Sip Sip Hurray: A Wine Expert Tells Us The Top 10 Red Wine Brands In India

“Aurva” translates to ‘of the earth’ in Sanskrit, paying tribute to the land and mythic beauty of the unique terroir of Nashik, Maharashtra. Concentrating on one harvest per year the winemakers imposed a selective approach that allows focus on the quality, freshness and integrity of the grapes. Meticulously crafted using 100% locally sourced Shiraz grapes that are carefully hand-harvested by CHANDON partner growers, Aurva is aged in French oak barrels for fourteen months. CHANDON Aurva offers a symphony of rich aromas, velvety smoothness, and flavours of cloves, cherry, blueberry and plum.

Price: INR 4,200

Established in 2007 in Akluj, India, by the Secci brothers and renowned winemaker Piero Masi, Fratelli marries tradition with innovation. The J’Noon Red is a blend of Petit Verdot/Marselan and Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon being the backbone. The deep purple hue and rich flavours of black fruits with structured tannins, full body, and a long, silky finish are crafted by the Petit Verdot, Marselan, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Transporting us to the right bank of Bordeaux, the wine showcases notes of spearmint and graphite complemented by a backdrop of cedar and fresh tobacco, creating a truly exquisite experience.

Price: INR 4,500

In 2016, KRSMA revealed their first Syrah wine. Krsma wines are not a product of a laid-down recipe; each bottle of these vintage wines is unique in its own way. The 2019 vintage is aged for 14 months in new and old oak barrels offering the flavour of kirsch, cranberries, figs, toast and baking spices. At 13.9% abv, this wine can be consumed slightly chilled to ensure maximum enjoyment.

Price: INR 2,000 (approx.)

If you are a lover of a big, bold, juicy red wine, then this one’s for you! While Sula is known for its relatively affordable and easily-likeable wines, this Zin is here to impress. Crammed with an array of juicy blueberry, blackberry and redcurrant aromas alongside pretty violets and notes of vanilla, clove, chocolate and pepper, this Zinfandel is vibrant and plush with a textural, almost creamy mouthfeel. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, it’s a great way to end your day.

Price: INR 1,595

A small boutique winery tucked away in the Igatpuri region, Vallonné Vineyards prides itself in making varietally focused wines. This Merlot Reserve is a full-bodied wine with a deep garnet colour. From the nose to the palate, it is redolent of flavours of red berries, dark chocolate, cigar, spice and toast and has creamy, velvety tannins. We have yet to meet a red wine lover who has tried this wine and has not thought this is a marvellous wine! 

Price: INR 1,500 (approx)

Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz, a robust red from the Sula portfolio, is 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from a single vineyard in Nashik's Dindori region, it is matured in American oak for 12 months, imparting sweet coconut and smoky notes. On the nose, the wine has pronounced aromas of ripe dark cherry, sweet spices and a hint of vanilla. Rich dark fruits follow through on the full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a long finish.

Price: INR 1,250

While most of us were busy experimenting with dolgana coffee and banana bread during the pandemic, Grover Zampa Vineyards was quietly experimenting with grapes and casks to create its premium Signet collection. Fermented and aged for 12 months in terracotta clay Amphora, this red wine runs a deep garnet red. The porous structure of terracotta clay allows micro-oxygenation, which helps to soften the tannins, giving a deep and rich structure without additional flavours. The wine is surprisingly aromatic for a robust red with notes of sweet dark fruits and flowers.

Price: INR 4,000 (approx.)

Made from the indigenous Sicilian grape variety Nero d'Avola, this wine is medium bodied with strong fruity aromas of cherry accompanied with some spicy notes of pepper and cinnamon. It is a young wine with a long finish. Since its first vintage in 2006, the winery has believed in making wines that showcase quality over quantity.

If you are vegan, then this wine is for you! 

Price: INR 845

Promoting the magic of music, the wine is named after Antaraa, literally meaning the second note in Hindustani classic music. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from the vineyards in Dindori, it showcases concentrated aromas of plums, black currant and spice. With 75% of the wine aged in medium toasted French oak for twelve months, it is well-structured, with velvety tannins highlighting rich red fruit flavours and an elegant finish.

Price: INR 900 (approx.)

Vallonne Vineyards, established in 2009 in Nashik Valley, India, has gained acclaim for its Anokhee Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2019. This exquisite wine, grown with estate-grown grapes, showcases the region's unique terroir, blending tradition with innovation. The deep ruby hue introduces an enticing bouquet of blackberries, cassis, and subtle notes of vanilla. On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of ripe fruit, refined tannins, and a lingering finish, embodying the finesse associated with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Price: INR 2,500 (approx.)

For the best Homegrown wines, read this! 

To know what food to pair with different wines, read this!