India Flashcards
How much of India’s total grape production is for wine?
10%
Why is winemaking difficult in India?
Extremes in climate make quality grape growing difficult
Temperature range from 8•C in winter to 45•C in summer
625-1500’m of rain falls between June and August depending on the regjon
Humidity levels are particularly high during monsoon, moderated only by afternoon winds
Eastern regions suffer most from humidity and extreme heat
Where in India produces well made Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Shiraz?
Sula Vineyards in the Nashik Highlands
Who founded Sula Wines at Nashik in 1996
Former Silicon Valley engineer, Ranjeev Samant returned to his home country to establish Sula Wines
Which Indian wine company released its first wine in 1992 and sold a minority stake to Vueve Clicquot in 1996
Grover Vineyards
Which company produced India’s first Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel wines?
Sula Wines
Why is demand for wine growing in India?
More liberal government
Improved economic conditions
A prosperity’s wine drinking middle class is emerging
Demand for wine growing at 20-30% per year
What are the bulk of India’s 1.6million tonnes of grapes a year used for?
Table grapes and raisins
Only 10% is used for wine
What is the American hybrid Isabella better known as in India?
Bangalore Blue
What is Bangalore Blue?
The Indian name for the American hybrid Isabella
It also used to be grown in New Zealand and known as Albany Surprise
What is Gulabi?
Indian name for Muscat Hamburg
What is the most planted variety in India?
Thompson Seedless /Sultana
What are Arkavati, Arkashyam and Anabeshahi?
Indigenous table grapes in India grown for the local market
How much of India’s vineyard area does Bangalore Blue (Isabella), Gulabi (Muscat Hamburg) and Perlette collectively account for?
20% of vineyard area
Used mostly as table grapes
Small proportion used for low quality sweet wines for the domestic market
Why are vines trained high with wide row spacing in India?
To retain soil water
Prevent sunburn
Maximise aeration of the vines to minimise fungal diseases
