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To bottle up perfection, to contain and store pleasure, and to be able to serve a guaranteed flute of velvety wonder — this is one of man's greatest achievements — some would say.
Wine today has become an emotion, a symbol of love, a means to connect and a way to share experiences. This luxurious and ancient drink, dubbed as the 'Drink of the Gods' by some, has a deep-seated history in human civilization dating back to as early as 7000 BC in ancient China, Armenia and Sicily. Reading up on the history of wine is akin to taking in the civilizational journey of man, the many voyages, migrations, and colonizations, and the rise and fall of empires down the ages.
Down the ages it has been offered as a mark of celebration, as a part of holy rite and ritual, especially burial rites, as a medicinal and social necessity and as a luxurious indulgence for those of means.
Today, a fine dining occasion is best complimented with the serving of a goblet of wine. The mere presence of wine served during the course of the meal elevates a casual dining experience to one of grandeur, luxury, and indulgence.
Wine is basically the fermented juice of a berry—the grape (Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca, V. rotundifolia, and V. amurensis). Other fruits may also be added to enhance the overall flavor. Varieties include red, white, and sparkling. They may be non-alcoholic or fortified with an alcohol concentration of up to 10%. A commonly missed fact is that Champagne, sometimes called ‘Devil’s Wine, is in fact a type of wine with an additional fermentation process.
References to this enigmatic drink have been found across civilizations and regions. Based on the wine-producing region, technique, flavor, and choice of fruit, there are ‘Ancient world wines’, ‘Old world wines, and, of course, the ‘New world wines.
Ancient world wines were the dinosaurs of the wine world. They were originally produced in China, Armenia, Iran, and Egypt. These wines were forerunners to the business of fermenting grapes, using clay jars for storage, and the wine so produced was used in religious ceremonies and burial rites. This brand of wine is no longer available to us and is a matter of historical record.
Old world wines are typically from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East region, including the Mediterranean region, Lebanon, Israel, Turkey, and Syria. These wines are soft, smooth, light, and lower in alcohol content. These wines are very specific in terms of fermentation, terroir, locale of production, and flavor. A quick tell for an old-world wine is its name, often being named after a location rather than a type of grape.
New world wines are those that are produced in other countries, including the United States, Australia, India, China, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile. These are younger wines, whose flavor caters to the current preference rather than following a strict rule or technique. These wines are typically fruity, less acidic, and higher in alcohol content.
Today, India is fast emerging as a very exciting and happening place in the international wine circuit. Nashik, Pune, and Bangalore, with their typical climatic conditions, are considered the best places for grape cultivation (viniculture) for wine production.
A trip into the country around Bangalore, Nashik, or Pune is an exciting and educational one. Grape gardens dot the landscape, and you can see the stark beauty of vines laden with fruit during the season.
Today, wine-making and wine-tasting have gained popularity. Events such as touring vineyards, sampling varieties of wines, and watching wine-making demonstrations, including hand-picking and foot-stomping the berries, have all piqued interest and garnered appreciation for this sumptuous drink.
In this article, we delve into the best countries for wine and India's place in the wine rankings.
France
France is the quintessential wine-producing country and is synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and class. The country has a rich history of wine-making dating back to Roman times. It is home to some of the most famous wine regions, including Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy. French wines are renowned for their complexity, aging potential, and refined flavor. The country's red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, are particularly famous for their nuanced flavor
Italy
Italy is another country that stands out in the world of wine, producing an array of wines that are renowned for their quality and distinctiveness. The country is home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto. Italy produces a wide variety of wines, from crisp whites like Pinot Grigio and Trebbiano to bold reds like Chianti and Barolo. Italian wines are known for their rich flavors, complexity, and delightful aromas. They are often paired with the country's world-famous cuisine, making for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Spain
Spain is the third-largest wine-producing country in the world and has a rich history of wine-making. The country produces a diverse range of wines, from full-bodied reds like Rioja and Tempranillo to crisp whites like Albariño and Verdejo. Spain is also known for its sparkling wines, including the famous Cava. Spanish wines are renowned for their rich flavor and complexity, and they offer a delightful sensory experience to wine lovers worldwide.
India's Place in Wine Rankings
The medicinal properties of grapes are mentioned by Sasruta and Charaka, the famous Indian medicine scholars, in their treatises 'Sasruta Samhita' and 'Charaka Samhita,' written between 1356 and 1220 BC.
India is not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about wine production, but wine is now a growing industry in the country. India has a long history of grape cultivation and is home to unique grape varieties that are not found anywhere else in the world. Fruit wines, including mango wine, are today a popular beverage during the summer months.
The country has several vine-growing regions, including Nashik, Pune, and Bangalore; the Hampi Hills; Bijapur; and northern Karnataka, which are known for producing high-quality wines. Other grape-growing regions in India are located in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Indian wines are becoming more popular and are even winning awards at international wine competitions. They are becoming increasingly popular among wine enthusiasts.
Of course, India's wine industry is still in its nascent stages, and it has a long way to go before it catches up with the world's top wine-producing countries. However, with the right impetus, facilitation, investments, and infrastructure, India has the potential to become a major player in the global wine industry.
The country's unique grape varieties and rich history and culture give Indian winemakers a chance to make wines that are unique and can't be found anywhere else in the world. The awareness, entrepreneurial zeal, and growing demand locally for wine as a recreational drink, especially amongst the younger generations, are fueling the demand and supply of wines.
As urban India embraces global lifestyles, trends, and cultures, the acceptability of wines as an integral part of dining events and fun gatherings is a done deal.
Our world has been blessed with regions with a long history of wine-making, where they perfected the art over the years. India is playing catch-up on a serious note. Our wine industry has also seen the emergence of boutique wineries that focus on producing high-quality wines in small quantities. These wineries have helped put Indian wines on the global wine map and have garnered attention from wine enthusiasts worldwide.
One would need to spend a lot of time understanding the nuances of wine and how to distinguish various wine varieties. It is an ocean of interesting information, and the best way to learn is to dive right in and sample the wines, explore the bouquet of tastes and aromas, and relish the journey.
