KRSMA’s vertical tasting showcases evolution of their Cabernet Sauvignon

Karnataka’s wine makers KRSMA recently held a vertical tasting, offering a glimpse into the world of viniculture

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.”

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.”