From its innovative origins to a notable renaissance, Chateau Indage is a monument to India’s emerging wine industry. The winery, which was founded in 1982 by industrialist Shamrao Chougule, has been instrumental in bringing viticulture to the nation. This article explores Chateau Indage’s lengthy history, difficulties, and comeback, emphasizing its contributions to Indian winemaking.
The Foundation Of Chateau Indage
During a business trip to Paris, Shamrao Chougule became fascinated with champagne, which is how Chateau Indage got its start. He dreamed of making sparkling wine in India after being captivated by the delicious flavors. The creation of Champagne Vineyards Ltd., a fully export-focused company formed in technical cooperation with Champagne Technologies of France, in 1982 made this goal a reality. The winery, which started out with 150 acres of vineyards, is situated in Narayangaon, close to Pune.
The business encountered difficulties in its early years, such as French producers objecting to the usage of the term “Champagne.” As a result, the business underwent a rebranding and became Chateau Indage Ltd. The winery made great progress in spite of these obstacles, exporting its sparkling wine in 1986 under the Omar Khayyam label, which was created in collaboration with Piper Heidsieck.
The Expansion
Chateau Indage increased its production capacity and portfolio over the 1990s and early 2000s. With 32 labels by 2003, the winery was serving a wide range of wine lovers. The product line featured sparkling, white, and red wines under well-known brands as Vin Ballet, Riviera, and Chantilli. With plans to add another 5,000 hectares, the vines have grown to 1,500 hectares, making Chateau Indage a major player in the Indian wine industry and responsible for around 70% of the nation’s wine production.
Chateau Indage purchased Tandou Wines Pty Ltd., a completely owned subsidiary of Tandou Ltd. in South Australia, in 2007 as a calculated move to expand its global presence. By providing a 400% capacity growth from one million to four million cases, this acquisition sought to increase the variety of Indage wines available in both domestic and foreign markets. source
The Challenges That Lead To The Demise
Even with its quick expansion, Chateau Indage had several difficulties. The winery’s ambitious expansion plans were negatively impacted by the worldwide financial meltdown of 2008. As the company’s debts grew, the Bombay High Court ordered its liquidation in 2010. The Indian wine industry was affected by Chateau Indage’s demise, which resulted in an excess of unsold wine grapes and financial burden on farmers and subsidiary businesses. source
Revival and Resurgence
Following years of litigation and reorganization, Chateau Indage started down the road to recovery. The brand declared its return to the Indian wine retail market in 2023. With features like the power and dignity of elephants, the redesigned logo represents a daring challenge to wine preconceptions while fusing the brand’s rich history with a fresh energy.
The Indian Wine Academy
Even today, Chateau Indage’s sparkling wine collection includes the well-known Omar Khayyam, Marquise de Pompadour, and Ivy Brut, among other wines. Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are among the varieties in the Tiger Hill range, which appeals to both wine enthusiasts and non-experts.
Best Chateau Indage Wines To Try
- Marquise de Pompadour Brut: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Ugni Blanc grapes are used to make this sparkling wine. It is acknowledged as India’s first award-winning méthode champenoise sparkling wine and has a creamy, crisp, and refreshing profile.
- Tiger Hill Merlot Shiraz: Merlot and Shiraz grapes are combined to create this dry red wine. It has a ruby-red color with violet undertones and smells of coffee, blackcurrant, and cherry. Coffee, chocolate, butter, cherry, and blackcurrant flavors enhance the palate, and the tannins are smooth and gentle.
- Chantilli Chardonnay: Chardonnay grapes are used to make this dry white wine. There are traces of peaches among its luscious fruity aromas. A sophisticated and nuanced finish with faint woody overtones is imparted by the oak aging.
Summary!
The story of Chateau Indage is a testament to the wine industry’s tenacity and promise in India. Chateau Indage continues to represent India’s changing viniculture scene as it regains its place in the market.
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