Renaissance Winery 

THE FACTS

Location: Ozar village, near Nashik
State: Maharashtra
Founded: 2004
Major shareholders: Shivaji F Aher
Total area: 125 acres
Area under vine: n/a
Production: 700,000 litres
Google map: click here

THE STORY

‘Renaissance’, a term primarily associated with the rebirth of the culture of antiquity in Europe from the 13th century onwards, encourages a cognitive bias when associated with a winery on the outskirts of Nashik. Unfortunately, there is no flourishing revival to be discerned in this property just off the Mumbai–Agra road.

 

The Ahers began construction of their winery in 2004 and crushed the first fruits from bought grapes a year later. Though their own vineyards were planted in 2004, they had no yield until 2007, so the winery continued to rely on bought grapes. At the height of production, it sourced fruit from a hundred acres and its original 120,000-litre capacity had to be enlarged shortly after construction. Then the recession hit, and Renaissance ceased to produce its own wines in 2008. There are still stocks of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel blush, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot sitting in tanks. Interestingly, I was told that the Pinot Noir had sold out, even though it struggles to crop in India. I wonder what it really was.

 

During its first few years of operation, Renaissance Winery was instrumental in the introduction of other brands, as it rented out its facilities. Diageo’s Nilaya was made here, short lived though it was, a victim of the financial crisis just two years after its launch in 2007. Four Seasons and Good Drop had their wines made here as well, as did Chateau Indage.

 

With wineries moving production to their own facilities and Indage collapsing, business dried up for Renaissance almost overnight. The production unit was in operation when I visited in late 2014, however. Amidst the disorganisation, mess and dirt, old vintages of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and one knows not what else were being opened, mixed with fruit flavours and fructose before being carbonated and repacked as ‘wine breezers’ – desperate attempts to generate cash rather than a revival. In June 2015 I learnt that Renaissance was due to launch two new wines, a Chardonnay and an oak-aged Shiraz.

 

It is disheartening to bear witness to the misfortunes of a winery, and yet alarming to learn that Shivaji Aher is president of the All India Wine Producers Association. This does not inspire confidence; nor does the roadside café at the Renaissance Winery. Its smells are discouraging despite the good ventilation enjoyed by the semi-open terraces.


THE WINES

None of the wines are palatable for consumption. They are listed here only for the awareness of consumers.


THE LABELS

Varietal Renaissance wines: 2012 and 2013 vintages tasted; all terribly basic, out of balance and some sweetened with the addition of fructose

Chenin Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

Shiraz Cabernet

Cabernet Sauvignon Classique

Zinfandel

Zinfandel rosé

Merlot

Pinot Noir

Wine coolers: flavoured sparkling wine-based drinks

Migo: a sweet and doctored white wine named after the Russian MIG fighter jet, flown from an air force base nearby


Suraa
: sweet wine in the style of Indian port; unable to get answers regarding its production method, so best not to know


VIDEO GALLERY

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