A Simple Guide to the Top Five Wines in India and Their Sources. India’s wine industry has blossomed over the past few decades, producing bottles that rival international favorites. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, discovering the best wines in India is an exciting journey of flavors and traditions. Here are the top five wines to try in India, along with information about where each originates.
1. Sula Rasa Shiraz
Sula Vineyards, based in Nashik (Maharashtra), is arguably the face of Indian wine. The Rasa Shiraz is their flagship red—full-bodied, spicy, and rich, with notes of black pepper and ripe berries. It’s aged in oak barrels and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and Indian curries.
Sula Rasa Shiraz is a premium Shiraz (also known as Syrah) wine. It’s known for its bold, expressive character, featuring rich dark fruit flavors, peppery notes, and earthy undertones. The wine undergoes aging in French oak barrels, contributing to its complexity and smooth tannins.
2. Grover Zampa La Réserve
From the Grover Zampa Vineyards in the Nandi Hills (Karnataka), La Réserve is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This red wine is known for its deep color, complex aromas of spiced fruit and vanilla, and a silky finish. It’s perfect with roasted dishes and hard cheeses.
Grover Zampa La Réserve is a line of premium wines produced by Grover Zampa Vineyards, an Indian winery. The La Réserve range includes both red and white wines, known for their quality and traditional winemaking techniques. The wines are crafted using hand-picked grapes from select vineyards and aged in French oak barrels.
3. Fratelli Sette
Fratelli Vineyards, located in Solapur (Maharashtra), produces the Sette—a premium red blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s elegant and balanced, offering flavors of dark cherries, plums, and a hint of tobacco. Sette is a wonderful companion to lamb and rich tomato-based dishes.
Fratelli Sette is a premium Indian red wine produced by Fratelli Wines. The wine is known for its deep ruby color, aromas of black fruits, vanilla, and spice, and a full-bodied palate with flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. It is a popular choice for pairing with red meats, game, and rich pasta dishes.
4. Charosa Sauvignon Blanc
Charosa Vineyards, also in the Nashik region (Maharashtra), delivers a standout Sauvignon Blanc. This white wine is crisp and refreshing, with lively citrus, green apple, and grassy notes. It’s ideal for a warm afternoon, pairing nicely with seafood or salads.
Sauvignon Blanc is typically not considered a sweet wine; it is usually dry to off-dry. It is known for its high acidity and crisp, refreshing flavors, which often include citrus, green apple, and herbal notes
5. York Arros
York Winery, situated by the Godavari River in Nashik (Maharashtra), crafts Arros—a bold blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine impresses with its dark fruit flavors, hints of chocolate, and a long, smooth finish. It goes exceptionally well with spicy kebabs and rich Indian gravies.
York Arros is a flagship red wine blend from York Winery, India, consisting of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a limited production wine, with less than 10,000 bottles made annually.
