Experience The Wines Of Brazil
Where can you find more than 1,100 wineries spanning almost half the globe? Brazil!
Yes, Brazil produces wine, and lots of it. Currently the fifth-largest producer of wine in the Southern Hemisphere, Brazil is one of the fastest-growing wine markets in the world.
Did you know that Brazil's fine wine market, founded by European immigrants, is not only a century and a half old, but also remains deeply rooted in Old World traditions?
It's time to get to know the wines of Brazil. Here, the varied climates and soils of a continental climate meet the creativity of the Brazilian people, known around the world for their unique and inventive take on life.
The European tradition, brought to Brazil by thousands of immigrants in the 19th century, coupled with investments in innovation, contributes to the construction of this unique character. Each region has developed its specialty, creating wine imbued with terroir and a unique typicity. As a group, the wines show the freshness of a young industry, consisting of small producers (on average two hectares per family), who make light, fruity wines with moderate alcohol content. This style, which captures the real spirit of Brazil, has been discovered and is increasingly admired around the world.
With a special emphasis on sparkling wines, both those made through the Champenoise method and those light and aromatic made from moscato grape, Brazilian winemakers have been opening up markets around the world and receiving compliments from international critics wherever they go. The secret lies in the outstanding balance of acidity shown by the grapes grown in the country; acidity that keeps Brazilian wines light, fresh, and delicious.
While less well known, the red and white wines of Brazil share this attractively approachable character. Featuring profound aromas, they have proven to be irresistible to consumers tired of more usual wines and in search of a new experience. For the Olympic Games in London, a Brazilian wine (made from syrah, gamay, and tempranillo) was chosen as one of the official wines in anticipation of the success that the Brazilian wine industry will have when the country hosts the next Olympics in 2016 and the 2014 World Cup.
You don't have to wait until then to try Brazilian wine. Fans of the IndyCar Series might have already noticed that the wines are present in most of the races held in the United States, as Wines of Brasil sponsors the circuit along with other Brazilian products through a partnership with APEX (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). In fact, the United States became the fourth-largest export market for Brazilian wines in 2011, representing 10.7 percent of all exports by Brazilian wineries in dollars and 14 percent in volume. The wines can be spotted in many wine-friendly restaurants, wine stores and, of course, Brazilian steakhouses — another of the country's specialties and the perfect place to open and explore Brazil's red wine!
Throughout 2012, American consumers have had many opportunities to learn more about Brazilian wines, but the year is not over yet! On Oct. 11, to celebrate the culmination of a busy and successful year, we will host our Annual Tasting in New York City, with the participation of more than 15 Brazilian wineries. The day after, on Oct. 12, at the Brazilian Consulate, we will host a day of business meetings to introduce new Brazilian wineries to importers. These meetings enable potential importers to talk one-on-one with some of our top winemakers.