Wine is made from fermented grapes and is the most healthful and hygienic of beverages. It helps in managing the liver and it is rightly said, 'Where There Is No Wine There Is No Love'.
Wine symbolizes class and status of the drinker and is often the pick on a romantic date. The wine has been produced from thousands of years and is mostly served with dinner. It is a popular and important beverage that accompanies and enhances a wide range of cuisines.
We have curated the list of 15 best wine brands in India with Prices that we hope will help you in getting to know about wines better.
1. Sula Rasa Shiraz
Sula Rasa Shiraz is best served at 16-degree Celsius and is produced from the estate vineyards of Sula. A complex wine, Sula Rasa is stored for 12 months in premium French oak barrels and then further matured in the bottle before release. To fully enjoy this special wine, it is recommended that the bottle is opened and poured out 30 minutes prior to being served slightly chilly. This wine is best enjoyed with barbeque dishes and cheese like gouda and parmesan.
Alcohol Content: 13%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1500 (approx.)
Occasion: Special Celebrations, Anniversaries, Gifts, Fine Dining
Flavor Profile: Bold and Rich, Dark Fruits, Spice, Oak Influence, Tannins
Aging Process: The aging process can vary, but it typically spends a significant time in oak, often more than a year.
2. Myra Misfit
Myra Vineyards was founded by ex-banker, fine food, and beverage enthusiast, Ajay Shetty. Operating with its founder's belief that 'Wine Is All Heart', Myra Misfit is a limited edition bottle which is a blend of Classic Sauvignon and fruity Shiraz aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. The aroma comes with a strong berry whiff and has a spicy & fruity taste. This tastes best with pizza, pasta, and meat and is also India's first unfiltered wine.
Alcohol Content: 13%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1500 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for casual gatherings or special occasions.
Flavor Profile: Rich and fruity with hints of plum and oak.
Aging Process: Aged in French oak barrels for a balanced and smooth finish.
3. Fratelli SETTE
Relatively highly priced, Fratelli SETTE is a flavorsome and smooth wine with rich flavors of smoky coffee and chocolate. This is one of the most popular brands in India and tastes amazing with spicy Indian dishes. SETTE means 'Seven' in Italian which indicates that it is a dream that the seven brothers of Fratelli had. The top 1% of the grapes from the Fratelli's estate-owned vineyards in Akluj near Pune go into fulfilling this dream. SETTE is a barrel-aged red wine, matured in French oak for 14 months.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1600 (approx.)
Occasion: Ideal for special celebrations and fine dining.
Flavor Profile: Exhibits rich notes of dark fruits, tobacco, and oak with a velvety texture.
Aging Process: Aged in French oak barrels for an extended period, resulting in complexity and depth of flavors.
4. Grover La Reserve
Manufactured in Nandi Hills of Bangalore, Grover La Reserve is aged for 16 months in new French oak. This is a well-balanced medium-bodied wine with complex layers and is best enjoyed with hard cheese and roasted red meat. It delivers a smoky aroma, with notes of bacon to the dark plum and roasted cherry flavors. The soft finish features some peppery notes and combines grace and majesty on the palate.
Alcohol Content: 13%
Price: 750 ml - INR 2150 (approx.)
Occasion: Ideal for special celebrations and fine dining.
Flavor Profile: Rich and complex, with notes of dark fruits, oak, and spices.
Aging Process: Aged in French oak barrels to enhance depth and character.
5. YORK Arros
YORK Arros wine from Maharashtra's York winery, produced by a young winemaking team, is a limited production blend of the winery’s best Shiraz (55%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%). The wine is aged 13 months in American and French oak, and another 12 months in the bottle before release. The sweet vanilla notes of the American oak dominate, along with bright fruits and Indian spices.
Alcohol Content: 14.3%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1100 (approx.)
Occasion: Special Celebrations, Anniversaries, Gifts, Fine Dining
Flavor Profile: Rich and fruity with hints of plum and oak.
Aging Process: The aging process can vary, but it typically spends a significant time in oak, often more than a year.
6. KRSMA Sangiovese
KRSMA Sangiovese comes from the vineyards of Hampi. The wine has a promising first whiff of juicy red fruit which then follows through with a hint of spiciness on the palate. A nice balance of fruit and acidity, leading to a good finish. This wine has a lot of cherries and clove notes.
Alcohol Content: 13.6%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1000 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for pairing with a variety of foods.
Flavor Profile: Robust with notes of red berries, cherry, and earthy undertones.
Aging Process: Aged in oak barrels to enhance complexity and depth.
7. Charosa
Charosa wine is filled with rich coconut, vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry aromas and has a dark ruby red color. This medium-bodied wine is aged for a year and has a concentration of warm red fruit flavors. Charosa wine tastes best when paired with grilled red meat and sauteed vegetables.
Alcohol Content: 13%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1500 (approx.)
Occasion: Suitable for celebrations and special occasions.
Flavor Profile: Offers a rich and complex blend of fruity, oaky, and spicy notes.
Aging Process: Aged in oak barrels for a refined and matured taste.
