A Wine Expert Tells Us The Top 9 White Wine Brands In India

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White wine lovers take their wine seriously. And if you're a wine lover of sorts, we bet you've done your fair share of research and experimenting. However, it's never a bad time to learn about the best ones in this ever-growing market, especially from an expert.

We turned to Apurva Gawande to tell us the top ten white wine brands available in India. Gawande is one of India's ten holders of the coveted Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is passionate about demystifying the world of wines.

They say, "The Indian wine industry has undergone significant evolution in recent years, with a notable improvement in the quality of Indian wines. There is a growing trend of wine appreciation in India, and the good news is that enjoying a high-quality bottle no longer requires a hefty budget. Thanks to the expanding market and increased accessibility, affordable wines are gaining recognition and making a noteworthy impact." 

Without further ado, here are the top 9 white wine brands to add to your collection. 

LBB Tip: Prices have not been mentioned because they are usually susceptible to change region wise. 

The Source Sauvignon Blanc

The Source Sauvignon Blanc

The Source Sauvignon Blanc from Sula’s portfolio, is a vibrant Indian white wine. Made with sustainable practices both in the vineyard and winery, the wine balances citrus and tropical fruit notes with a hint of toasty notes from the partial oak ageing it undergoes. The crisp acidity and creamy body give the wine a lingering finish. When served slightly chilled, the wine pairs perfectly with grilled seafood, goat cheese salads, or herb-infused chicken dishes

Vallonne Riesling

Vallonne Riesling

Everything seems to fall into place with Vallone Vineyards' Riesling, a wine that truly embraces the essence of its origin. Crafted from grapes cultivated at an elevation of 2100 feet above sea level, where abundant sunshine and mountain breezes contribute to its unique character. This estate-bottled Riesling boasts a refreshing acidity, with aromatic notes reminiscent of blooming white flowers such as lilies and a subtle touch of minerality derived from the soil. For those who prefer their whites slightly sweeter, the Riesling is made in an off-dry style, making it a wine that can be had by itself or paired with rich Indian dishes.

H Block Chardonnay

York H Block Chardonnay 2022

The unique name of this wine is derived from the specific section on the plantation where the vines were planted. The H Block Chardonnay reveals a bouquet of lemon and citrus aromas on the nose. The palate is distinguished by a vibrant acidity, which is a result of the grapes naturally achieving optimal ripeness during cold winter nights. It is aged for six months in French oak and gains complexity, enhancing the inherent buttery texture characteristic of Chardonnay grapes. The H-Block offers a unique and noteworthy expression, setting itself apart from other oak-influenced Chardonnays in India.

Charosa Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Charosa Vineyards, Pleasures Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sprawled across 230 acres, the Charosa’s vineyards are located in the Dindori-Niphad-Satara area of Maharashtra. A belt known to have a cool climate and well-drained soils, and this Sauvignon Blanc showcases the minerality of the soil. Made in a style reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the Charosa Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic with notes of passionfruit, gooseberries, and grass. If you are looking for a fresh and light-bodied white for a summer afternoon, this should be your go-to wine!

Vijay Amritraj VA

Vijay Amritraj VA

If you are an avid fan of tennis, then you know who Vijay Amritraj is! But for the newbies, Amritraj is India’s best-known tennis export, reaching no. 16 on the world rankings in 1980 and beating many of the world’s leading players during his 20-year career, including John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. During his travels, he fell in love with wine and eventually partnered with Grover Zampa Vineyards to launch his own wine label! 

The VA white is made from the Viognier grape, a varietal known to make perfumed wines that can reach high alcohol levels.  This wine showcases notes of peach, honey and dry apricot aromas, with a floral nose and hints of vanilla notes from the French Oak integration, as expected from the finest Viognier wine.

Reveilo Grillo

Reveilo Grillo

This lesser-known Sicilian white wine is produced in Niphad. Started by Kiran and Yatin Patil, Reveilo wines are known for the use of indigenous Italian grape varieties. The Reveilo Grillo greets you with a bouquet of citrus, lemon, orange and grapefruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with crisp and zesty acidity. This is a quintessential summer wine with its aromatic nose and mineral-driven salinity. A good glass of Grillo wine can transport you to the sandy shores of Sicily, no matter where you drink it.

Vallone Muscat

Vallone Muscat

If you have a sweet tooth and are wondering what to pair with your cheesecake, look no further! With only a limited number of bottles, the Vallone Muscat is the perfect pairing with desserts as well as aromatic dishes such as Thai food. The hallmark of Muscat wines is the unmistakable floral and fruity bouquet, often exuding notes of citrus, peach, and orange blossom. It uses one of the oldest grape varieties, and this one is a must-have in your cellar!

Good Earth Blanca Chenin Blanc

Good Earth Blanca Chenin Blanc

The Good Earth Blanca Chenin has notes of sweet white fruits like pear, guava, and melon with a crisp refreshing taste. On the palate, it has a dry mouthfeel with a soft palate. The wine is made with a key focus of pairing it with local as well as international cuisines; It pairs extremely well with medium spicy dishes like Asian starters or tandoor dishes.

SDU Reserva Chardonnay 2021

SDU Reserva Chardonnay 2021

On the rich, loamy soils of Nandi Valley is the SDU Winery. Made from hand-picked grapes from selected vineyards, the SDU Reserva Chardonnay is medium-bodied with a smoky palate and notes of citrus and tropical fruits. The refreshing acidity causes a mouth-watering sensation, almost always making you want a second glass. The perfect food pairing would be with any light Indian snack, especially one that’s slightly tangy.

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An opinionated fashion & beauty writer who follows a strict pros & cons framework for her recommendations; loves discovering new fashion trends, writing & recommending them, while constantly keeping a pulse on what’s the latest that’s happening in the lifestyle space. Writer & editor with 4 years of experience that’s also always on the lookout for their next cup of coffee and book.