10 Best Wines in India
India’s wine scene has flourished over the years, with homegrown vineyards producing some exceptional wines that rival international brands. With the increasing popularity of fine wines, many are on the lookout for the best wines in India that combine unique flavors, quality, and affordability. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, understanding the variety of wines India offers is essential for finding the right one for every occasion.
India’s diverse climates—from the cool, temperate regions of the Himalayas to the warm, tropical heat of the coastal states—have contributed to the development of a wide array of wines. The country’s wine industry has grown, with vineyards emerging in regions like Nashik, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh. These regions boast an ideal environment for cultivating grapes, making them home to several well-known wineries.
The wines listed below represent the cream of the crop—each offering something unique in terms of flavor, aroma, and experience. If you’re searching for the best red wines in India, whether you’re enjoying a casual evening or pairing your wine with gourmet dishes, this guide will walk you through some of the top picks in the country.
Before we dive into the wines, let’s take a quick look at some vital data points on the varieties, prices, and alcohol content of these wines.
Best Wines in India
| Wine Name | Winery | Grape Variety | Price (750ml) | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Shiraz By Sula | Sula Vineyards, Nashik | 70% Shiraz + 30% Cabernet Sauvignon | ₹950 | 13.5% |
| Sette by Fratelli Wines | Fratelli Vineyards, Maharashtra | 60% Sangiovese + 40% Cabernet Sauvignon | ₹2,000 | 13.5% |
| Big Banyan Merlot | Big Banyan Wines, Karnataka | Merlot | ₹800 | 13% |
| Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz | Four Seasons Vineyards, Maharashtra | 87% Shiraz + 10% Cabernet Sauvignon + 3% Viognier | ₹1,000 | 13% |
| La Reserve by Grover Zampa | Grover Zampa Vineyards, Karnataka | Cabernet Sauvignon + Shiraz | ₹880 | 14% |
| Reserve Tempranillo By Charosa | Charosa Winery, Maharashtra | Tempranillo | ₹2,500 | 13% |
| York Arros | York Winery, Nashik | Cabernet Sauvignon + Shiraz | ₹1,400-₹1,500 | 14.3% |
| Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Reveilo Winery, Nashik | Cabernet Sauvignon | ₹1,500 | 14% |
| KRSMA Sangiovese | KRSMA Estate, Hampi Hills | Sangiovese | ₹780-₹1,000 | 13% |
| Myra Cabernet Sauvignon | Myra Vineyards, Nashik | Cabernet Sauvignon | ₹680 | 14% |
10 Best Wines in India
1. Cabernet Shiraz By Sula – A Bold Introduction to Indian Wine Culture
The Story Behind the Wine
Sula Vineyards, one of India’s most recognizable wine brands, is known for producing quality wines that appeal to both novice drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs. Sula’s Cabernet Shiraz is a blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a wine that is smooth, medium-bodied, and perfect for various occasions. Hailing from the renowned Nashik Valley, it is one of the best-selling wines in India.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The deep purple color of this wine is only the beginning. On the nose, you are greeted by aromas of spices, smokiness, and the sweet scent of blueberries and blackberries. The palate is a delightful mix of ripe fruit and spice, making it a fantastic companion for grilled meats, hard cheeses, and hearty dishes.
With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it strikes the perfect balance between richness and smoothness, offering an elegant drinking experience without overpowering the senses.
Why Choose Sula’s Cabernet Shiraz?
- Best-selling red wine in India
- Pairs well with grilled meats and cheese
- Smooth and easy to drink with a rich, fruity flavor
2. Sette by Fratelli Wines – An Italian-Inspired Marvel
The Story Behind the Wine
Fratelli Wines is a pioneer in producing world-class wines in India, and Sette is one of its most celebrated creations. This wine combines 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a bold and aromatic red wine with smoky coffee and chocolate notes. The wine’s production involves aging in French oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The 2017 vintage offers rich, smoky aromas that are complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and dark plum. On the palate, expect a smooth combination of smoky coffee, dark chocolate, and a lingering finish. This wine pairs beautifully with red meats, grilled vegetables, and even rich chocolate desserts.
Why Choose Sette by Fratelli Wines?
