| Welcome to the vibrant world of Indian libations, where grapes dance in the sun and champagne bubbles carry the spirit of celebration! Join us on a whimsical journey through the vineyards of India, where the elixirs of laughter and the nectars of joy await. Prepare your taste buds for a riot of flavors and a cascade of giggles as we unveil the top 11 wines and champagnes that put the ‘fun’ in ‘fine.’ Cheers to sipping, savoring, and discovering the quirky essence of India’s liquid treasures! |
1. Chandon Brut Rose NV
When it’s Moët Hennessy you know you’re going to drink well. Chandon India has been producing world-class sparkling wines from its Nashik winery–while the Brut is a great party starter, our pick is the pretty, rose-gold Brut Rosé for its intense aroma and a rich, creamy finish.
2. Zampa Soiree Brut by Grover Zampa
Made with the time-honoured méthode traditionelle, Grover Zampa’s golden-straw hued Zampa Soirée Brut is an elegant sparkling wine. A complex nose of citrus and floral aromas along with dried apricots and warm brioche makes it a rather glamorous aperitif. Pair it with Indian and pan-Asian dishes or pour over peach schnapps to make a brunch bellini.
3. Sette by Fratelli Wines
This one is a delicious red wine, boasting rich flavours of smoky coffee and chocolate, topped off with a lingering finish. Sette is a wine vertical by Fratelli, a premium homegrown wine company that has successfully carved a niche for setting remarkable standards for Indian wines. The commendable Indian wine brand has released about 5 vintages of Sette with the first dating back to 2009.
4. Big Banyan Merlot
This is a dry and medium-bodied wine, with a plummy finish that establishes it as a fun, free and easy wine every Indian novice connoisseur needs to get a taste of. It’s the perfect wine to savour on a warm evening, and the luscious wholesome taste you will be met with will dispel any scepticism you might have when picking the bottle.
5. Fratelli Gran Cuvee Brut
Some people prefer Champagne to cava or prosecco because of the longer finish and more complexity that you get in at least some of the non-vintages and certainly in the prestige cuvees. But these are expensive wines and not always accessible. If you would like an Indian sparkling, we would unhesitatingly pick up the Fratelli brut. We like dry wines and Fratelli is as dry and sparkling as you can get in India with a delicate and creamy finish.
6. Krsma Sangiovese
Apart from Shiraz, the other reds people usually end up drinking are the Sangiovese and the Argentinian Malbec. Krsma, a boutique winery near Bangalore by Krishna Prasad and Uma Chigurupati (Krishna has been making wine since he was 17) have some excellent offerings and we like their version of the Sangiovese with its notes of spice and nuts.
7. Vallonné Vineyards Rosé
The first-ever rosé to be made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in India, Vallonné Vineyards Rosé is a vibrant wine with crisp acidity, reflecting the Provençal Rosé style. With notes of cherry, plum, and melon, it’s a perfect accompaniment for your cheeseboard and pasta, or even with light curriesand pulao.
8. H Block Chardonnay by York Winery
One of the finest Indian Chardonnays, this delicious wine has notes of lemon and citrus. If you like bold, full-bodied wines, you will appreciate its crisp acidity and complexity. A six-month fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels gives the H Block Chardonnay a buttery creaminess that pairs well with shellfish, salads, and risotto.
9. Chêne Grande Reserve by Grover Zampa
Named after the French word for oak, Grover Zampa’s Chêne Grande Reserve is an intense ruby coloured wine that’s aged for at least 15 months in French oak barrels. A signature blend of Tempranillo and Shiraz, this is a ‘big’ wine with ripe dark fruit aromas of blackberry, plum, and currant with nuances of vanilla, liquorice, and chocolate for an elegant finish.
10. Reveilo Nero d’Avola
The Sicilian grape Nero d’Avola is not a common sight in the Indian wine industry, which makes the Reveilo offering an interesting one indeed. This rich, medium-bodied wine has strong fruity aromas of cherry, spicy notes like pepper and cinnamon, and a hint of smokiness, with a long, dark chocolate finish.
11. York Arros
Arros is the flagship wine by York Winery, a family-run Indian wine company that has quickly established a stellar reputation for itself. A blended Indian red with a distinct dark chilli pepper note, York Arros carries a paprika-like aroma that’s delightful to the senses. It has an uncomplicated, easy-going taste coupled with a smooth mouthfeel, blended together by 13 months of ageing in French and American Oak barrels.
