Brazil is quite often associated with a vibrant culture where samba, coffee and carnival readily come to mind when one thinks of this South American football powerhouse. Quite interestingly though, this country has also been steadily emerging as a wine producer of note, in this part of the world. Though it may not yet have the global reputation of its South American neighbours, Argentina and Chile, Brazil’s wine industry has been consistently evolving over time in the quality of its wine production. This has resulted in increased international recognition, making it a region to watch in the broader context of South America’s burgeoning wine production.

Brazilian winemaking history dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese colonisers first brought vines to the country. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century, with the arrival of Italian and German immigrants, that the foundations for modern Brazilian viticulture were truly laid. These settlers brought with them their winemaking traditions and expertise, particularly in regions like Rio Grande do Sul, which remains the heart of Brazilian wine production today. This southern region, with its temperate climate and rolling hills, offered an environment somewhat reminiscent of European wine regions, allowing these immigrants to cultivate the varieties they knew best.

Brazil’s diverse geography offers a range of climates and soils that are well-suited to viticulture. The country’s wine regions are spread across several states, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines produced. Rio Grande do Sul, located in the southernmost part of Brazil, is a region that accounts for about 90 per cent of the country’s wine production. The Serra Gaúcha area within Rio Grande do Sul, particularly the Vale dos Vinhedos, is renowned for its sparkling wines and offers a cool climate ideal for growing European grape varieties. This region is often compared to Champagne for its production of high-quality sparkling wines, which have garnered international acclaim.

Santa Catarina, just north of Rio Grande do Sul, is a state that has emerged as an exciting wine region, particularly for cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The high-altitude vineyards here benefit from a cooler climate that allows for the slow ripening of grapes, leading to wines with great balance and complexity. São Paulo and Minas Gerais are states that have recently started to develop their wine industries, focusing primarily on boutique wineries that produce small quantities of high-quality wine. The warmer climate in these regions is well-suited to growing grapes like Syrah and Touriga Nacional, often used in producing bold red wines.

The north-east region is perhaps one of the most intriguing developments in Brazilian viticulture with the emergence of the São Francisco Valley, located near the equator. Thanks to irrigation from the São Francisco River, this region has become known for its ability to produce two or even three harvests a year, something almost unheard of in the wine world. The region’s unique climate allows for the production of vibrant and fruity wines that are increasingly gaining recognition.

One of Brazil’s most significant contributions to the global wine industry is its sparkling wines as the country has become known for producing high-quality vintages. In fact, such is the quality of their offerings, that many compare the sparkling wines from Vale dos Vinhedos to those made in Champagne, France. The traditional method (méthode champenoise) is commonly used in Brazil, resulting in sparkling wines with fine bubbles, a creamy texture, and complex flavours that rival some of the best in the world. Brazilian sparkling wines have won numerous awards in international competitions, and their popularity is growing both domestically and abroad due to their freshness, vibrancy, and affordability which make them particularly appealing to a broad audience, from casual wine drinkers to connoisseurs.

In Part 3 of our Southern Charm series, Thursday Food introduces you to some of the best labels from Brazil, including the year’s best sparkling wine from that country:

Adega Refinaria Otto Viognier is a 100 per cent varietal by Adega Refinaria made from grapes grown in the Serra Gaucha area of Rio Grande do Sul. This 91-point wine has a yellow colour with greenish tones, that is intense, with notes of white flowers, peach and apricot on the nose. On the palate the wine is elegant, delicate and sweet with a long finish.

Luiz Argenta Cave Sauvignon Blanc is a 100 per cent varietal that was named Brazil’s best white wine of 2023 by Descorchados, scoring 92 points. Produced by Bodega Luiz Argenta in Serra Gaucha, this wine is straw yellow with greenish reflections exhibiting aromas of tropical fruits in syrup, vanilla and toasted notes. In the mouth, the wine, of which only 1200 bottles were made, is complex with great volume and persistence.

Luiz Argenta Cave Rosé Nature is a 91-point Espumoso Brasileño that is made using the traditional method from 100 per cent Pinot Noir grapes. Fine and having persistent perlage, it is an elegant pink colour with intense and delicate aromas, mainly reminiscent of flowers, red fruits and a light almond touch. On the palate it is a very creamy sparkling wine with great volume as well as great persistence and is very balanced.

Cave Geisse Terroir Nature is made using 50 per cent Chardonnay and 50 per cent Pinot Noir grapes by Familia Giesse from vineyards located 750 metres above sea level in Pinto Bandeira. Named Brazil’s best sparkling wine of 2023 with a score of 95 points by Descorchados, this espumoso is bright straw yellow, with golden reflections, along with fine, abundant and persistent perlage. Its aroma is elegant and delicate on the nose, with a good aromatic entry, initially reminiscent of white flowers, apricot, apple, yeast and toast, while also showing hints of honey and candied fruit. In the mouth it is full-bodies with excellent persistence.

Cave Geisse Rosé Extra Brut is a 93-point, 100 per cent Pinot Noir varietal that has an enchanting salmon colour and exhibits aromas of cherry, citrus fruits and pomegranate, On the palate, this sparkling wine presents a silky, balanced texture and refreshing acidity.

The future looks bright for Brazilian wine and as the country continues to develop its wine industry, it is likely to gain greater global recognition largely due to its award-winning sparkling wines. Brazil’s rich viticultural history has helped to secure South America’s position as a wine-producing juggernaut, offering something truly unique that is worth exploring by vinophiles looking for new and exciting flavours. Salud!