Sula Vineyards – Chenin Blanc – 2023-24

PRODUCER NOTE:
Situated in Nashik, India’s largest grape-growing region, Sula Vineyards was set up in 1997 by Rajeev Samant & Kerry Damsky. They pioneered the growing of the French grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, which were first released in 2000 to wide acclaim as India’s best white wines. Sula now cultivates Shiraz and Zinfandel amongst other international varieties and is broadly recognised as India’s premium wine producer. At Sula, they believe in being a steward of the land and follow sustainable practices. As an eco-friendly company, a significant amount of resources is committed to sustainable winemaking practices and ensuring fair livelihoods for Sula’s community of farmers across Maharashtra and Karnataka. A large number of Sula’s workers come from disadvantaged communities and have seen a significant change in their standard of living through their employment with the company; this has been nothing short of a revolution in the surrounding villages.

VINEYARD:
The vineyard is located in Nashik, to the north of Mumbai in the Western Ghats Mountains. The vines are grown at approximately 600 metres above sea level, where warm days give way to cooler nights, resulting in ripe fruit with balancing natural acidity. The climate here is mild in the winter with temperatures of approximately 10°C, rising to 35°C in the summer. Rainfall can be high, nourishing the vines throughout the growing season. The vines are grown in red soils with gravel and clay, which has a high iron content and offers good drainage.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were gently whole bunch pressed. The must was slowly fermented for 25 to 30 days at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, retaining the purity of fruit of the Chenin Blanc grapes. The wine was left to settle for approximately two months.

TASTING NOTE:
Aromas of green apple and pear combine with tropical fruit flavours and mineral undertones. A notable acidity and hint of white pepper give this wine refreshing character.

GRAPE:
Chenin Blanc 100%.

COUNTRY:
India

REGION:
Maharashtra

SUB-REGION:
Nashik