Byline: The Goan Network
Panaji
India's top wine maker Sula Vineyards recently forayed its entry into the non-wine alcoholic drink segment for the first time when it unveiled the 100% premium grape brandy, ‘Janus.’ Cherry on the cake, the company has chosen Goa to be the first state to witness the product's launch. Karan Sehgal of The Goan gets chatting with Sula Vineyards' President - Sales and Marketing, Deepak Bhatnagar to find out, why Goa?
The Goan: Could you talk a little about your new product, 100% grape brandy “ Janus?
Deepak Bhatnagar: Sula Vineyards, which is number one premium wine company of India, announced the launch of Janus “ India’s first 100% premium grape brandy. This brandy derives its name from the ancient Roman deity with two faces. Janus embodies the exceptional French cognac making heritage and the expertise of Sula in selecting the best Indian grapes. This brandy is made from carefully selected grapes from the best Indian vineyards which are then double distilled in small batches using traditional French alembic pot stills, to produce a liquor of exceptional smoothness and character.
Janus is aged in small French oak barrels under the supervision of French master blender Yonael Bernard, imparting a smooth and distinctive taste, exceptional aromas and a complex character of a cognac - style brandy with a long finish. Keeping up with the tradition of French cognac making, the master blender has developed a unique recipe guaranteeing excellence in every drop.
TG: Is this the first time Sula is venturing into the non-wine segment?
DB: Janus is manufactured by Artisan Spirits which is a 100% subsidiary of Sula Vineyards. With its launch, Sula has taken its first step into the world of spirits in India. We are confident that Janus will win accolades and raise the bar for brandy making in India as this is the first time Sula is manufacturing and distributing a non-wine alcoholic drink in India.
However, Sula Selections, the import arm of Sula Vineyards is one of India’s leading wine and spirits importers and distributors. Sula Selections represents and distributes global brands like Remy Cointreau, WGS, Mount Gay, Sierra and Hendricks among others.
TG: How does Goa fit into larger scheme of things as far as Janus is concerned?
DB: Goa is very special to Janus' success as we have our bottling plant set up here. It is because of this that Goa was the first to witness the launch of Janus. All states that will see the launch of Janus in this financial year will be bottled from Goa.
