India is a huge potential market for wine

Stefano Leone, export director of Italian wine Antinori, is banking upon Indians' spirit of experimentation to accelerate the acceptance of the wine culture

Holding a glass of wine, admiring its hue, taking in its enticing aroma and finally feeling its distinct taste on the palate makes for a complete wine experience. Stefano Leone, export director of Italy-based wine brand Antinori, spent his day in the city promoting the experience. Catching up with him at the Hyatt Regency was akin to entering a world, that had infused the richness of its history into its present. For Antinori, as he revealed, has been steady in the wine-biz for over 600 years. And Pune, as he hoped, is welcoming the wine with open arms.

“We are present in 130 markets in the world and we see India as a great potential market,” Leone says. Question their choice of country and pat comes the reply, “Our red wine goes superbly with spicy Indian food. Moreover, we are targetting those who have a keen wine sense. An average Indian today is well-traveled and has experienced various cultures. He is not afraid to experiment and I see that in Puneites.” This, he says with confidence, despite it being his first visit to the city.