[Announcement of Winners] DB’s Global Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines—Are There Also High-Quality Cabernet Sauvignons from India?

Cono Sur Silencio Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: Maipo Valley, Chile Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Approximate Retail Price: ¥565 Cono Sur is an independent subsidiary of Concha y Toro Group, operating entirely separately from Concha y Toro Winery. Established in 1993, the winery is dedicated to crafting expressive and innovative premium wines. Since 1998, it has implemented integrated pest management practices and ranks among Chile’s earliest organic vineyards. Cono Sur has been named one of Chile’s Top 10 Wineries; it is the best-selling wine brand in the UK market and serves as the exclusive premium wine on eight major international airline first-class services—including British Airways, Finnair, Lufthansa, KLM, and LATAM Airlines. DB Tasting Note: Cono Sur’s flagship wine, Silencio Cabernet Sauvignon, grows on low-fertility soils composed of alluvial deposits, gravel, sand, and clay, situated at high altitude in the Maipo Valley—a region characterized by low rainfall and large diurnal temperature variation—allowing grapes to achieve phenolic ripeness while retaining elevated acidity. This wine displays a deep ruby-purple hue, with aromas and flavors of black fruit, red currant, tobacco, sweet red bell pepper, mint, and thyme. It is dry, with medium acidity, velvety tannins, refined and balanced structure, and a long, highly appealing finish. 5. 2022 Sula Vineyards Rasa Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation: Maharashtra, India Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Approximate Retail Price: ¥169 Sula Vineyards is one of India’s largest wine brands, selling one million cases annually and generating nearly ₹5 billion (approx. RMB 425 million) in revenue. In 2002, Sula Vineyards—founded by Rajeev Samant—became the first Indian winery featured in Wine Spectator magazine. Rajeev Samant himself has been widely profiled by leading global media outlets and hailed as “the man truly poised to bring wine to every Indian.” Located in India’s Western Ghats at 600 meters above sea level, Sula’s vineyards feature volcanic soils ranging from weathered basalt to red laterite and heavy clay. Nashik’s cool nights preserve high acidity in the grapes, while warm days ensure optimal ripening—creating ideal terroir conditions for premium wine production. DB Tasting Note: This expressive Cabernet Sauvignon is delightful, showing a deep ruby-red color and vibrant notes of black fruit, sweet coconut, tobacco, and floral nuances. Dry, medium-bodied, with lively acidity and firm yet integrated tannins, it is well-balanced and spicy. A charming wine—ideal paired with grilled kebabs. 6. 2020 Chamila Unique Cabernet Sauvignon

These Emerging Regions Are Quietly Working Hard—and Will Surely Amaze Everyone Sooner or Later

Gusborne Estate, a UK sparkling wine producer, states: “Rising average temperatures have improved grape ripeness—meaning higher sugar levels, lower acidity, and riper flavors. Such ripeness would have been unattainable two or three decades ago.” Some prestigious French Champagne houses have keenly sensed this opportunity and established vineyards in the UK much earlier. In 2015, Taittinger acquired 69 hectares of land in Kent, planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier to produce premium English sparkling wine. Compared to Champagne, land prices in England are significantly lower, enabling producers to set more consumer-friendly prices. Currently, English sparkling wines retail between $20 and $35. For consumers seeking Champagne-style quality without the price tag, English sparkling wine offers an ideal alternative. 03 Indian Wine: Struggling to Survive Between the Cracks Few realize that the world’s true whisky market lies not in Europe—but in India. In 2022 alone, India accounted for one-third of global alcoholic beverage sales growth. While Indian whisky surges ahead, Indian wine appears comparatively subdued—though its winemaking history is surprisingly long, repeatedly hindered by developmental setbacks. Wine production in India dates back to 500 BCE, but experienced a prolonged hiatus until revival began in the 1980s. Over the past decade, domestic demand for wine has surged dramatically. Meanwhile, steep import tariffs on foreign wines have stimulated growth of India’s local wine industry—doubling domestic production volume. Maharashtra, located in western India, hosts numerous renowned wineries and accounts for two-thirds of India’s total output. Today, India boasts nearly 110 wineries. Though lacking deep-rooted winemaking traditions, this very absence affords winemakers vast creative freedom—giving rise to distinctive, unconventional wine styles. Undeniably, Indian winemakers have encountered countless setbacks—but some producers have forged new paths, boldly adopting innovative approaches to overcome challenges. To counter tropical climate constraints, Rajeev Samant—the founder of Sula Vineyards, India’s leading wine company—introduced winter grape cultivation and harvest before winter ends, proving highly effective against climate change. Simultaneously, Sula became India’s first winery to use refrigerated stainless-steel tanks for wine storage. 04 Russia’s Desperate ‘Self-Rescue’ in Winemaking Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia has faced widespread sanctions, prompting many Western producers to halt exports. In November last year, President Putin officially legalized “parallel imports” (essentially a “gray market”) to circumvent EU export bans. In fact, large volumes of wines banned from official import into Russia have flooded the market as inexpensive bottled wines—many originating from “unfriendly” EU countries. Major retailers heavily favor cheap imported wines, causing import volumes to rise rather than fall—severely undermining sales of domestically produced Russian wines.

India's Sula Vineyards posts quarterly profit on strong demand for premium wines

14 hours ago

India's Sula Vineyards reported a 34% jump in quarterly profit driven by premium wine demand and tourism, announcing plans to expand into de-alcoholized wine and invest in a new hotel.

reuters

2026-11-05

India's Sula Vineyards posts quarterly profit on strong demand for premium wines

India's Sula Vineyards posts quarterly profit on strong demand for premium wines

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