Indian Wine

1. Indian Wine India is a rapidly emerging wine economy in terms of both production and consumption, and has the potential to become a significant player on the world wine scene. This stems from the fact that the country has consistently experienced the highest growth in consumption in the world – around 20–30% a year between 2002 and 2010. To meet this demand, a significant quantity of wine is imported annually but India also has a mix of well-established and evolving domestic wineries. Historically, the introduction of vines to the Indian subcontinent and the subsequent proliferation of grape growing came from Persia in 500 BC. There is no evidence that commercial viticulture existed before the 19th century, when British colonialists supported the establishment of a local source of supply. However, just as the embryonic wine industry started to take shape it suffered a devastating blow from the outbreak of phylloxera. Religious and cultural vetos on alcohol consumption also proved to be a difficult challenge for the growth of Indian wine after independence from Britain. This continues to be the case in many parts of the country, where prohibition is enforced through local laws. Despite these obstacles, a large-scale expansion in the Indian wine industry was experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a result of globalization and liberal economic measures, as well as notable initiatives in modern wine growing by producers such as Chateau Indage – India's first commercial winery. The current surge in wine consumption is largely driven by the growth of an affluent 'middle class'.

2. Terroir/Climate Because of its location, India is not an easy place for large-scale viticulture. With latitudes ranging from 10 to 35 degrees north, the climate can be harsh and the tropical conditions mean that vines have to cope with a short growing season in addition to extreme heat and an unforgiving monsoon. Typical summer temperatures on the plains can reach more than 116F (47C) and rainfall can be intermittent. The climatic extremes are also exacerbated by high levels of humidity rising from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, Indian wine producers must protect their vines from conditions such as sunburn, fungal diseases and over-ripeness. Altitude plays the most significant role in site selection, as elevation ensures cooler growing conditions and also protects the vines from strong winds if they are planted in sheltered spots. The altitude in some of the prime growing areas reaches 3000ft (900m). A varied range of nutrient-rich soil types, ranging from well-drained sandy variants to complex metamorphic formations produced by the weathering of rock, lends character to Indian wines. The majority of India's wine regions are concentrated in the south-western part of the country, primarily in the state of Maharashtra but also in Karnataka. The slopes of the Sahayadri mountain range which forms the 'Western Ghats' have been identified as the most suitable place for viticulture, due to high altitudes and a correspondingly mild macroclimate. Some of the most well-known wine-producing areas in Maharashtra include Nashik, Sangli, Sholapur, Satara, Ahmednagar and Pune. In the state of Karnataka, the best sites are situated on the foothills of the Nandi Hills on the outskirts of Bangalore. Other notable grape-growing areas are found in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. A few areas in the north-east are also attracting attention due to their high location and cooler climates. Since the beginning of the current renaissance in its wine industry, India has adopted a modern approach to production, both in its vineyards and wineries. Most commercial producers use phylloxera-resistant grafted vines imported from abroad. Contemporary vineyard practices, ranging from top-class soil and canopy management to a wide range of trellising methods, are used to combat the climatic extremes and control high yields caused by the fertile soils (it is not uncommon to find yields of 900hL/50 tons per hectare). Bordeaux's Michel Rolland is the consultant winemaker for Grover Vineyards – a well-known winery based near Bangalore. India's low level of wine production contrasts with its total grape output of around 1.7m tons per year; the majority is used for table grapes and raisins, with only about 10% going to the production of wine. An even lower proportion comes from high-quality international varieties, although Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Zinfandel for reds and Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette and Sauvignon Blanc for whites are all grown. Thompson Seedless and Sultana vines produce the majority of India's grapes, with other notable varieties including Isabella (local name: Bangalore Blue) and Muscat Hamburg (local name: Gulabi). Wine styles range from heavy and alcoholic fortified wines to quality still wines and sparkling wines made by the traditional method.

