Fond of wines but find them heavy on your pockets? What if we told you about some of the best wines under Rs. 1000?
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes, different from the regular table grapes you eat. A lesser-known fact about wines is that they can be made with any fruit like apples, cranberries, plums, blueberries, etc.; however, they are not as common.
When you see a bottle of “wine,” it means that it is made of wine grapes because one made of any other fruits will always specify the fruit along with it, for example, “plum wine” or “apple wine.”
With wine, one has to open themselves to let its taste grow on them. People are often divided into two polarized groups on wine: one loyal group of wine lovers and connoisseurs and another who just don’t like wine. There’s no in-between. Additionally, there are several types of wine that might baffle many. Amidst all this, the final concern crops up – a good wine can be expensive.
So, what if we told you that you don’t need to worry about this anymore? As this article enlists some of the finest wines falling under Rs. 1000. Read along!
Types of wines
Wines can be of different types depending on several factors like the grape variety, weather conditions of the wine region, tannins, sweetness, acidity, body, and flavors.
Red Wine
Red wine is made from black grape skins, giving it its red color. It is prepared by fermenting the colorless grape juice with its skin which gives the juice a reddish-purple color. High in tannins, red wine leaves a bitter, dry taste on the palate after a sip. They have a fruity flavor and are slightly acidic.
White Wine
White wine is made from green or black-skinned grapes. It is prepared by fermenting the colorless grape juice without its skin which is why it appears clear. White wine has almost no tannins, which is why it might taste sweet. However, it is highly acidic, which gives the white wine its fresh, tart, and dry taste.
Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is made from the red grape variety. It is prepared by fermenting the colorless grape juice along with its skin but only for a few hours. This limited contact with the red grape skin gives the wine its lovely pink hue. Rosé wine has minimal tannins and tastes sweet, and is a popular choice for summer and acts as a great starter wine because of its light flavor.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines are made from any grape. They are prepared by fermenting the wine twice, and since carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation, it gets its fizz and sparkly appearance. The two methods of sparkling winemaking involve “Methode Traditionelle” (or Methode Champenoise) and the “Charmat method.” This wine is highly acidic and can taste sweet due to the added sugar.
Dessert Wine
A dessert wine is prepared by fermenting the grape juice partially, so the wine is left with some residual sugar that lends it a sweet flavor. The sweet taste of this wine is why it is consumed after a meal as a dessert, landing the name “dessert wine.”
Fortitude Wine
Fortified wines are prepared by adding distilled grape spirit to the wine during the fermentation process. The spirit can be added to fully- or partially-fermented wine. Most fortitude wines taste sweet and have a higher alcohol content than most other wines.
Benefits Of Having Wine With Food
The advice that one should take wine with a meal is universally accepted. While drinking wine on an empty stomach is a big no-no, not consuming it with a meal does no good either. To make the most of our wine, you must ensure pairing it with the right food, as it has many benefits.
Having wine with a meal can help you maintain your weight, as wine consumption on an empty stomach spikes hunger and food intake. A study also shows that wine’s cardioprotective effects increase when consumed with food. This can be owing to two reasons- first, the presence of some compounds in wine, like antioxidants and polyphenols, and second, because wine with a meal lowers blood-alcohol content protecting the liver over the long term.
Studies also show that drinking wine with food helps in digestion more than tea or any other beverage. According to research published in 2008 in the Journal of Food Biochemistry, type 2 diabetics can benefit from drinking red wine with their food as it metabolizes sugars and starches properly. However, we advise that diabetic patients must always consult a doctor about wine consumption.
8 Best Wines Under 1000 In India
Below is a list of the best wines under a budget of Rs. 1000.
Cabernet Shiraz By Sula
Approx Price- ₹895 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 13.5%
Made from 70% Shiraz + 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal, Cabernet Shiraz by Sula claims to be India’s best-selling red wine. From the vineyards of Nashik valley hails this smooth, medium-bodied red wine that packs the notes of blackberry, black plum, ripe cherry, olives, pepper, and mocha with hints of spices. We paired the wine with barbecued meats, like chicken tikka masala, rajma masala, mutton Rogan josh, and hard cheese, and it was absolutely delicious.
Luz Maria Cabernet Sauvignon
Approx Price- ₹800 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 13.5%
Made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape varietal, Luz Maria Cabernet Sauvignon has a strong grasp on the wine industry. From the top vine region of Central Valley, Chile hails this ruby red wine with lovely aromas of ripe plums, raspberries, and cherries. Blending the hints of soft and dark velvety flavors and toasted wood on the palate, this wine made for a treat when we consumed it with red and white meat or a cheese platter.
