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. The oak is gentle and never masks the fruit.  Again, this winery is paving the way for Malbec to become an Indian staple.A red that shows an impressive breadth of flavours but not heavy or daunting at all. 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.A good expression of Syrah with plenty of fruit on the nose and palate.

There have been some inconsistencies somewhere along the road but the wines are always well above average.One very well-priced Reserve-level balanced wine with nuanced complexity. It drinks well straight out of the bottle (as in no need to decant, not that you can give the bottle lip service). best sweet wine in usaProceeds from the sale of this wine go to charity, in case you need another reason to go for it.can you buy wine in bulkBecause somewhere in India there is always a Sula being opened, safest to make it a Rasa then. best wine germanyThe wine is big and oak-rich and makes no bones about it. best wine label fontsNot for the faint-hearted.red wine glass cheers

People in India have discerning taste in wine and spirits and this is why wine brands have made it big in the Indian market. Many of the brands have come up with wines, which give tough competition to some leading international brands. Here is the list of top 10 best wine brands in India with price 2016:top wine companies france The word Fratelli (Italian) implies brothers. Fratelli Wines is a coordinated effort of Indian and Italian families getting together to bring the Tuscan quality and taste of wine, developed in Indian atmosphere and territory. Their winery home is in the Solapur district close to Pune with the vineyards adjacent too. Wine analysis – Alcohol: 13.5 – Total Acidity: 5 Next on the list of top 10 best wine brands in India 2015 is Dindori Reserve Shiraz, a product of Sula Vineyards. The wine, which has a full body taste, makes a perfect combination with lamb and hard cheese.

The price is pocket friendly at Rs 850 for 750 ml. Seagram’a Nine Hills is another wine brand, which has touched the heights of popularity in the country. It presents a unique taste with the fruity blend of strawberry and cherry. The wine can be had with fried as well as spicy dishes, making it perfect for the Indian palate. The product comes at a fair price of Rs 565 for 750 ml. Another wine brand which has amassed a great deal of popularity in India is Barrique Reserve Shiraz, which comes from the house of Four Seasons. Containing the wonderful aroma of some spices and blackberry, the wine blends well with matured cheese, red meat and mushrooms. Price is reasonable at Rs 900 for 750 ml. SETTE is a product of Fratelli Vines, based in Akluj. The best thing about this wine which accounts for its huge fan following in the country is that it makes a perfect combination with Indian food. It carries hints of vanilla and citrus flavors. The price is on the high end, at Rs 1650 for 750 ml.