At a glance

Producer

Sula Vineyards

Region

Nashik, India

Grape variety

Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Aromas of black pepper, blackberry, and spice dominate with hints of oak and vanilla. Palate is juicy with ripe dark fruit, balanced by moderate acidity and tannins.

Evolution: With age, expect integration of oak and fruit, development of leather, tobacco, and earthy notes with smoothing of tannins.

At peak: At peak, wine will exhibit complex layers of spiced dark fruit, silky tannins, and nuanced secondary aromas.

Structure

Acidity

Medium acidity

Tannins

Moderate to firm

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2028

Optimal window

2022 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Youthful with developing complexity and ripe tannins

The 2019 vintage in Nashik was warm and dry, allowing full phenolic ripeness of Shiraz grapes. Moderate acidity and firm tannins give the wine good structure for medium-term cellaring. Oak maturation adds complexity that needs time to harmonize, hence the recommended peak drinking window is 5-9 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled meats like lamb chops, barbecued beef, spicy Indian dishes such as Rogan Josh, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To aerate and soften firm tannins and release aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sula Vineyards employs drip irrigation to conserve water, solar energy in production, and eco-friendly packaging materials. They actively manage vineyard biodiversity and soil health with organic composting methods.

Sula Vineyards incorporates recognized sustainability initiatives including water conservation via drip irrigation, partial solar energy use, and minimizing chemical inputs. Their location in Nashik supports relatively lower transport emissions for domestic markets. Packaging is lightweight and recyclable, contributing to overall positive sustainability profile.