The good thing about writing on wine in a country which is still a nascent market is that one gets to revisit the shelf again and again to see how things are coming along. Thus, what would pass as a strong habit, bordering on addiction, can be underwritten as an earnest effort to merely keep oneself well informed of what’s happening in the wine world. We still don’t have the concept of vintage in India, which means that even the top wines will more or less taste similar, no matter which year they are made in. Part of the reason for this is that we don’t store wines long enough to see a marked difference show up, but the other reason is that very few wines are made in a manner to exhibit individuality over uniformity. Nevertheless, the quality of wine produced in India has been going up steadily over the years, as wineries get better at what they do.Here then are my top picks of red wines – some are properly cellar-worthy while others will pack a mean punch wrapped in a silken glove.

With all of them, I recommend decanting for a good part of an hour (if not two) before serving.A big brooding boisterous red, the kind that makes steaks melt. The fruit is present but sits beneath the oak which impart rich chocolate-coffee-toasty primary notes. With a name like Chêne (French for oak) one wouldn’t expect anything else.A very complex reserved wine, layered and structured. This wine needs decanting —minimum 2-3 hours but if you can manage 4-5, even better — and then it evolves into an elegant full-bodied wine.A very drinkable fruity red wine with body and length. This grape is India’s rising star and KRSMA does a good version, fruity and yet with some spiced richness.The only Tempranillo exploit out of India, and one good enough to take on Spanish Rioja. If this is a sign of things to come, Tempranillo stands to become a big Indian superstar.A very drinkable wine, absolute crowd-pleaser. The first red wine that put India on the world wine map. Michel Rolland was crucial in helping put this Shiraz-Cabernet wine together.

It’s made in both our winemaking states but, as always, prefer the Bangalore-origin stock over Nashik.The most iconic red in India, one that definitely ages well. Cabernet normally doesn’t do great in Indian soils but this one is quite the anomaly. Also available in Magnums which will age even better.A juicy floral-fruity red wine with intense berry-spice notes. best internet wine clubsThe oak is gentle and never masks the fruit.  best white wine christmas 2015Again, this winery is paving the way for Malbec to become an Indian staple.best white wine for summer weddingA red that shows an impressive breadth of flavours but not heavy or daunting at all. top wine producing states in usa

Mostly Shiraz but also Cabernet, the philosophy for this blend is guided by one simple principle: only the best estate wines go into it.Another serious and worthwhile expression of Cabernet Sauvignon (I already mentioned that India generally makes below average Cabernet S.). This is a balanced wine, decent fruit and then honed further with barrel ageing.guide to wine pdfA good expression of Syrah with plenty of fruit on the nose and palate. red wine glass luxuryThere have been some inconsistencies somewhere along the road but the wines are always well above average.how much wine to buy for party of 60One very well-priced Reserve-level balanced wine with nuanced complexity. glass of wine standard size

It drinks well straight out of the bottle (as in no need to decant, not that you can give the bottle lip service). Proceeds from the sale of this wine go to charity, in case you need another reason to go for it.Because somewhere in India there is always a Sula being opened, safest to make it a Rasa then. The wine is big and oak-rich and makes no bones about it. dry white wine namesNot for the faint-hearted.A decade earlier, ‘Indian wines’ and ‘Indian wineries’ would be almost unheard off, let along vineyards in India. However, over the last few decades, there has been a tremendous chance in the Indian wine industry. For one, the region of Nashik in Maharashtra and Karnataka have become the hotspots in India. As of today, India’s wine industry may still may be young, but it has captured the eye of several international wine enthusiasts. Given below are some of the best wine brands in India that have provides the best red wine:Grover Zampa Vineyards - Grover La’ ReserveGrover La’ Reserve that is offered by the Nashik based Grover Zampa Vineyards is one of the popular choices of red wine brands in India.

The Grover La’ Reserv offers just the right blend of spiciness and the perfect aftertaste to live up your senses. It also comes with a distinctive oak flavor, that comes from being aged in French oak barrels. With a 750 ml bottle at a price of Rs. 800, it is completely pocket friendly.Grover Zampa Vineyards - Chene Grand ReserveLike the Grover La’ Reserve, the Chene Grand Reserve is also a product of Grover Zampa Vineyards. But what stands out from this wine varity, is the deep ruby color. The flavour boasts of a mixed flavour of berried and plums with a slight tinge of spices. Stored in oak barrels when maturing, it gets its distinctive oak flavour from this process. It can be paired with several dishes, but works best with stews, pastas, roasts, grilled vegetables and rice. It has won the 2013 Hong Kong International Wine Award and even bagged a Bronze medal at the 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK. At a price of Rs. 1700 for 750 ml bottle, it is worth its price.Fratelli Wines - SetteBased in Akluj, the Fratelli Wines collection is one of the leading brands of wine in India.