- Known for its complex, smoky flavors
- Ideal for those who enjoy a bold, structured wine
- One of the finest examples of aged Indian wines
3. Big Banyan Merlot – A Smooth, Easy-Going Red
The Story Behind the Wine
Big Banyan Wines, located in the heart of Bengaluru, produces wines that stand out for their accessibility and quality. The Big Banyan Merlot is a prime example of this, offering a smooth, dry red wine that is perfect for casual sipping.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
With its soft, velvety tannins and plummy finish, Big Banyan Merlot is an easy-drinking wine that is not overly complex. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or lightly spiced Indian dishes, making it a versatile choice for a variety of meals.
Why Choose Big Banyan Merlot?
- Light and approachable, great for wine beginners
- Smooth texture with soft tannins
- Affordable and versatile
4. Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz – A Full-Bodied Experience
The Story Behind the Wine
Four Seasons Vineyards in Baramati, Maharashtra, is known for producing bold wines, and the Barrique Reserve Shiraz is one of their best. Made from 87% Shiraz, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier, this wine is aged in oak barrels, adding layers of complexity and smoothness.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The wine boasts a dark violet color and offers smoky, earthy flavors with hints of ripe blackberry and plum. The aroma is warm and spicy, inviting you to indulge in its full-bodied taste. This wine pairs excellently with grilled meats, mushrooms, and spicy Indian dishes.
Why Choose Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz?
- Complex and full-bodied with rich smoky notes
- Aged in oak for enhanced depth
- Excellent for pairing with gourmet meals
5. La Reserve by Grover Zampa – A Gold-Standard Red Wine
The Story Behind the Wine
Grover Zampa Vineyards, one of India’s oldest wine producers, brings to you La Reserve, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. La Reserve has won several awards, including a Gold medal at the Asia Wine Awards, and is a testament to the excellence of Indian wines.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
This full-bodied red offers flavors of ripe black and red fruits, along with spicy aromas. The palate is smooth, with flavors of chocolate, coffee beans, and vanilla. It is best paired with steaks, grilled vegetables, and spicy Indian curries.
Why Choose La Reserve by Grover Zampa?
- Award-winning wine with a smooth, complex profile
- Perfect for wine enthusiasts who enjoy a rich, bold flavor
- Aged to perfection with well-balanced acidity
6. Reserve Tempranillo By Charosa – A Wine of Distinction from Maharashtra
The Story Behind the Wine
Charosa Winery, located in the heart of Maharashtra’s wine-producing region, is celebrated for crafting wines that push boundaries and offer exceptional quality. The Reserve Tempranillo, made from the Tempranillo grape, is a standout offering from Charosa. This red wine is renowned for its rich, fruity flavors and the unique process of aging in oak barrels, which adds complexity and depth.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The Reserve Tempranillo by Charosa comes in a dark ruby hue, offering enticing aromas of coconut, vanilla, and raspberry. On the palate, it’s rich with flavors of plum and raspberry, balanced by subtle earthy tones. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the wine’s smooth, balanced nature makes it perfect for pairing with grilled meats, barbecue, and even a charcuterie platter.
Why Choose Reserve Tempranillo By Charosa?
- Rich, fruity flavors with a touch of oak complexity
- Aged in French oak barrels for added depth
- Ideal for pairing with grilled meats and charcuterie
7. York Arros – A Bold and Spicy Red from Nashik
The Story Behind the Wine
York Winery, nestled in the Nashik Valley, is known for producing wines that showcase the best of Indian terroir. The flagship wine, York Arros, is a carefully crafted blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels, this wine offers a perfect balance of smoothness and bold flavor, making it one of the most sought-after red wines in India.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
York Arros offers a distinct aroma of dark chili pepper, along with hints of paprika, which is followed by a rich, smooth mouthfeel. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with flavors of ripe berries and spices. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from steaks and kebabs to spicy Indian foods like tandoori and kebabs.
Why Choose York Arros?
- Unique, bold flavors with a peppery aroma
- Smooth mouthfeel and easy to drink
- Pairs well with grilled meats and spicy dishes
8. Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – A Smooth and Elegant Choice
The Story Behind the Wine
Reveilo Winery, located in the heart of Nashik Valley, is known for producing high-quality, vegan wines. The Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is one of their standout reds, known for its smoothness and fruity characteristics. This wine is made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and is aged to perfection, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a straightforward yet delicious red wine.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a smooth red wine with flavors of berries and cherries, accented by smoky and spicy notes. With an alcohol content of 14%, it strikes a good balance between acidity and sweetness. The wine pairs well with grilled meats, steaks, aged cheeses, and heavy soups.
