Nine Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is the second major white grape variety in India, next to Chenin Blanc. Nine Hills comes from the same area as the previously reviewed Big Banyan wine and is owned by Pernot Ricard.

The 2014 Nine Hills Sauvignon Blanc is a simple fruit forward wine, with citrus and grapefruit flavours on the palate. The wine is not as fruity or grassy as some New Zealand examples, which I could regard as a plus. However, there is nothing particularly interesting about this wine. It is reasonably well made and should be drunk early.

Score: 82/--

Big Banyan Wine

I find it quite hard to go for a week or even longer without wine, but when you travel to India, it is easier. For one, it is really too hot, and then maybe nothing special to look forward to?

But then, curiosity takes over. So, a couple of days ago I tried a Big Banyan Chenin Blanc. This wine comes from the centre of the Indian wine industry - which is quite new and small, the Nashik Valley. This is located at 700 meters altitude, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, 3-4 hours drive from Mumbai.

The wine has some good qualities. It is fresh, clean and dry. There is not much fruit flavour, just a little spice, and the wine is nicely balanced with a pleasant acidic finish. There are no major highlights on the palate, but this wine avoids potential downsides from a hot climate. It was a good companion to the spicy fish I had. I think I will have this again.

Score: 86/+