Bounce Magazine July 2018

JULY 2018 | JULY ISSUE 2018 #69 | ISSUE | FOOD #69 & DRINK
The Wines
of India
Vines were growing in India during the 4th Millenia BC,
thought to have been brought in by Persian traders.
classes while the lower castes drank alcoholic
drinks made from wheat and barley etc.
BY ‘WINE BUFF’ FRED FISHER
They were probably only table or eating grapes
and not for making wine. During the 2nd and
1st Millenia BC it is thought that alcoholic drinks
were in use and that it had become a regular
commodity. Some evidence is available that these
drinks could have been made from rice.
In the 4 th Century BC some writings for the current
Emperor indicated that wine was in evidence
based on the use of grapes.
At the time, wine was favoured by the noble
Under Muslim rule alcohol was prohibited but there
are reports that one ruler was fond of brandy.
Portugese colonists in the 16 th Century brought
their Port style wines to Goa and the production of
these fortified wines spread.
British rule under Queen Victoria, greatly
encouraged winemaking and vine growing,
particularly for British inhabitants. Vineyards were
planted in several regions including Kashmir. In
1883 the Calcutta International Exhibition proved
India could make wine to great acclaim.
At this time however the Phylloxera epidemic
made its way from Europe and devastated the
vineyards. What with religious and public opinion
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