White Wines
8. J'NOON White
The J'NOON range of wines emerged when passion met inspiration. This is the first collaboration between Jean-Charles Boisset and Kapil Sekhri in the Indian wine industry where the wines are made on Indian soil and then are served all over the world. J’NOON is an artistic take on the Urdu word ‘Junoon’, meaning 'passion' and is a limited edition collection.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Price: 750 ml - INR 2500 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for pairing with a variety of cheese.
Flavor Profile: Combines green apple, white pear, and stone fruit flavors of Chardonnay with fresh, vibrant lime, lemongrass, white pepper, jasmine, and herbaceous fruit flavors of Sauvignon Blanc.
Aging Process: Aged in oak barrels to enhance complexity and depth.
9. Belstar Cult Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian white wine and the new addition to the Prosecco portfolio is the Belstar Cult Prosecco which comes from the grand old house of Bisol. The sweetness varies from very dry to medium-sweet and has rich fruitiness which is balanced with a crisp acidity. Apart from the taste, the luxurious bottle will make sure that you are coming back for it.
Alcohol Content: 11%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1200 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for celebrations or casual sipping.
Flavor Profile: Crisp, fruity, and floral with apple and citrus notes.
Aging Process: Charmat method for freshness and vibrancy.
10. Crios Torrontes
Susana Balbo has been called the 'Evita of Wine' and the 'Queen of Torrontes'. Her Crios Torrontes which is made in Argentina is a floral and fruity drink with apple blossom, peach, orange citrus, and lime. This wine works with smoked meats and seafood.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1500 (approx.)
Occasion: Ideal for casual sipping and light meals.
Flavor Profile: Delicate floral aromas, crisp citrus notes, and a hint of stone fruit.
Aging Process: Unoaked, young and fresh, best enjoyed young to preserve its vibrant character.
11. Riesling
Hugel wines are made from grapes purchased from winegrowers in a dozen of the most favored localities around Riquewihr. Riesling white wine is dry and elite and is best paired with seafood and grilled or poached fish.
Alcohol Content: 12.2%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1500 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for various occasions from casual to formal.
Flavor Profile: Often exhibits crisp acidity, floral aromas, and flavors ranging from sweet to dry.
Aging Process: Can benefit from aging, developing complexity over time.
12. Sula Chenin Blanc
Made in Sula vineyards, Sula Chenin Blanc is as sweet white wine and adapts to a variety of tastes. This wine works well with Indian dishes, salads, and shellfish. A notable acidity and hint of sweetness give this wine a balanced structure and refreshing character.
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1000 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for casual sipping or pairing with seafood and spicy dishes.
Flavor Profile: Crisp acidity, notes of green apple, citrus, and honeydew melon.
Aging Process: Fermented in stainless steel tanks for a fresh and youthful character.
Sparkling Wines
13. Zampa Soiree Brut
One of the best sparkling wines available in the county, Zampa Soiree Brut has floral aromas. Pale pink in color, this wine is light and creamy with fine beads and persistent mousse and red cherry and strawberry fruits that define the fruit character.
Alcohol Content: 12%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1200 (approx.)
Occasion: Suitable for celebrations and special occasions.
Flavor Profile: Light and creamy with fine beads and persistent mousse and red cherry and strawberry fruits
Aging Process: Fermented in stainless steel tanks for a fresh and youthful character.
14. Carpene Malvolti Prosecco
Antonio Carpene founded his winery in 1860, having been fascinated with Champagne. Carpene Malvolti Prosecco is a full flavored wine made in North East Italy. Fine and continuous bubbles, the wine is fruity and appealing with a floral and fresh fruit bouquet and a lemony finish. The wine works best with fish dishes.
Alcohol Content: 11%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1200 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for celebrations, aperitifs, and casual gatherings.
Flavor Profile: Crisp, green apple notes, citrusy acidity, and floral undertones.
Aging Process: Fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruitiness.
15. Les Cordeliers
Like all other great Bordeaux wines, Les Cordeliers is full -bodied and well structured and is quite vivacious. This is a fruity, attractive wine, without excess acidity. It derives its remarkable freshness from the Semillon.
Alcohol Content: 11%
Price: 750 ml - INR 1300 (approx.)
Occasion: Versatile for celebrations or special occasions.
Flavor Profile: Rich, complex, with notes of dark fruits and oak.
Aging Process: Aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 5 years.
These wines are a great accompaniment and can oomph up any occasion. It works great as a gift and can be paired with all kinds of food. If you have never tried wine in your life then now is the time!
FAQS:
Q1: What are some popular wine regions in India?
A1: Nashik in Maharashtra, Karnataka’s Hampi, and Himachal Pradesh’s Solan are renowned Indian wine regions.
Q2: What grape varieties are commonly grown in Indian vineyards?
A2: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc are among the common grape varieties grown in India.
Q3: Are there any famous Indian wine brands?
A3: Yes, Sula Vineyards, Grover Zampa, and Four Seasons are well-known Indian wine brands.
Q4: Is Indian wine only for domestic consumption, or is it exported internationally?
A4: Indian wines are increasingly being exported to international markets, gaining popularity globally.
Q5: What food pairings work well with Indian wines?
A5: Indian wines pair wonderfully with spicy Indian cuisine, as well as international dishes like grilled meats and cheese.
Q6: Is wine tourism popular in India?
A6: Yes, wine tourism is gaining popularity, with many vineyards offering tours, tastings, and events.