Indians' may have been late to the wine party but we sure have settled with the fact that a good glass of wine sets the mood for a perfectly relaxed evening. From delving into a soothing wine tasting session to exploring the scattered vineyards of the country, we have mastered the art of relishing wine to the fullest! Or should we say we enjoy drinking life (and wine) to the lees!
Wine Trivia: Did you know that the art of enjoying wine is called 'Oenophilia'!
Best Indian Wines To Tipple On!
Let's delve into the knowledge of the best red and white wines from India that are worth your weekend exhilarations!
Best Indian Red Wines
1. Sette by Fratelli wines
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With a smack of chocolate and smoky coffee, Sette is one of the most premium varieties of wine which wine aficionados can't help but luxuriate in. It renders a zing of plum and tobacco and it's nothing but woody and opulent in flavour. With 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, it hails from Fratelli Vineyards in Maharashtra yielding the much-needed kick. It's a perfect marriage when paired with a lip-smacking spaghetti Aglio e olio!
Cost: INR 1,700 for 750 ml.
2. La Reserve by Grover Zampa
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Vanilla and coffee dominate the taste of it whereas chocolate and black fruits tag along in the aftertaste. A crown jewel in the list of wines in India, La Reserve contains 14% alcohol and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Once you down a sip, it's hard to stop at just a few gulps. A veteran wine amongst the Indian tastings, this Karnatak delicacy is hard to resist. It was also crowned Gold under Asia wines at the Silk Route Awards 2016.
Cost: INR 1,050 for 750 ml.
3. York Arros
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This one gives you the much-needed wine glow! With a hint of paprika and a strong punch of pepper, York Arros leaves the palate with a smooth and silky sensation. It's an elegant pick and it is best accompanied by a spicy chicken tandoori or a tangy paneer tikka. It is particularly prepared over a time period of 13 months or more in French oak barrels. Nashik Valley surely renders one of the finest Indian tastes and the 14.3% alcohol doesn't hurt too much.
Cost: INR 950 (Approx.) for 750 ml
4. Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
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This one's for the vegan winners! Particularly known for its freshness and quick relishing, the fruit and velvety textures that originate specifically from finely picked berries and cherries. Brewed and blended in the farms of Nashik Valley, this wine is particularly picked by enthusiasts for its acidity and spicy hint.
Cost: INR 1,500 for 750 ml
5. KRSMA Sangiovese
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Originating from the vineyards of the boulder-strewn landscapes of Hampi, this Sangiovese grape variety wine is an amalgam of crimson and purple which when poured in the mighty wine glass, emits royalty and enhances the table. The palatable taste and texture of this wine is unparalleled. Strewn with a cohesive mix of grapes, it has received recognition for its brilliant zest.
Cost: INR 1,800 for 750 ml
6. Sula Rasa
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Best served chilled with cheese, Sula Rasa is the best of the Sula wine range that comes with the finest shiraz of the country. Sula is a brand known by one and all and is certainly a go-to wine brand which is blindly trusted for any wine-binge. Rasa is well preserved in the bottle much before it is sold and is also brewed in a French barrel for exactly a year.
Cost: INR 1495 for 750ml
Best Indian White Wines
7. J'Noon White by Fratelli
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This aged white wine is one which dunks you into a world of aroma and transports you to a vineyard with your first sip of Fratelli Sette. A mix of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc it hails from the Akluj grape yards but emits a rendition of California white, jasmine, berries and grapes. This wine stands apart and sets a benchmark with a fine texture and luxury galore. Sip it independently and you won't regret it!
Cost: INR 2,500 for 750ml
8. H Block Chardonnay
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Another of the best white wines available in India, it is fermented with freshly picked grapes in stainless steel tanks to retain the fine varietal flavours. With a dash of lemon and a punch of citrus, the Chardonnay is one for those who enjoy the sourness and crispy notes of the wine. Buttery in texture, the complexity of this wine is a sheer delight! A salmon on the side never hurts.
Cost: INR 950 for 750ml
9. Cabernet Shiraz
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Cabernet Shiraz, a harmonious blend of the structured tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon and the plush fruitiness of Shiraz, offers wine lovers a balanced and full-bodied experience. Its unique fusion brings together the best characteristics of both varietals, culminating in rich flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and hints of spice. Revered by connoisseurs globally, it stands as a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the intricate dance of blending.
Cost: ₹950 for 750 ml
10. Big Banyan Merlot
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Big Banyan Merlot stands out for its lush, velvety texture and beautifully articulated fruit flavors, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Hailing from India, this wine showcases the potential of the country's emerging wine regions, delivering a Merlot that combines traditional notes of plum and berry with subtle hints of Indian terroir. Its consistency, adaptability to diverse palates, and the brand's commitment to quality have established Big Banyan Merlot as a formidable contender in the global wine arena.
Cost: ₹800 (Approx.) for 750 ml
Wine Whispers Health benefits!
The fact that wine has certain medicinal properties which render health benefits have always been debatable, but studies prove the presence of Polyphenols & Antioxidants which ratifies that they sure can rectify ailments.
From cardiovascular benefits to blood clot reductions, wine is said to have a cure to many such afflictions. Who needs proof anyway? Just put the rumours to rest, drink the damn wine and get rid of your bodily woes!
Learn About Good Wine & Its Euphoria
SourceShakespeare quoted: I pray you, do not fall in love with me, for I am falser than vows made in wine.
Premium wines are not necessarily heavy on the pocket but are certainly rich in flavour and aroma.
The fragrance is usually fruity packed with spices. That's how you ascertain its perfume.
When you taste it, there is a piquance of fine grapes and a blend of spices, fruits, coffee & chocolate. If you get a concoction of all these with a nutty flavour on your palate, it's a good wine you're indulging in.
It's high and dry! You're in for a cocktail of sensations in your mouth that brings forth acidity, dryness or sweetness, a viscid texture, tannin, and alcohol.
How to Sip Wine the Right Way?
Bottoms up is never the option! Wine is to be drunk in a way that you never miss out on an ounce of its flavours and aroma. Here's a step by step guide to downing your favourite grape.
A wine glass is a must.
Never fill the glass to the brim (half is preferable)
Swirl and twirl the glass in slow motion.
Breathe in the aroma of grapes and spices.
Sip it with all the time in the world.
Wine Trivia: Did you know that it takes about 200 grapes to make a 750ml bottle of wine!
How to Cache the Wine Bottle at Home?
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Storing a wine bottle carefully is essential. Know how?
Store the bottle horizontally.
Recork the bottle immediately after pouring.
Keep it away from sunlight
Store in cool dry places.
Never store the bottle at a temperature between 10-15 degree Celsius.
Now that you know all about wine, the best picks and the tactics to sip it the right way, what keeps you from indulging in one? Enhance your meals with a glass and see yourself glow in no time! (women, you may want to get it for sure)
Because wine is always the answer!
If you're a wine aficionado, tell us your favourite Indian Wine in the comments below!
