.”

KRSMA’s Cabernet Sauvignon
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Elaborating on how one vintage differs from another, Uma shares how it is not uncommon to hear statements such as, ”This year is a great vintage,” in wine-drinking regions. “How wine evolves over a period of time is what one learns from the vintage. This is the reason why the price of a particular vintage goes up when compared to others, even though they might be from the same brand, grapes and vineyard.”

“Differences in vintages can surprise you,” says Uma, adding, “For instance, when you open a Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 today, even after an aeration of a couple of hours, it is rather tight and opens up quite slowly. Whereas a Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, even though a fairly new wine, is ready to drink.”

“It is interesting to see how much we can learn about the climate and other aspects, and their effect on vines and how they evolve.”

Similarly, Uma says the KRSMA’s Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is a wonderful vintage, “quite fruit forward, without too much greeness. It has rather tropical notes and a hint of floral fragrance, working well as an aperitif or paired with mildly flavored foods that enhance the character of the wine.”

Though vertical tastings are rare in India, they are considered KRSMA’s flagship event since they first introduced the concept in Bengaluru in 2016. The brands current vintages include Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Sauvignon Blanc 2024.