4. Chenin Blanc Sula 2011 Chenin Blanc – Nashik, India Man Vintners 2011 Chenin Blanc – AgterPaarl region, South Africa

5. Sula – Maharashtra wine region ‘Napa’ of India Maharashtra is the third-largest state in India and its capital, Mumbai, is both India's largest city (with a population of more than 10 million) and its chief financial center. Two-thirds of the state's population is employed in agriculture and Maharashtra is home to two of India's largest grape-producing districts: Nashik and Sangli. More than 90% of the country's wine is produced here and the state government introduced concessions and incentives for wine producers to encourage more growth. Although only a small percentage of Maharashtra's grapes are used for wine (with the majority being sold as table grapes or raisins), the figure is increasing. A temperate climate provides warm days and cool nights at the end of the growing season, enabling the grapes to mature slowly. Some vineyards are planted as high as 980ft (300m) to compensate for the region's latitude of 18.33 to 20.53 degrees north and ensure adequate rainfall. Maharashtra has more than 40 wineries. Two of the best known are Chateau Indage at Narayangaon in the Sahyadri Valley, which was established in 1979, and Sula Vineyards, 111 miles (180km) north of Mumbai in Nashik, where the first wine grapes were planted in 1997. More than 25 grape varieties are grown in Maharashtra, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Malbec, Viognier, Grenache, Arkavati, Arkeshyam, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Muscadet, Semillon and Chenin Blanc.

6. Man Vintner Story Man Vintners, South Africa – To keep peace in the families, we took our wives’ initials (we each have one wife) — that is how we explained to Marie, Anette and Nicky that we were going to be “busy” most weekends. “It’s for you!” we told them. And mostly it’s true. José Conde and brothers Tyrrel and Philip Myburgh started making wine together in 2001. They are supported by a group of grape growers from the Agter-Paarl region. Their first 500 cases were made in a tractor shed, we have grown to producing over 175 000 cases per year and exporting to 25 countries. Their biggest selling wines are Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, but the area is also known for Shiraz and Pinotage.

7. Terroir: Sula – Maharashtra, 2,600 ft (800 m) along the slopes of the Sahyadri to 3,300 ft (1000 m) in Kashmir. Summertime temperature can get as hot as 113 °F (45 °C) and wintertime lows can fall to 46°F (8°C). During the peak growing season between June and August, rainfall averages 25–60 inches. The Vineyards are in Nashik Valley, India's finest wine region. Located just 180 km. from Bombay and 600 m. above sea level. Nashik lies on western edge of the Deccan Plateau which is a volcanic formation. The soil here is primarily black which is favorable for agriculture. PrashantKoli, India's renowned Agricultural Scientist said;" It's the best in North Maharashtra region due to its iconoelasticity" Man Vintners – Almost 80% of the farms are not irrigated and 52% of the vineyards are not trellised (this contributes to the low yield of the vines). Lower yields result in smaller grapes, which means a greater concentration of flavor. What is unique about the Agter-Paarl area? The low rainfall and ancient shale and decomposed granite soils produce wines that are distinctive and unique. Even though the area is quite dry, the farmers have planted 80% of their vineyards without supplemental irrigation: the shale soils have excellent water retention, slowly releasing enough water during the growing season to perfectly ripen the grapes. 52% of our vineyards are planted without trellising; combined with the low rainfall and dry-land farming, our area is a fairly low-yielding region, resulting in concentrated, flavorful and distinctive wines.

9. Tasting Notes: Sula– A semi-dry, refreshingly light wine bursting with pineapple and stone fruit. Food Pairing Makes for a delightful aperitif and ideal with food that has a hint of sugar and spice, such as Southeast Asian or Gujarati dishes. Residual Sugar 15.6 g/L 12.5 % alcohol Man Vintners - The Agter-Paarl area is the ideal region for growing Chenin Blanc and our farmers have the largest collection of old vine Chenin Blanc in the country. To do justice to the excellent bush vine (un-trellised) grapes, we only use free-run juice (vin de goutte) – we don't press the grape skins – and we leave the Chenin Blanc on its lees for three to four months before bottling for a richer, fuller mouthfeel. We call this our 'sweet and sour' wine - the acidity and sweetness are perfectly balanced. 13.5% alcohol, RS 4.8 g/l

10. Sauvignon Blanc Sula 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Veritas 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

11. Tasting Notes: Sula– Herbaceous, crisp, and dry, with hints of green pepper and a touch of spice at the finish, this wine is well balanced with good acidity. Food Pairing Goes well with spicy food, especially coastal dishes as well as lightly flavoured Asian cuisine. Residual Sugar 1.2 g/L 13% alcohol Veritas – 2011 Veritas Sauvignon Blanc is an intensely aromatic, mouth-wateringly crisp, bone dry white wine. The aromas and flavors are of newly-cut grass, gooseberries, passion fruit and all kinds of citrus. Enjoy Sauvignon Blanc for the "jeunesse,"- the youth of the wine - the younger the better. The balance carries throughout the bone-dry finish and would be a perfect complement to shellfish and seafood dishes.

