India’s history of wine making is relatively short but has been nothing if not exciting. While the late 1980’s saw vines take root and wineries bottle quaff, the 2000’s is when the Indian wine industry came into its own with a slew of new wineries in Nashik daring to create new world styles of French noble grapes. That decade also saw the emergence of an Indian wine drinking community that continues to grow to this day.
Both international and Indian wine makers mined the regions of Nashik and Nandi Hills near Bengaluru to find good vineyard parcels under a helpful climate to produce ripe and wholesome reds and refreshingly crisp white wines. International acclaim has also arrived as have international wineries keen to explore the terroir. And yet, India’s wine making journey has a long way to go with a lot of good wine to bottled along the way.
key regions
Nashik – Nashik is the inarguable backbone of India’s fledgling wine industry. It is where this country’s modern wine story began in earnest over 20 years ago. Located in Maharashtra, 135 kilometers north-east of Mumbai. Nashik’s weather and soil lends themselves favorably towards cultivating wine grapes. Most of Nashik’s vineyards are concentrated between the town of Satara in the North and Sinnar in the South.
While each region is notable, Dindori is hailed as outstanding. The South Asian monsoon plays a crucial role in Nashik’s overall terroir. Nashik’s hilly terrain and red laterite soil make make them ideal for planting Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz which have adapted well to Nashik’s terroir and appealed to local palates.
Baramati – Baramati is a relatively young wine region, also situated in Maharashtra where Four Seasons, recently acquired by Grover Vineyards, is the most notable producer. The vineyards benefit from the cover of the Sahyadri mountain range. The alluvial soil coupled with warm days contrasted by cool nights allow the vines to bear fruit of good ripeness and concentration.
Nandi Hills – The only vineyard of significant repute in Southern India, Nandi Hills is a short drive from Bangalore and home to one India’s originally big three winemakers, Grover Vineyards. Moderate climate, loamy soils and good altitude have allowed winemakers to produce several vintages of sublime reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay have also thrived..
key grapes
Chenin Blanc is India’s most planted white grape, taking to Indian conditions like fish to water. The grape has toughed it out in India’s hot climate and young vineyards, making easy drinking, refreshing whites that Indians have largely adored.
Sauvignon Blanc had an uncertain start but has grown to become a white wine star, making interesting styles that balance fruit and herbs with vibrant acidity, notching up international awards including a Decanter medal a few years ago.
Shiraz is the shining proof of Indian winemaking potential for greatness, turning out wines of good ripeness, full body, spicy hints and firm tannins. Shiraz and Shiraz blends, especially at the premium end, have made India a serious contender.
Cabernet Sauvignon, true to international form, has adapted well to Indian terroir, ripening late and impressing with a full bodied palate of dark fruit and good tannic expression.
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