Unlocking the Potential: Brazilian Wines Making a Splash
When you think of wine country, the tropical savannah around Brazil’s modern capital of Brasilia may not be the first place that comes to mind. However, the innovation and ingenuity of Brazilian winemakers are beginning to change that perception. French enologist, Jean-Michel Barcelo, known for his love and appreciation of wine, recently visited Villa Triacca vineyard in central Brazil and was left astonished by the quality and potential of the region’s wines.
Unlike its neighboring South American producers, Argentina and Chile, as well as the esteemed French vineyards, Brazil has not traditionally been recognized as a prominent wine-producing country. However, a new production technique developed by Brazilian researchers in the early 2000s has enabled winemakers in Brasilia to overcome the challenges posed by the predominantly tropical climate and create wines that are garnering international attention.
At the heart of this technique lies a radical approach known as “double pruning.” By pruning the vines twice a year, in winter and summer, producers can extend the grape-picking season to the winter months, specifically July and August. This move away from the usual autumn harvest is crucial in avoiding the heavy rains that could otherwise damage the grapes. Additionally, the vineyards utilize a synthetic hormone to regulate the growth of the vines and keep them dormant until the ideal time for harvest. While skeptics question the potential effects of this hormone on the final product, producers assure consumers that no traces remain in the wine.
Visitors who embark on a wine tasting at Villa Triacca and other vineyards in the Brasilia region cannot help but be impressed by the quality and complexity of the wines. Luciano Weber, a resident of Brasilia, admits to being pleasantly surprised by the hidden treasure that lies in his own backyard. He had no idea the region was capable of producing such outstanding wines.
Such unprecedented success in the heartland of Brazil’s agricultural industries, namely soybean, corn, and beef, has left many wondering how this region has emerged as a powerhouse in the wine industry. The owner of Villa Triacca vineyard, Ronaldo Triacca, confesses that he had always dreamed of producing wine but assumed he could only make table wine. That is until he discovered the concept of inverted pruning, which opened his eyes to the possibility of making high-quality wine. Triacca now cultivates Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes alongside his corn and soy fields, resulting in an annual production of 15,000 bottles.
While the wine industry in Brasilia is still in its infancy, it is rapidly gaining momentum. The number of vineyards in the region has increased significantly in recent years, with farmland devoted to wine production more than doubling from 45 hectares in 2018 to 88 hectares in 2020. Vinicola Brasilia, a collective of regional producers, has quickly emerged, connecting winemakers and establishing a presence in specialty stores and restaurants in the capital. However, the true breakthrough lies in changing the perception that only wines from Argentina, Portugal, and France can be deemed exceptional. Felipe Camargo of the regional agricultural agency Emater believes that, with time, Brazilian wine will disprove this notion and win over wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Brazil may not be the typical destination for wine aficionados, but the region’s unique and exceptional wines are poised to make a splash on the international stage. With its innovative techniques and commitment to quality, the Brasilia region is set to challenge the dominance of traditional winemaking countries. So, next time you’re seeking a new and exciting addition to your wine collection, consider looking beyond the usual suspects and exploring the vibrant and evolving world of Brazilian wine.
Leave a Reply