In recent years, India has seen a surge in white wine culture, paralleling the global trend of wine appreciation. Traditionally, red wine dominated the market, but preferences are shifting towards whites, fueled by a growing awareness and evolving tastes. Local wineries, alongside international brands, are tapping into India's diverse terroirs, particularly in regions like Nashik and Karnataka, producing top-notch white varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
This rise in white wine consumption is also influenced by the changing culinary scene and a plethora of options for the best white wine brands in India, with Indian palates seeking versatile options to pair with a variety of cuisines, from spicy curries to delicate seafood. This cultural shift reflects not just a love for wine, but a deeper engagement with its significance in gastronomy, promising an exciting journey for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Here are some of the best white wines in India
1. The Source Sauvignon Blanc
Sula Vineyards produces The Source Sauvignon Blanc, which is the best white wine available in India. It is made using sustainable methods in the vineyard and winery. The wine is a combination of citrus and tropical fruit flavours with a hint of toasty notes due to partial oak ageing. The crisp acidity and creamy body of the wine provide a lingering finish, and it pairs well with seafood, goat cheese salads, or chicken dishes.
2. Vallonne Riesling
Vallonne Vineyards' Riesling is an estate-bottled wine that reflects the essence of its origin. It is made from grapes grown at an elevation of 2100 feet above sea level, where the sun and mountain breezes contribute to its unique character. The wine has a refreshing acidity with aromatic notes of blooming white flowers and a subtle touch of minerality. The Riesling is one of the best white wines in India, made in an off-dry style, and it pairs well with rich Indian dishes.
3. York H Block Chardonnay 2022
York Winery's H Block Chardonnay is named after the specific section of the plantation where the vines are planted. The wine displays lemon and citrus aromas on the nose and has a vibrant acidity due to the grapes' natural ripeness during cold winter nights. It is aged in French oak for six months, enhancing the inherent buttery texture of Chardonnay grapes. The H-Block offers a unique and noteworthy expression that sets it apart from other oak-influenced Chardonnays in India.
4. Charosa Vineyards, Pleasures Sauvignon Blanc NV
Charosa Vineyards, Pleasures Sauvignon Blanc is grown in a cool climate and well-drained soils of the Dindori-Niphad-Satara area of Maharashtra. The wine showcases the minerals of the soil and is made in a style reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is aromatic with notes of passionfruit, gooseberries, and grass. It is a fresh and light-bodied white wine, making it the best white wine available in India to enjoy on a summer afternoon.
5. Vijay Amritraj VA
Vijay Amritraj, an Indian tennis player, partnered with Grover Zampa Vineyards to launch his own wine label called VA. The VA white is made from Viognier grapes, which are known for producing 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.
6. Reveilo Grillo
Reveilo Grillo is a lesser-known Sicilian white wine produced in Niphad. It is made using indigenous Italian grape varieties and has a bouquet of citrus, lemon, orange, and grapefruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with crisp and zesty acidity, making it a quintessential summer wine with its aromatic nose and mineral-driven salinity.
7. Vallone Muscat
Vallone Muscat is a sweet wine with a limited number of bottles and perfect for pairing with desserts and aromatic dishes such as Thai food. Muscat wines are known for their unmistakable floral and fruity bouquet, often exuding notes of citrus, peach, and orange blossom. It is made using one of the oldest grape varieties and is a must-have in your cellar.
8. Good Earth Blanca Chenin Blanc
Good Earth Blanca Chenin Blanc has notes of sweet white fruits like pear, guava, and melon with a crisp refreshing taste giving it a dry mouthfeel with a soft palate. One of the best white wine brands in India, this is made with a focus on pairing it with local as well as international cuisines, and it pairs extremely well with medium spicy dishes like Asian starters or tandoor dishes.
9. SDU Reserva Chardonnay 2021
SDU Winery's Reserva Chardonnay is medium-bodied with a smoky palette and notes of citrus and tropical fruits. The refreshing acidity causes a mouth-watering sensation, making you want a second glass. It pairs well with any light Indian snack, especially one that's slightly tangy. The grapes are hand-picked from selected vineyards in the rich, loamy soils of Nandi Valley.
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