In India the wine industry is young and still need to figure what grapes and winemaking styles do best in our near-tropical climate?
As such, the quality of Indian wines is still evolving – and improving every year. Just seven years ago there was a clear price demarcation between Indian and imported wines: Indian wines were priced below Rs 600, and imported wines above that level. No longer: we now got a slew of Indian wines priced above Rs 1,000 per bottle – and yes, price tends to be an indication of quality.
Deccan Plateauis the powerhouse for production of wines and Indian wine grapes – the northern part centred around the town of Nashik is where most of the new wineries have established themselves. But who are the most consistent producers and which of their wines are the best performers?
To find the answers, 8 experts picked India’s Finest Wines, the selection which was carried out by the most important and well-regarded wine professionals and opinion leaders on the Indian and international wine scene who handpicked the best of whites, reds, sparkling and dessert wines for their distinct style, flavour characteristics and wine making process.
The heart of the Selection of India’s Finest Wines was wine tasting. This was a unique attempt to experience a rare tasting of top Indian Wines.
Here are the results :
INDIA’S TOP 25
SPARKLING WINE
DomaineChandon India- Chandon Brut Rose (Pinot Noir, Syrah) 2013
WHITE WINE
Seagram’s Nine Hills Chenin Blanc 2014
KRSMA Estates Chardonnay 2013
SDU Winery- SDU Deva Chardonnay Reserve 2013
Seagram’s Nine Hills Viognier2012
Grover Zampa Sauvignon Blanc2014
Charosa Vineyards Selections Sauvignon Blanc Charosa Valley 2013
ROSE WINE
Sula Vineyards Rose (Zinfandel) 2014
Vallonne Vineyards Rose (Cabernet Sauvignon) 2013
RED WINE
Single Varietal
SDU Syrah Reserve 2012
Vallonne Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Classique 2011 (Reserve)
Charosa Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2012
Big Banyan Limited Shiraz (2010)
Fratelli Sangiovese 2013
Reveilo Sangiovese 2013
SDU Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
York Winery Shiraz 2012
Vallonne Vineyards Merlot 2012
SDU Shiraz 2013
Blended
Grover Zampa-Grover La Reserve (Cab Sauv, Shiraz) 2012
FratelliSette (Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc)2010
York Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot 2012
Grover Zampa-Zampa Chene Grand Reserve (Tempranillo, Syrah) 2012
SWEET WINE
Vallonne Vineyards Vin de Passerillage 2013
Sula Vineyards Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2013
NOTE
*** These are the top 25 wines as per the ‘Selection of India’s Finest Wines’ event curated by Ms. Rojita Tiwari and organized by the Mumbai Wine Club on 16-17 October 2014. The wines are not necessarily in the same order.
The Jury: Subhash Arora, Sonal Holland, Craig W. Wedge, Vishal Kadakia, Alok Chandra, Sanjay Menon, Shatbhi Basu, Rojita Tiwari
The participating 16 wineries were Grover Zampa Vineyards, Fratelli Wines, Sula Vineyards, Reveillo (Vintage Wines), York Winery, Myra Vineyards, Four Seasons Wines, Vallone Vineyards, Seagram’s Nine Hills, Charrosa Wines, Domaine Chandon India, Alpine Wineries, Big Banyan Wines, Krsma Estates, SDU Winery , Good Drop Winery.
