Are you a wine enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of wines? Either way, you’re in for a treat! Sula red wine is one of India’s most popular and beloved wines, known for its taste, aroma, and quality.
It has captured the hearts of many with its fruity notes and smooth finish. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about Sula red wine – from its history to the best bottles, price, alcohol content, and even some food pairing suggestions.
Grab your glass and let’s get started on this journey of discovery together!
Introduction.
Sula Vineyards is a popular winery located in Nashik, India, that produces a range of red, white, and sparkling wines.
Sula’s red wines are particularly noteworthy for their quality and range, which includes classic varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Zinfandel, as well as more unique blends like Dindori Reserve Shiraz, Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rasa Shiraz.
Sula’s red wines are known for their rich and full-bodied flavors, with notes of dark fruit, spices, and oak. They are often aged in French or American oak barrels, which gives them a distinct flavor and texture.
Sula’s winemaking process also emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a focus on reducing water and energy consumption and using natural pest management techniques.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, Sula’s red wines are a great choice for any occasion. They pair well with a variety of foods, from hearty meats and stews to rich cheeses and chocolates.
So, if you’re looking for a high-quality, flavorful red wine, Sula Vineyards is definitely worth trying.
History.
Sula Vineyards, the producer of Sula red wine, was founded in 1999 by Rajeev Samant, a Stanford engineer who returned to India from California with a dream of establishing a world-class winery in his home country.
Samant recognized the potential of Nashik, a region in Maharashtra that had a similar climate and soil to California’s Napa Valley, and planted the first grapes in 1997.
The first Sula wine, a Chenin Blanc, was released in 2000 and quickly gained popularity for its fresh and fruity taste. Sula soon expanded its range to include other varieties, including red wines like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Today, Sula is India’s leading wine producer, with over 2,500 acres of vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery that can produce up to 1.2 million cases of wine per year.
Sula has also received numerous awards and accolades, including being named the “Best Indian Winery” at the Wine & Spirits Asia Awards in 2019.
Sula’s success has helped to put Indian wine on the map and has paved the way for other wineries to establish themselves in the region. Today, Nashik is home to over 50 wineries and has become known as the “Wine Capital of India.”
Sula Red Wine Alcohol Percentage.
Sula Vineyards produces a range of red wines, each with their own alcohol percentage.
The Sula red wine alcohol percentage is determined by the amount of sugar in the grapes at the time of harvest, which is then converted to alcohol during the fermentation process.
Sula’s Dindori Reserve Shiraz, for example, has an alcohol percentage of 13.5%, which is fairly typical for a dry red wine. This means that for every 100 milliliters of wine, there is 13.5 milliliters of pure alcohol.
Other Sula red wines, like the Rasa Shiraz and Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon, have slightly higher alcohol percentages, around 14.5%, which is still within the normal range for red wines.
It’s worth noting that alcohol percentage can affect the taste and body of a wine. Higher alcohol percentages can create a more full-bodied and intense flavor, but may also create a “hotter” or more alcoholic taste.
Lower alcohol percentages, on the other hand, may result in a lighter and more refreshing taste.
Sula Red Wine Price.
Sula Vineyards is an Indian winery that produces a range of wines, including red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines.
The prices of Sula wines can vary depending on a few factors, including the type of wine, the vintage, and the region where it is being sold.
In general, Sula’s entry-level wines, such as their Sauvignon Blanc or Shiraz, are priced in the range of INR 600 to INR 1000 per bottle (roughly USD 8 to USD 14).
These wines are typically produced in larger quantities and are widely available across India.
Sula’s premium wines, such as their Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon or Dindori Reserve Shiraz, are priced higher, typically in the range of INR 2000 to INR 5000 per bottle (roughly USD 27 to USD 67).
These wines are produced in smaller quantities and are often aged in oak barrels, which can add complexity and depth to the wine. Prices can vary depending on the exact State or region where the wine is sold, as taxes and import duties can affect the final price.
Additionally, prices may also vary depending on the vintage, as some years may be considered better than others for a particular wine.
10 Best Bottles of Sula Red Wine.
Sula Rasa Shiraz.
14.5% alcohol – This premium wine is a blend of Shiraz grapes from different vineyards, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile. It has aromas of black fruit and spice with a long finish.
On the palate, there are flavors of Dark berry, Red berry vanilla, with a hint of smoke and oak. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, making for a very drinkable wine. Price: around INR 2,500 per bottle.
Sula Dindori Reserve Shiraz.
13.5% alcohol – Made from grapes grown in the Dindori region of Nashik, this wine has a distinct spiciness that is characteristic of the area.
It has aromas of black pepper, clove, and smoky oak, with flavors of Cherry, red fruit, and vanilla. The tannins are firm and structured, making for a wine that can age well. Price: around INR 1,400 per bottle.
Sula Cabernet Shiraz.
13.5% alcohol – This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz has a rich and full-bodied flavor, with aromas of blackberry black pepper, and plum.
On the palate, there are flavors of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of oak. The tannins are firm but not overpowering, making for a wine that pairs well with hearty dishes. Price: around INR 800 per bottle.
Sula Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon.
14.5% alcohol – This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, resulting in a bold and intense flavor.