Charosa Vineyards Selections Sauvignon Blanc
Approx Price- ₹700 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 13%
Made from the Sauvignon blanc grape varietal, Charosa Vineyards Selections Sauvignon Blanc is the burst of refreshment you need. From Nashik hails this still-white, mid-palate wine with intense tropical flavors of gooseberry, orange and grassy notes.
The wine lives up to its claim of “broad, balanced, and quite rich” flavors to give you a fresh grassy mineral taste with a hint of dominating tropical fruits. We enjoyed it the most with appetizers, salads, and light seafood dishes.
Big Banyan Merlot
Approx Price- ₹750 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 13%
Made from the Merlot grape varietal, Big Banyan Merlot has established itself as one of the leading wine brands in India. From the Big Banyan vineyards of Bengaluru, Karnataka hails this “divinely smooth,” medium-bodied red wine promising a plummy finish and flavors of ripe berries. We sipped this wine with grilled meat and vegetables, pasta, or lightly spiced Indian food and found ourselves in for a luscious and wholesome experience.
Sula Seco Rosé
Approx Price- ₹725 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 12%
Made from Chenin Blanc and Shiraz grape varietals, Sula Seco Rosé is a light and refreshing drink for your fun, bubbly and lively mood. From the Dindori Estate, Nashik hails this light-bodied sparkling wine with lovely pink color and sweet aromas of fruity nectarine, watermelon, soft white fruits, and deep-scented white flowers.
The wine is all about fragrant notes, vibrant acidity, and a wonderful finish. This youthful drink goes best with appetizers like Indian pakoras, fish fingers, crispy fried chicken, and honey chili potato.
Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz
Approx Price- ₹1,000 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 13%
Made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier grape varietals, Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz has many accolades to its name due to its excellent taste and depth of palate. From Baramati, Maharashtra hails this complex, full-bodied red wine that offers a smoky and earthy flavor with dominating plummy and ripe blueberry notes.
We made the most of this inky-hued drink by pairing it with fine cuisines, such as gently spiced red meats, mushrooms, or chargrilled vegetables.
- York Winery Arros
Approx Price- ₹950 for 750 ml
Alcohol Content- 14.3%
Made from a reserve blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, York Arros has built a trusted name for itself because of its unmatched quality. From the Nashik valley hails this full-bodied wine with a smooth mouthfeel of distinct dark chili pepper notes and a paprika-like aroma. We paired it with a variety of food, ranging from steaks and kebabs to spicy Indian dishes and from cheese to chocolates, and, boy, did we have a great time!
FAQ’s
Which Type of Foods Are Best to Have With Wine?
Different types of wine call for different types of food. Red wine is high in tannin, so it must be paired with rich dishes containing red meat, such as BBQ ribs, burgers and steak, pasta, and pizza. Contrarily, white wines, rosés, and sparkling wines go best with light dishes like poultry, curries, tacos, cheese, salad, popcorn, chips, fish, and other seafood, including smoked salmon and shrimp, and fresh fruit.
Dessert wines, consumed after meals as dessert, go best with soft cheese, cake, vanilla pudding, biscotti, chocolate, and crème brûlée. Fortitude wines complement baked goods like tarts, chocolate, cheese, nuts, and other desserts.
What Is Red Wine Made Up of?
Red wine is made from black grape skins, giving it its red color. It is prepared by fermenting the colorless grape juice with its skin which gives the juice a reddish-purple color.
Is It OK to Drink Wine Daily?
Yes and no. Yes, as long as you are drinking wine in moderation. In that case, it can actually serve some health benefits. No, when you have one or more health conditions. In that case, you must consult your doctor about consuming wine daily. So, the answer to this question depends from person to person.
Which is healthier? Wine Or Beer?
While red wine is said to be the healthiest alcoholic beverage of all due to its heart-friendliness, you cannot necessarily say the same about the other types of wine. Compared to each other, beer emerges as a winner over wine due to lesser calories and more macro-nutrients, to name a few.
Is Red Wine Good for the Liver?
According to a 2018 study, moderate red wine intake is linked with lower liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The antioxidant property of red wine is also credited with potential liver benefits.
However, drinking it can also increase uric acid and triglycerides, which damages the liver. Thus, one with liver problems must avoid or consult a doctor about wine consumption.
Final Words – Wines Under Rs. 1000
Saying it louder for the people at the back- drinking wine in moderation is the way to do it, regardless of the type of wine or any other alcoholic beverage you are drinking! We don’t want to bore you with the same advice you have received from just about everyone, but you can enjoy your drink the most as long as it does not trouble your health.
This article compiled a list of some wines that give you the best of both worlds- great taste and an affordable price. Our personal favorite is Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz because of its stunning mix of earthy and smoky tastes. We couldn’t help but be in awe of this classy and excellent product.
Let us know which wine you loved the most. Feel free to reach out to us with your concerns and queries. We would love to take them up and reach out to you.