Why Choose Reveilo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Smooth and easy-drinking with a fruit-forward profile
- Ideal for those who prefer a straightforward red wine
- Pairs excellently with steaks, grilled meats, and cheeses
9. KRSMA Sangiovese – A Bold Red with Global Acclaim
The Story Behind the Wine
KRSMA Estate, located in the picturesque Hampi Hills, is one of India’s most awarded wineries, known for producing wines that compete on the global stage. Their Sangiovese is a perfect example of how India can produce wines that stand up to international standards. This full-bodied red has garnered praise for its bold flavors and complex aromas, making it a must-try for wine lovers.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
KRSMA Sangiovese has a deep crimson color with hints of purple. On the nose, you’ll notice aromas of cherries and ripe red fruits, while the taste is rich with a balance of fruitiness and tannins. It’s smooth, complex, and pairs beautifully with light dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce or roasted vegetables. Its clean finish makes it versatile for a variety of meals.
Why Choose KRSMA Sangiovese?
- A complex, well-balanced wine with fruity and earthy notes
- Perfect for pairing with light meals like pasta and grilled vegetables
- Award-winning wine that showcases India’s potential on the global wine stage
10. Myra Cabernet Sauvignon – A Smooth and Affordable Classic
The Story Behind the Wine
Myra Vineyards, located in the Nashik Valley, is quickly gaining recognition for producing high-quality wines that are accessible and affordable. The Myra Cabernet Sauvignon is a prime example of this, offering a smooth, easy-drinking red that delivers excellent value for money. This wine is crafted with care, offering a delightful drinking experience without the hefty price tag.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The Myra Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich, fruity profile with flavors of dark berries and hints of spice. It has well-balanced acidity and smooth tannins, making it a very drinkable wine. This wine is a great choice for pairing with creamy pastas, Indian curries, or even enjoyed on its own during a casual evening.
Why Choose Myra Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Smooth, well-balanced wine that’s easy to drink
- Affordable without compromising on quality
- Pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from pasta to Indian food
11. Zampa Chene by Grover Zampa – A Rich, Fruity Red to Savor
The Story Behind the Wine
Grover Zampa’s Zampa Chene is another standout from the renowned winery in Karnataka. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and other premium varietals, creating a rich, multi-layered profile. It is aged in French oak barrels, which helps in developing its complex flavors and smooth texture.
Flavor Profile & Pairing
The Zampa Chene has deep aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberries, and cherries, with subtle notes of vanilla and spice from the oak aging process. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, smooth, and balanced. This wine pairs well with grilled meats, barbecued dishes, and rich cheeses, making it perfect for a fancy dinner or a relaxed evening with friends.
Why Choose Zampa Chene?
- Complex and full-bodied with fruit and oak notes
- A great choice for those who appreciate rich, structured reds
- Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, barbecues, and rich cheeses
Conclusion: Your Journey Into Indian Wines0
India’s wine culture has evolved tremendously, and the wines listed here represent the best of what the country has to offer. From the smooth and approachable Big Banyan Merlot to the complex and smoky Sette by Fratelli Wines, these wines showcase the range and depth of Indian wine production. Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with your favorite meal or simply want to enjoy a glass on its own, these top 10 wines are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Explore these options, and let your wine journey begin!
FAQs
1. What is the best red wine in India?
- Sula’s Cabernet Shiraz is one of the most popular and best-selling red wines in India.
2. Which Indian wine is best for beginners?
- Big Banyan Merlot is smooth, light, and easy to drink, making it ideal for wine beginners.
3. What is the price range for red wines in India?
- Prices for red wines in India vary, with the wines on this list ranging from ₹680 to ₹2,500 for a 750ml bottle.
4. Where can I buy these wines?
- These wines are available at various wine shops, online retailers, and directly from the wineries.
5. What food pairs best with red wines?
- Red wines typically pair well with grilled meats, cheese, pasta, and spicy Indian dishes.