This premium brand has been steadily gaining recognition for its quality wines and setting a new benchmark for wines worldwide. From the collections of Fratelli Wines come Sette, which boasts of a citric taste, found mainly in ripe fruits. It also provides a smidgen of vanilla which is most evident from its taste. It is best paired with spicy Indian dishes. It has also won a silver medal at the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards in the U.K. With a price of Rs. 1650, for 750 ml, it is definitely worth the price of your pocket.Reveilo Wines - Cabernet Sauvignon ReserveThe Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is produced by Reveilo Wines. This vintage wine comprises of a combination of purple and deep red. Although it may not have won awards, it has become of the best red wine brands in India for its fruity taste and full body flavour. A sip of this wine will provide hints of pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg that further enhance the taste. The aroma speaks of a blend of leather, spice and dark fruits, making it the ideal ‘fruit bomb’.

For the best food pairing, opt for lamb based dishes. The vintage variety comes at a price of Rs. 1345 for 750 ml.Indian wine industry is quite young and immature comparatively, but it is evolving to great extent.Nashik region in Maharashtra and Karnataka are hotspot for Indian wine industry.Here are some of the best wine brands in India, especially red wine !!1. Grover La' ReserveIt comes from Grover Zampa vineyards and is one of the most affordable wine for the quality it offers.Offers just enough spiciness and long aftertaste to live up to your senses and has distinctive oak flavor.750 ml costs around Rs. 8002. Chene Grand ReserveIts major feature is the deep ruby color and has bagged 2013 Hong Kong International Wine Award. It also belongs to Grover vineyards.It is the costliest red wine in india, costing around Rs. 1700 for 750 ml bottle.It gives mixed flavour of berries and plums with tinge of spices.3. SETTEIt belongs to Fratelli wines based in Akluj on Solapu district in Maharashtra and is one of the leading red wine brand in India.It won the silver medal at Decanter World Wine Awards in 2013.Offers a critic taste that can be found in ripe fruits and also has a smidgen of vanilla.

750 ml costs around Rs. 16004. Rasa ShirazIt belongs to famous Sula vineyards. It offers very vibrant aroma which is fruity and lively.It is one of the best export red wine in India. 750 ml costs around Rs. 11755. Cabernet Sauvignon ReserveIt comes from Reveilo wines. It hasn't bagged any awards but is preferred by Indians because of its fruity taste and a full body .It offers aromas of leather, spice and dark fruit and is known to be a real fruit bomb. 750 ml costs around Rs. 1345.Hope you got what you were looking for :)Thank you :)While the Indian wine industry is very very young, we’ve made long strides. In fact, Grover and Sula are going out wining awards!Most of my favorites, which include La Reserve, Chene etc are already listed here and that’s great.How ever, here are some of other favorite one’s that deserve a mention:Grover Art Collection Rose: It’s easy drinking, fresh, perfect when server chilled on a hot Indian day, and surprisingly pairs really well with Indian food!

Grover Art Collection Chenin Blanc:This to is a sweet white wine with sparing acidity that is just perfect. With flavors of green apple and lime, it’s an amazing wine.Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc:This a desert wine from Sula sold only in 350ml bottle, but is quite a gallant effort. Not perfect but needs attention!Sula Riesling:This wine, in my opinion, is the best fit for most Indian food and curries. It’s mouth watering, perfect body and length, impeccable.Big Banyan Shiraz:While it’s not perfect, I feel this is the only wine that has an “Indian” style to it. I’ve come to love it.Grover Art Collection Viognier:This too is an easy drinking white that’s pretty good, epecially given that it made in India.That being said, you must try anything you get your hands on. You’ll find your own favorites. Side note: Maybe I’m being judgemental, but in my opinion and experience, Fratelli makes some pretty horrible wines. They’re all off key, manipulated, and don’t really conform to what the wine should be.