A peep into the most popular Indian Wine Brand - Sula

Wines and spirits occupy an important place in the world’s cultural history. I have always been fascinated by the wide array of wines we have available from across the globe! From Rose to Chardonnay and Merlot to Pinot Noir, the entire look, color and feel of wine is impressive. Since a while now, I have been keen on doing a Wine Education & Tasting Course to master the art of understanding the drink that countless people enjoy in different parts of the world. They say good wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures for some. You do not drink wine to get drunk but simply because you savour it! This December I finally ticked off the basics of wine tasting from my wish list, courtesy the most popular Indian wine brand, Sula.

Sula Vineyards was founded by Mr. Rajeev Samant who is the current CEO and Chairman of the company. After working in an IT company in California, Mr. Samant, a Stanford University graduate started an interesting venture of organic farming at his farmland in Nasik. After a fruitful harvest of mangoes and roses, he thought of using the beauty of Nasik weather and soil to his advantage. He realised that Nasik has an ideal climate with warm days and cool nights which is very conducive to grape growing. This marked the journey of Sula with the set up of its first winery in Nasik along with the help of eminent Californian wine - make, Kerry Damskey.

The Name Sula came from Mr. Samant’s mother’s name, Sulabha. Sula Vineyards started in 1998 with only 5 acres of land. Today, Sula has a 65% market share. Nasik experienced its first winery through Sula and today its valley has over 35 different wineries! In fact Nasik is considered as India’s wine capital. Sula was the first to discover the powerful, intense wine Dindori, with flavours of berries and vanilla and a long pleasing finish. Dindori is the name of a village in Nasik with the best terroir for red wine in India.

Sula opened the first ever tasting room in India attracting many visitors and giving the the true Sula experience. Post this was the launch of  The Source at Sula – India’s first heritage winery resort with a European style and Tuscan twist. Sula has always explored different opportunities of expansion and managed to turn heads each time through their unique amalgamation of creativity and top notch execution.

I tried the wines made from 2 of their most noted grapes – Riesling and Zinfandel. Usually crisp, Riesling is a deliciously refreshing wine known for its strong floral aromas. It has a colorful German heritage and has emerged as one of the most collectible white wines among top connoisseurs around the world. I was allured by its taste which is familiar to the nectar of apples, apricots, peaches and pears.

Sula’s Zinfandel Rose is a ripe, fresh and fruity wine with abundant aromas of cranberries and fresh strawberries. It is a versatile “anytime” wine great for picnics, parties and hot summer days! This cheerful wine with great vibrancy is my all time favourite. I would be talking in detail about my wine tasting affair soon.......Stay tuned!