Indian Wine

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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 2030 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'.

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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.

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Chenin Blanc

• Sula 2011 Chenin Blanc Nashik, India
• Man Vintners 2011 Chenin Blanc Agter Paarl
  region, South Africa

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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.

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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. Its for you!
  we told them. And mostly its 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.

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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 46F
  (8C).
• During the peak growing season between June and
  August, rainfall averages 2560 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. Prashant Koli, 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.

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Tasting Notes

• 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

• 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

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Sauvignon Blanc

• Sula 2011 Sauvignon Blanc
• Veritas 2011 Sauvignon Blanc

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Tasting Notes

• 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.

• 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

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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.

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Cabernet Sauvignon

• Good Earth 2008 Basso - Nashik Valley, India
• Milbrandt Winery 2009 Cab Sauv - Columbia Valley,
  Washington State

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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, cows 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.

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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.
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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.

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Milbrandt vineyards washington state
In 1997 Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted
their first grapevines in Eastern Washingtons
Columbia Valley AVA. Its 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.
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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