Top 5 Red Wine Brands in India

About 10 years ago Indian wines and Indian wineries were almost unheard of. They did exist, but didn’t have a presence or did not show any promise in the Indian wine market, let alone the international wine scene. But today, that has changed quite drastically. With Indian Vineyards and Wineries popping up across the country, especially in Nashik and Karnataka, Indian Wine’s and Indian Wine Brands are making waves and gaining recognition not only domestically but internationally as well.

The Top 5 Indian Vineyards and Wineries which Include the three large players in the Indian Wine industry- Grover Vineyards, Indage (Chateau Indage) and Sula Wines, who together enjoy over 90% of the total market share. However this has not stopped new entrants and more Indian Wineries joining in the competition as the demand grows tremendously.

Here are The Top 5 Indian Red Wines today based purely on research of articles, reviews and discussions online and of course…personal taste. I am no wine connoisseur so this by no no means is a definitive Top 5 guide but merely step towards making wine buying a bit easier.

1. Grover La Reserve

Winery: Grover Vineyards

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz

Style: New world Wine

Awarded ‘Best New World Red 2005′ by the Decanter magazine. Aged in french oak barrels, this has a luscious bouquet of fruit and spices with a distinctive oak flavor. It luscious ripe fruits and an exquisite hint of spices. It is an attractive wine that will complement roasted lamb, tenderloin and will also perfectly match Indian specialty such as mutton biryani. Best enjoyed with stronger meats, game and spicy food.

2. Château d’Ori Cabernet Merlot 2007

Winery: Chateau d’Ori

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

This intensely aromatic deep red wine with spiced and candied prune notes just dances on the palette. It is a very smooth wine with a hint of oak that which leaves a lingering taste. The strong tannins of Cabernet and the elegance of Merlot bring pleasure to ones palate when this wine is combined with grilled red meat, game and fowl.

3. Nine Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Winery: Seagram

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Nine Hills stands apart with its soft tannins, which make it drinkable, just enough spiciness, long aftertaste, and a memorable mouth feel. Great for a mutton burra platter, but not a food wine for vegetarians.

4. Reveilo – Syrah Reserve 2005

Winery: Vintage Wines

Grape Variety: Syrah

A smooth-tasting wine, it is nicely balanced and drinkable. Syrah Reserve has been barrel aged in European oak for 9 months – this imparts an extra smoothness and okay notes to the wine. A delightful symphony of spice, pepper and berries, this wine is just what you’d order with your sheekh kebabs.

5. Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz 2007