There are innumerable wine varieties and varying tastes for the drink.

comes in different blends and brews. There are fortified wines, sparkling wines, still wines, sweet wines, dry wines and more. Wine varieties, also known as grape varieties, represent just a part of around 600 kinds of grapes. Each wine variety has its own set of unique characteristics including size, colour, skin thickness, flavours, acidity and yield per vine. Only a few varieties of grapes comprise the wine varieties. Grapes used for making wine varieties need to be matched suitably with winemaking techniques and the micro climate in order to draw from the variety, its best potential.

are commonly perceived to be good though not up to the international winemaking standards. However, there are many interesting facts about Indian wines. Essentially, Indian white wines are a shade better than the reds. Certain brands of Chenin Blanc approach world standards with their nutty, honeyed notes and good fruit definition. The Sauvignon Blancs are usually subtle and clean, though a little on the acidic side and are rather subdued without the guava and cut grass aromas so often found in the best varietals of the same. Indian red wines tend to lack the ripeness that comes with green tannins. Many wines are over-oaked to mask the faults in the winemaking. A lot more experimentation is due when it comes to this category of Indian wines. Among the Indian red wines, the Shiraz shows the best potential, with some of their blends displaying excellent spice and fruit aromas that suggest expressiveness and balance.

Indian wines need not be analyzed to be enjoyed. However, if you pay attention to the taste, you will find it easier to identify the tastes you like and dislike in a wine. Wine tasting is an art that comes with a little bit of experience and a little bit of expertise. In such cases a

is the best solution. A wine tasting guide will teach you some of the basics of wine tasting including how to hold your glass, how to smell the wine, identifying different smells, how to taste wine, identifying different tastes, and wine accompaniments. Studying wine is a fine skill that requires one to closely observe characteristics like clarity and colour. You will find wine tasting much more enjoyable when you know what you taste, see and feel.