India's fledgling wine industry is turning out some surprisingly drinkable drops. A clutch of wineries (commendable names include Chateau Indage, Sula Vineyards and Grover Wines) have established positive reputations and are easily found on restaurant menus and in wine shops all over the country.
There is no reason why India should not be able to produce good wine. Several parts of the country have suitable climate and soil conditions. One of the most promising so far is Nasik in Maharashtra, north of Mumbai. The area benefits from a cool, maritime-influenced climate, a hilly landscape and well-drained soils. Over the past decade, these factors have allowed producers to turn out respectable wine from international varietals including chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and zinfandel.
What's more, with wine drinking quickly gaining popularity among India's burgeoning middle class, there is a huge opportunity for ambitious local producers to focus on quality and grab market share from importers.
Tasting note: Sula Chenin Blanc 2008
Pale lemon in colour with a crisp citrus aroma. Light-bodied and off-dry with good acid balance. More zingy citrus on the palate - lemons and grapefruit - rounded out by ripe tropical pineapple and melon notes. Medium to long length. More than quaffable.
Industry pioneer Sula Vineyards is located 15km west of Nasik and offers winery tours and tasting. www.sulawines.com.
There is no reason why India should not be able to produce good wine. Several parts of the country have suitable climate and soil conditions. One of the most promising so far is Nasik in Maharashtra, north of Mumbai. The area benefits from a cool, maritime-influenced climate, a hilly landscape and well-drained soils. Over the past decade, these factors have allowed producers to turn out respectable wine from international varietals including chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and zinfandel.
What's more, with wine drinking quickly gaining popularity among India's burgeoning middle class, there is a huge opportunity for ambitious local producers to focus on quality and grab market share from importers.
Tasting note: Sula Chenin Blanc 2008
Pale lemon in colour with a crisp citrus aroma. Light-bodied and off-dry with good acid balance. More zingy citrus on the palate - lemons and grapefruit - rounded out by ripe tropical pineapple and melon notes. Medium to long length. More than quaffable.
Industry pioneer Sula Vineyards is located 15km west of Nasik and offers winery tours and tasting. www.sulawines.com.
I have a friend who says the Grover reds are amazing! She can even find them in good Indian restaurants in London.
ReplyDeleteI love reading these Alice, it sounds like such a delicious holiday!
Caroline xx
Indian wine takes me back to Peckham Rye Indian delights ... minus the gun shots!
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