Sula Vineyards – Shiraz – 2023

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
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.

ABOUT THE 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. 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. The vines are grown in red soils with gravel and clay, which has a high iron content and good drainage.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were cold soaked and then fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of between 25° to 30°C. During fermentation regular, gentle pump-overs took place to extract the desired levels of colour and flavour and to impart structure to the wine. The wine is influenced with a subtle oak character to impart complexity to the wine.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
A deep purple wine with delicious notes of ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit, enlivened by a hint of black peppery spice and a touch of rich dark chocolate. Smooth and medium bodied on the palate, it shows great balance and a lingering finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Shiraz 95%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%.