Brazil
Brazil (/brəˈzɪl/) is the largest country in South America and, while better known for coffee and sugarcane, it has developed a notable wine industry. Viticulture is concentrated in the south of the country, where European settlers introduced vines in the 16th century and expanded production during the 19th century with Italian immigration.[1]
Background
The first attempts at vine growing in Brazil date back to Portuguese colonists in the 1500s, though tropical conditions hindered success.[2] It was the arrival of Italian immigrants in Rio Grande do Sul in the late 19th century that laid the foundations for a modern wine culture, with hybrid vines and American rootstocks initially used to overcome disease and humidity.[3]
Wine regions
The leading viticultural area is the Serra Gaúcha, located in Rio Grande do Sul, which accounts for the majority of national production and is home to Brazil’s first Denominação de Origem, Vale dos Vinhedos.[4] Other significant regions include Campanha Gaúcha, on the border with Uruguay, and Planalto Catarinense in Santa Catarina, known for cooler-climate styles. Further north, the Vale do São Francisco in Bahia and Pernambuco has developed tropical viticulture, allowing for multiple harvests per year.[5]
Grape varieties
Brazil cultivates a mix of international and local grapes. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are widely planted, while hybrids and labrusca-based varieties, such as Isabel, still represent a substantial share of vineyard area, particularly for domestic consumption.[6] The country’s varied climates have encouraged experimentation with different cultivars, adapting viticulture to both subtropical and tropical environments.
Styles and production
Sparkling wine has become the most recognised category of Brazilian wine internationally, with producers in Serra Gaúcha using the traditional method as well as the Charmat process.[7] Still red wines, particularly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, are common, while whites from Chardonnay and Italian Riesling also feature. Tropical regions produce lighter styles often destined for domestic markets.
Contemporary developments
Since the late 20th century, Brazilian wine has undergone significant improvements in vineyard management and winemaking technology. The Wines of Brazil Institute promotes exports and branding, aiming to position Brazil alongside established South American producers.[8] Exports remain modest but have grown steadily, with sparkling wines leading the way.
See also
References
- ↑ Tonietto & Falcade, Viticultura e enologia no Brasil: uma abordagem histórica e tecnológica, Embrapa, 2017.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Wines of Brazil Institute, winesofbrasil.com.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Wines of Brazil Institute, winesofbrasil.com.