Wine Tasting Club – Brazil
Thanks to the Portuguese and the Spanish, Brazil has been growing grapes and making wine from them for well over 500 years. Brazil’s humid climate made growing the grapes the Portuguese and Spanish were used to difficult. By the mid-1800s, locals were plantain a hybrid variety called Isabella. Thirty years later, Italian grapes, such as Barbera, Moscato and Trebbiano, were being planted with success. Today, Brazilian grape growers are planting a huge variety, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Because of Brazil’s hot and humid climate, grapes are often picked before they ripen in an effort to avoid the rot that can overtake the grapes so quickly. Jancis Robinson states that “Red wines are, inevitably in this climate, relatively light and acid, although there has been some experimentation with new oak.” That’s not all bad, though. Moët & Chandon have recognized the vitality and possibilities of the Brazilian wine industry. M & C have long established ties there establishing a subsidiary, Provifin, that produces both still and sparkling wine. Chances are you’ve never tried Brazilian wine. Here are some suggestions for you. Ask for them at your local liquor store, and let me know what you think of them.
Try these:
Tannat Fortaleza do Seival Fronteira Campanha 2010 $13.65
Chardonnay Miolo Family Vineyards Serra Gaucha 2009 $13.65
Agnus Cabernet Sauvignon, Lidio Carraro $16.50
Quinta do Seival Miolo Castas Portuguesas 2006 $21.70