Indian wine brands have come a long, long way in terms of quality and in terms of just sheer range. We've told you about the top homegrown wine brands here, and now it's only fair if we hit you with the best Indian wines across categories, especially if you're on a budget. Luckily for us, most Indian vinos are fairly priced, so there's much to choose from. This list progresses from reds, whites, rosé, to sparkling and dessert wines.
Sip On The Drink Of Gods For Under 2k: These Indian Wines Are Lit & Fit Budget
Fratelli Sette
Touted as India's best red wine, the creme de al creme of the lot, the Fratelli Sette is a premium bottle, also priced so. Made from a blend of Sangiovese 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, it is aged in French and American oak for over a year. The result is a full-bodied, earthy and savoury wine with notes of cherry, a touch of spice and vibrant acidity.
Price: INR 2,000
Grover Zampa Chêne Reserve
This red from Grover's cellar doesn't shy away from asserting its presence on the palate. A blend of Tempranillo and Syrah, the Chêne is great to pop open especially for an evening of indulgence. Expect chocolate, toasty coffee, and oak on the nose, and an abundance of dark fruit, vanilla and cinnamon in each sip. This wine is also well balanced in its acidity, tannins and has an elegant finish.
Price: INR 1,700
KRSMA Sangiovese
A fruity, playful red wine that is easy to drink, the KRSMA Sangiovese has great body and length. It has fruit forward aromas with a hint of spice and tastes of cherries and red currants. The tannins are very soft in this red, hence making it so drinkable.
Price: INR 1,800
Reveilo Nero d'Avola
This red wine made from a single grape varietal, the Sicilian Nero d'Avola has won Nashik-based Reveilo winery several accolades. It's a medium bodied red wine with strong fruity aromas of cherry accompanied with some spicy notes of pepper and cinnamon. It has a long finish and a subtle smokiness too.
Price: INR 735
Grover Zampa La Reserve
The La Reserve is a crowd pleaser, everybody loves drinking this wine. This blend of Syrah and Cabernet is also the first red that put India on the world wine map. Prepare to experience aromas of vanilla, blackcurrants and blueberries and the taste of lush fruit, chocolate and coffee beans. This is a full-bodied wine with smooth tannins.
Price: INR 1,050
Fratelli Sangiovese Bianco
A light, easy breezy white wine, the Fratelli Sangiovese Bianco is gentle, fruity and crisp. It is also interesting to note that this is a white wine made from a red grape! Start your evening with this wine and you won't be disappointed. It's dry finish will leave you thirsting for more, so remember to keep enough within arm's reach.
Price: INR 790
Sula Chenin Blanc Reserve
Chenin Blanc wines are notorious for being too sweet for a white wine but the Sula Reserve breaks that stereotype. It is dry, and because of being oak-aged gives off a complex, rich mouthfeel. Local Chenin usually doesn't match up to what is found around the world but this wine does a good job at its price.
Price: INR 850
H Block Chardonnay
Coming from York winery, this is a distinct Chardonnay, one you wouldn't find anywhere else in the country. This light white wine shows softy toasty notes of oak with citrus tones and a creamy mouthfeel (courtesy of special process employed to make this wine). It's medium bodied and just a delicious Indian Chardonnay.
Price: INR 1,050
The Source Rosé By Sula
A good rosé is wonderfully perfumy nose, bright in acidity, and just charming. All of which is The Source Rosé By Sula made with the Grenache grape. It has a pale, perfect coral hue, and a fleshy, juicy grasp on the palate. This particular rosé also goes well with a lot of vegetarian fare.
Price: INR 1,050
Fratelli M/S Rosé
This one's a feel good rosé from the house of Fratelli perfect to pour for an afternoon meal. Made with a 100% Sangiovese grape it boasts of a very floral, fruity taste, think rose petals, red berries and strawberries. It also has a medium body and slightly bitter yet refreshing aftertaste.
Price: INR 1,000
Grover Zampa Soirée Brut
The Grover Zampa Soirée Brut pulls out all the stops when it comes to a fancy sparkling. It has golden straw hue, with aromas of brioche and is deliciously fruity and light. You can predominantly taste dry apricots. It works well with any light appetiser.
Price: INR 1,200
Fratelli Gran Cuvée Brut
You won't need champagne when you have the Fratelli Gran Cuvee Brut. Like any bubbly, this too has a bready, almost yeasty nose and a surprisingly creamy texture with lovely persistent bubbles and a touch of citrus on the palate. It is made with Chenin Blanc grapes with a long aging process of over a year.
Price: INR 1,125
Casablanca Spumanté
Casablanca Spumanté, a delicious sparkling tries to style itself after the popular Prosecco. It's a fruit-forward wine, has an almost tropical sweetness with low acidity. A combination of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz and Symphony grapes give this sparkler aromas of ripe pears, floral notes and a lingering finish.
Price: INR Rs1,200
Big Banyan Bellissima
This decadent dessert wine is made from lush clusters of the Muscat grape harvested late and sun-soaked to naturally concentrate sugars and aromas of pears and apricot orchards. It's colour is deep golden and is sweet, velvety on the palate with a smooth finish. A perfect end to a perfect meal.
Price: INR 400
York Late Harvest
The York Late Harvest is made from Chenin Blanc that is allowed to over-ripen. This means the wine has rich natural residual sugars and flavours of sweet nectar and honey. It has tropical fruits on the nose along with a slight nutty character and balanced acidity. Goes very well with dessert and chocolate.
Price: INR 390