It has aromas of black fruit, vanilla, and cedar, with flavors of blackcurrant, oak vanilla, and mocha. The tannins are firm and well-structured, making for a wine that can age well. Price: around INR 2,500 per bottle.
Sula Zinfandel.
13.5% alcohol – This wine is made from the Zinfandel grape, which is not commonly grown in India. It has aromas of plum, dark berries,with flavors of red fruit, spice, and a hint of oak.
The tannins are soft and smooth, making for a wine that is easy to drink. Price: around INR 800 per bottle.
Sula Merlot.
13.5% alcohol – This medium-bodied wine has aromas of red fruit, vanilla, and a hint of oak, with flavors of ripe cherries.
The tannins are soft and smooth, making for a wine that is easy to drink on its own or with food. Price: around INR 800 per bottle.
Sula Rasa Cabernet Franc.
14.5% alcohol – This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, which are relatively rare in India. It has aromas of red fruit, spice, and a hint of tobacco, with flavors of plum, blueberry, raspberry, and cinnamon.
The tannins are firm and well-structured, making for a wine that can age well. Price: around INR 2,500 per bottle.
Overall, Sula Vineyards produces a range of high-quality red wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Nashik region. Whether you prefer bold and intense flavors or softer, fruitier notes, there is a Sula red wine to suit your taste.
Sula Red Wine Food Pairings.
Sula Shiraz – This wine pairs well with spicy Indian dishes such as tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and rogan josh.
Sula Cabernet Shiraz – This wine pairs well with meaty and spicy dishes such as mutton curry, kebabs, and biryanis.
Sula Rasa Cabernet Franc – This wine pairs well with spicy and aromatic dishes such as paneer tikka, vegetable jalfrezi, and mushroom curry.
Sula Syrah – This wine pairs well with rich and spicy dishes such as butter chicken, lamb korma, and chicken korma.
Sula Zinfandel – This wine pairs well with spicy and flavorful dishes such as butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, and mutton biryani.
It’s worth noting that these are just general guidelines, and there’s no right or wrong way to pair wine and food. Ultimately, the best pairing is one that you enjoy and find satisfying.
How to Consume Sula Wine?
Serving temperature.
Sula red wines are best served slightly below room temperature, typically between 16-18°C. You can chill the wine in a refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal temperature.
Decanting.
If you’re drinking a matured red wine such as Sula Rasa Cabernet Franc, it’s recommended to decant the wine to separate the sediment from the liquid. This helps to enhance the wine’s aromas and flavors.
Glassware.
Use a wine glass that has a wide bowl and a narrow rim to help release the wine’s aromas and flavors. Avoid using small or narrow glasses, as they can limit the wine’s exposure to air and alter its taste.
Food pairing.
As mentioned earlier, Sula red wines are versatile when it comes to food pairing. Try to pair the wine with dishes that complement its flavors and intensity.
Storage.
Store the wine in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Sula red wines have a shelf life of 2-3 years from the date of production, so it’s best to consume them within that time frame.
Once opened, the wine should be consumed within a day or two, or stored in a refrigerator with a cork or wine stopper to prevent oxidation.
Most affordable Sula Red Wine.
Sula Satori Merlot.
This is one of the most affordable red wines from Sula Vineyards, priced at around INR 650-750 for a 750ml bottle. It has a medium-bodied palate with fruity notes of cherries, black berries and plum, and a smooth finish.
Sula Cabernet Shiraz.
This red wine blend is priced at around INR 850 for a 750ml bottle, making it an affordable choice for everyday drinking. It has a fruity and spicy flavor profile, with hints of blackcurrant, black pepper, and oak.
Sula Zinfandel.
This is a light-bodied red wine with a fruity and spicy flavor profile, priced at around INR 700 for a 750ml bottle. It has notes of plum, dark berries, and cinnamon, and a smooth finish.
Sula Brut Tropicale.
This is a sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc and Zinfandel grapes, priced at around INR 900 for a 750ml bottle. It has a refreshing and fruity flavor profile, with notes of green apple, pear, and tropical fruit.
Expensive Sula Wine.
Sula Rasa Shiraz.
This premium red wine is priced at around INR 2,500 for a 750ml bottle. It is made from Shiraz grapes and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, resulting in a complex flavor profile with notes of blackcurrant, black pepper, and vanilla.
Sula Rajasaurus Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is a limited edition wine priced at around INR 2,500 for a 750ml bottle. It is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
It has a full-bodied palate with notes of blackcurrant, chocolate, and spices.
Sula Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.
This is a dessert wine from Sula Vineyards, priced at around INR 3,500 for a 375ml bottle.
It is made from Chenin Blanc grapes that are left on the vine longer to achieve a higher sugar content, resulting in a sweet and luscious wine with notes of apricot, honey, and citrus.
It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on the retailer and location, and are subject to change over time.
Conclusion.
Sula red wine is a great option for any occasion, whether you’re looking to celebrate something special or just want to enjoy a glass of delicious vino.
With its range of flavor profiles and versatile pairings, it provides the perfect accompaniment for almost any meal.
Not only that, but by supporting sustainable practices in the vineyard and investing in local communities, Sula has become an industry leader in ethical winemaking. If you haven’t tried it yet – what are you waiting for?
