Indian Red Wines: India’s first wine grapes were planted in 1979 and the first winery, Chateau Indage was born. Now after 40 years of collaboration and efforts to make quality wines, we stand at a place where Indian wines can challenge big international brands in the wine business. Wines that you can proudly gift people or can order to impress your guests.
In the section below, I will be listing details of the big reds from India within Rs.2000, which should be the pick on your next trip to the liquor store. The list is in no particular order.
Indian Red Wine No.1: Fratelli Sette
This super Tuscan style red wine from Fratelli Vineyards is the baby of Italian Winemaker Piero Masi, it holds the top position in the list of many wine lovers in India. The winemaker’s repertoire precedes him and his experience reflects in his wine. For us it’s one of the most balanced red wine in India; the elegant tasting profile of earthiness, red fruits with balanced tannins, with oak maturation of more than a year makes it a highly desirable wine.
This wine is generally a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Merlot in percentages that are best as per the winemaker. This characteristic of Sette makes it a perfect wine for vertical tastings as each vintage shows something different. Current vintage is Sette 2015- 60% Sangiovese / 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Spaghetti bolognaise, mutton seehk kebab, pan-seared salmon, grilled lamb, pork chop, etc.
Vegetarian- Grilled cottage cheese, roasted vegetables, paneer tikka etc.
Pocket pinch– Rs.2000 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.2: KRSMA Estates Cabernet Sauvignon
The flagship red wine under the KRSMA profile; is a product of love and care from the vineyards to bottle, crafted under the leadership of Krishna and Uma Chigurupati; this boutique winery believes in quality, not quantity. They release their wines only in vintages that are up to the mark as per them, if they don’t like the wine themselves they don’t launch it. Fun fact; the harvest is always started by Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, she picks the first grape bunch herself.
KRSMA estates are known to make only single varietal wines that have been successful and well-received by consumers to date.
KRSMA Estates was recently awarded 46th position in the Worlds 50 Best Vineyards list, 2020. They are the 1st Indian vineyard to feature on the list.
This trademark, to the book Cabernet Sauvignon, has bold and robust flavors of dark berries, vanilla and oaky richness and balanced tannins. Its exclusivity makes you want it more, these are available only in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, and New York. They have a beautiful bottle with elegant packaging and a glass of elegant wine to serve.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Beef steaks, barbequed or grilled red meat, goulash, and Tuna work the best.
Vegetarian- Lasagna, mushrooms, dark berry based sauces, and chocolate.
Pocket pinch– Rs.2000 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.3: KRSMA Estates Syrah
The first vintage of their Syrah is 2016 and was launched in markets last year. Their intricate winemaking has resulted in one of the best Syrah wines produced by an Indian winery. A Rhone valley inspired lush wine driven by red fruit aromas, with some blackcurrant, the classic peppery spiciness of a Syrah and well-balanced tannins; make it a very enjoyable wine.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Beef burgers, tandoori raan, lamb shawarma, and grilled or roasted red meats.
Vegetarian- Eggplant, vegetable casserole, vegetable burger and chilli based food.
Pocket pinch- Rs.1800 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.4: Grover La Réserve
The first reserve wine of India vinified under the leadership of world-renowned enologist Michel Rolland who has vast experience working in Bordeaux, Argentina, Chile, etc. This Cabernet Sauvignon- Shiraz blend was once said to be the best new world wine by Steven Spurrier, one of the most influential wine critic in the world.
An opulent wine with beautiful black and red fruit aromas, with a hint of spice, coffee, vanilla and chocolate aromas from the oak are pretty undeniable.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Barbecue or grilled red meat, spaghetti meatballs, lamb roghan josh, etc .
Vegetarian- Vegetable burger, grilled vegetables, mushrooms, etc.
Pocket pinch- Rs.1000 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.5 :Grover Zampa V/A (Vijay Amritraj) Red
Dedicated to the on-field flamboyant and stylish Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj. This wine is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz with a hint of white grape Viognier, matured in French oak; this elegant red wine perfumed with dark fruits, pepper, sweet spice and mild floral aromas from the Viognier is a treat to one’s palate.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Asian red meat stir fry, grilled chicken, duck, chicken malai tikka etc.
Vegetarian- Grilled cottage cheese, tomato based pasta, roasted vegetables etc.
Pocket pinch– Rs.1400 approx
Indian Red Wine No.6 : Grover Zampa Chêne
Often overshadowed by La Reserve from the same lineup; Chêne outshines to be one of the best red wines in India. This signature Tempranillo and Shiraz blend are aged for 15 months in Oak barrels to acquire aromas of dark fruits, a hint of spices, and oak bouquets like vanilla and roasted coffee beans.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Meaty pizzas, smoked meat, Indian tangra style chilli chicken, chilli pork, beef dishes etc
Vegetarian- Polenta, corn, lentils, beans, tomato based sauces etc.
Pocket Pinch– Rs.1850 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.7: Sula RASA Cabernet Sauvignon
The best red wine from the Sula portfolio, Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from low yield vines from their Dindori vineyards which defines that quality will be good. It’s said that the name derives from the initials of their founder Rajeev Samant.
Matured in oak casks and further in bottles, this wine expresses dark and red fruits with balanced tannins, can be enjoyed young or cellared for a special event.
Food Pairing
Non-Vegetarian- Barbecue or grilled red meat, meat stews, lamb curries etc.
Vegetarian- Mushrooms, dark berry based sauces, grilled vegetables, chocolate etc.
Pocket pinch– Rs.1850 approx.
Indian Red Wine No.8: York Arros
The flagship premium wine by York Winery in Nashik. This Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is aged in oak casks for 12-15 months and 6 months after bottling before release.
Jammy red and black fruit aromas, vanilla, and sweet spice notes from the oak, with balanced tannins and smooth mouthfeel makes this wine a good choice with your meals.
Food Pairing
Non Vegetarian- Barbequed or grilled red meat, mutton seekh kebab, roasted leg of lamb etc
Vegetarian- Baingan bharta, eggplant parmigiana, grilled vegetables, mushrooms etc.
Pocket pinch– Rs.1100 approx.
So the next time when you are planning a toast with your friends and loved ones; pick up one of these quality wines. They will surely light up your experience.
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