HAMPI HILLS

The Hampi Hills region, at an average altitude of 590 metres, is the most recent of all India’s wine regions and has just the one winery so far. The geological and climatic conditions create a special micro-zone here. The surrounding hills bear witness to ancient volcanic activity: giant rocks have been polished into giant pebbles by the rivers and rainwater. The grape-growing area is at the confluence of the rivers Tunga and Bhadra.

The rainfall is very low, as little as 454 millimetres at times, and the wettest years bring 879 millimetres at best, all concentrated in the summer monsoon period. The diurnal temperature range is noticeable. The advantage of such a climate is that the pre-growing-season pruning can be brought forward to avoid the pressure of increasing temperatures in late winter and early spring.


Giant polished volcanic rocks, Hampi Hills

The terroir is a mix of predominantly iron-rich schist and patches of white limestone. The loamy layer is a not too intense red, and gives way to brown soils. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc seem to be particularly suited to these soils, but Chardonnay can also produce attractive results and Sangiovese shows promise, too.

Left: Brown loam soil, KRSMA Estates, Hampi Hills.
Right: Brown loam with limestone gravel, KRSMA Estates, Hampi Hills

Being inland, the climate is noticeably drier and warmer. The small diurnal temperature range in the winter months results in lusher, riper and richer fruits, somewhat at the expense of elegance and grace. Climatic data for Bijapur will be similar to Solapur’s or Sangli’s in Maharashtra, as which lie at almost the same latitude.
Created with