12. Virginia Veritas Winery– the Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley of Virginia, and the Inner Piedmont or foothills. Probably the area of highest potential due to its possession of many positive attributes of cooling, associated with elevation increase. High quality is maintained by lower summer 68 temperatures, lower night temperatures, and lower humidity. At 960 feet above sea level, the highest elevation fruit in the state of Virginia; higher vineyards keep grapes away from low-lying pollution, allow for sunnier days and cooler nights, and give the eonologist a more difficult but rewarding soil to cultivate.

13. Cabernet Sauvignon Good Earth 2008 Basso - Nashik Valley, India Milbrandt Winery 2009 Cab Sauv - Columbia Valley, Washington State

14. Good Earth 2008 Basso Basso is made with hand-selected Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and nurtured in the finest oak barrels for a year. Our grapes are grown in the light, conducive soil of the Nasik Valley. They are gently picked at optimum maturity and processed with great care and humility. Medium-bodied, ruby red in color, Basso hints of black currants and pepper. A pleasant whiff of burnt toast gives way to touches of plum and blackberry. Basso complements Tandoori dishes, roast lamb and grilled meats in general. We also like it with soft, cow’s milk cheeses. Serve at 16-18 degrees C and allow it to breathe in the glass for several minutes. Swirl, sniff and notice the changes with every sip.

15. Dr. Rajesh Rasal has been studying and making wine for over a dozen years. Dr. Rasal has the unique distinction of having been awarded the first – and, so far, the only -- Doctor of Philosophy in oenology (the science of wine) by an Indian university. He hones his winemaking skills through frequent trips to the major wine making regions of the world. Viticulture practices, include the specification of organic manure and fertilizer, low-yield grape production and manually harvesting the grapes during the cool morning hours and use of temperature controlled transport to ensure the grapes maintain optimal sugar content. Production Hand select cold grapes before crushing under low pressure. They use only pure imported yeasts during fermentation to maintain aroma. Red wines undergo secondary fermentation and reserve reds are aged for one year in oak barrels.

16. Terroir The grapes are grown and wine produced in the Nashik Valley, approximately 120 miles northeast of Mumbai. A cool microclimate and an alititude of almost 2,000 feet has enabled the growth of fruit and flowers for hundreds of years. The soil is well-drained and red, requiring vine roots to develop strength as they travel deep. The Nashik Valley is in the Northern Hemisphere, however, it is a monsoon climate. The vines produce grapes twice a year, in October, shortly after monsoon season, the grapes are discarded. Grapes for wine production are harvested in March. Additionally, we are the only winemaking region in the world that harvests our grapes for crushing at the onset of warm weather. All other winemaking regions harvest at the onset of cool weather. We believe that this lends another unique element to the terroir of the Nashik Valley.

17. Milbrandt vineyards – washington state In 1997 Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted their first grapevines in Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA. It’s remote, windswept, high desert dotted with sagebrush and tumbleweeds. The land ranges from deep river gorges to vast mountain ranges and hills formed by Ice Age floods and ancient volcanoes. The Milbrandt family had been farming in the area since the mid-1950s. Today, the Milbrandt family farms 12 estate vineyards totaling nearly 2,000 acres. Milbrandt Vineyards are concentrated in the Wahluke Slope (AVA established in 2006) and the Ancient Lakes area (currently under application for AVA). Both growing areas share the same low rainfall and long sunny days during the growing season. The Cab Sauv is grown on the Wahluke Slope which is proving especially ideal for red wines.

19. Prices Man Vintners Chenin Blanc $8 Sula Chenin Blanc $10 Veritas Sauvignon Blanc $15 Sula Sauvignon Blanc $12 Good Earth Basso Cab Sauv $16.50 Milbrandt Cab Sauv $14