WHAT’S THE TASTE OF CELEBRATION?

By SUVARNA SHASTRI

I was ushered into the world of wines by a friend. “It’s not what you taste,” he said. “It’s how you experience it.”

“Take a small sip, swirl it in your mouth – experience the wine, savour it,” he advised.

I have always lived life in the fast lane, balancing home, work, kids. A life of many deadlines. And I liked this new idea of slowing down a bit to enjoy the taste.

I used to indulge only occasionally, and had explored the vast choices on offer in Canada over the years.

My friend showed me the many languages these wines speak! Sweet and acidic, floral and fruity. They express the aroma of sunshine and warm earth in the distinct vocabulary of cultures, people and traditions.

I have come to realise there’s an element of personal chemistry to it, too.

What’s your favourite go-to cuisine? Mine is desi (usually), Italian (sometimes).

Over a meal, lunch or dinner, I favour Black Tower Rivaner white.

Its slight sweetness is a good counterpoint to the intense flavours of saag paneer with roti or the spicy smoothness of a creamy butter-chicken and naan.

In fact, it’s this nuanced simplicity that makes Black Tower Rivaner white go with all things desi.

It enriches the diversity of tastes from across India, from Punjabi tandoori to the chutneys and curries and sauces from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

Of course, Black Tower is available in a full complement of red and white.

Full-bodied and complex Dorn-felder Pinot Noir, for instance, available at your local LCBO in 750ml, has just a hint of sweetness and pairs so very well with chana bhatura or even a slightly spicier Mysore masala dosa.

Black Tower, in a distinctive bottle, is Germany’s most successful wine label internationally for more than 50 years.

Both Black Tower red and white are ideal components of my celebrations (in 3 sizes. 750 ml,1 litre and 1.5 litres).

Sip, savour, repeat.