India

Though India has a history of viticulture that can be traced back to 4,000BC it has largely vanished only to have a renaissance in the 1980s. The two producers leading this revolution are Chateau Indage and Grover vineyards.

Main Grapes or styles

As India’s wine culture stretches back such a long time it should be no surprise to hear that India has indigenous grape varietals such as Arkavati. These indigenous grapes are only grown in small parcels and reserved for the local marketplace. India’s top wines are produced from a raft of international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Chateau Indage has long been known for their bottle-fermented sparkling wines – they have been given guidance from leading winemakers from Champagne.

Main Regions

Maharashtra State – is a region that jets out from and around the coastal town of Mumbai. It is the leading grape growing region and home to the top wineries. Overall the vineyards are planted on the flats though there is a recent interest in introducing higher altitude plantings.

Climate and its effect on the wines made here

India has a tropical climate that is filled with humidity and monsoon risks. It is due to this heat that many of the vineyards will produce grapes twice a year.