Origin
Pioneers in the Indian wine production, Mr. Kanwal Grover and Mr. Georges Vesselle had been the first to plant French vine varieties in India, in 1988.
They were the unique wine people who studied the Indian Territory in terms of winemaking. They explored the country for the most appropriate region (according to soil & climate) to grow French grape varieties.
33 French varietals were tested in regions already growing table grapes, mainly from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 9 years of studies (backed by French winemaking universities) and blind tastings were necessary to decide on which region should be selected.
Georges Vesselle and the Grover Family decided to go for Nandi Hills where results where far better. They started growing grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Clairette and Chardonnay.
Today Grover Zampa Vineyards is continuously engaged in experimentations.
Situated 40 kilometers North-East of Bangalore, stretches India’s most exiting wine region: the Nandi Hills. Once known as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and then of the British, it has triumphantly risen as a rich wine producing area in recent past. Nandi Hills is a picturesque region dotted with sloping green hillsides and miles of forestland. It is inhabited by incredibly beautiful wild life. In such paradisiacal landscape, stand our vineyards.
The Perfect Soil & Climate for Vine growing
Our vineyards spread over 300 acres on the foothills of the Nandi Hills and are nestled at 920 meters above the sea level.
The landscape is made of gentle rolling hills with good sun exposition. Our vines are grown on a lime rich and gravelly soil. It is a well drained soil where rain water flows rapidly without much absorption. The natural protection of the Nandi Hills against the monsoon also enables our grapes to reach perfect maturity.
Sunny days, cool nights and moderate rain strike a perfect balance for cultivation of grapes. A healthy maturation period of 180 days, from pruning to harvest, is allowed for Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
- Temperatures vary from 23°-29° C in summers and 11°-21° C in winters
- Growing season, the longest in India. Thanks to the natural protection of Nandi Hills against monsoon, our grapes to reach perfect maturity
- Limestone soils of the Nandi Hill region give to our wines their distinctive, terroir-driven earthiness with depth, richness and aromatic complexity
All Vineyards are under Grover Vineyard’s strict supervision and farmers are given precise instructions. Each farmer has a Vineyard Supervisor on all the sites to secure compliance. The oldest Grover vines are 15 years old (mainly used for La Reserve). The average age of the vineyard is 8 to 10 years old.
The region offers tranquil surroundings, a rich history and beautiful vistas to travellers. The binoculars are in for a treat with spectacular Asian Paradise Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Tawny Eagles, and Puff-Throated Babblers to view.
Origin
In the sylvan Sahyadri valley, lies tranquil Sanjegaon, the home of our vineyards in Nashik Valley. Unknown and unheralded, this quiet town with its crisp air and fertile soil, is ideal to produce exceptional grapes. Nashik Valley is often referred to as India’s very own Napa Valley and also as the “Wine Capital of India”. Nashik is situated about 172 kilometre North-East of Mumbai and about 1968 ft. above the mean sea level.
Ravi Jain and Deepak Roy, along with Neeraj Deorah gave birth to Vallée de Vin Zampa with the common idea of producing world class wines with an Indian identity. The Nashik Valley was chosen because of its favourable climate and soil.
The first vines were planted in 2006. And after waiting for a long but inevitable period of two years to obtain good quality fruit, the first harvest took place in 2008. The first range of Zampa Wines was proudly launched at this point.
The terraced slopes of Nashik offer fresh climate and fertile soil – the perfect conditions for vine growing.
Our vines spread on slopes, preventing water stagnation and diseases due to humidity. Zampa vineyard was developed with western viticulture methods. We source the grapes from monitored local farms with long term contracts. Vineyard Supervisors, like in the case of Nandi Hills, maintain a vigilant surveillance.
We have 42 acres of cultivated land in Nashik Valley. A cool microclimate and height of about 2000 feet has enabled fruits and flowers to grow for hundreds of years.
The soil is well-drained and red, requiring vine roots to develop strength as they travel deep in search of micronutrients. These deep roots bring out the best expression of the Terroir.
- The climate of the area is mild throughout the year, ranging from winter lows of 8-10°C to summer highs of 32-35°C
- Rainfall in Nashik valley is 690mm/year. It looks like the gorgeous Loire Vallee and Alsace in France
- The Western Ghats have laterite soils which are rich in iron with good drainage. They vary from sandy clay loam and red laterite to murrum soils, all well suited for wine grape cultivation.
Warmer days with cooler nights, gentle slope, fertile landscape – all these make Nashik a perfect wine country. With heavenly natural beauty, lush green valleys and vineyards, Nashik is also an excellent spot for vineyard tours. In addition, the winery has been aesthetically designed to encourage wine tourism. Whether you are a true wine enthusiast or simply a nature loving tourist, a visit of our winery in Nashik would fascinate you for sure.
