Brazil
Brazil’s wine production is influenced by its diverse terroirs, primarily located in the southern part of the country due to the subtropical climate and high precipitation levels. The most significant wine regions, such as Serra Gaúcha and Campanha, benefit from a combination of warm temperatures and varied soil types like basalt and granite, which contribute to the unique characteristics of Brazilian wines. These regions enjoy a favorable balance of rainfall and sunshine, allowing for a range of grape varieties to be cultivated, from international to native types. The cooler, high-altitude regions, like Planalto Catarinense, offer ideal conditions for producing wines with high acidity and vibrant flavors, reflecting Brazil’s potential to produce quality wines across different styles.
Popular Regions
- Serra Gaúcha: Known as the heart of Brazilian wine production, Serra Gaúcha is renowned for its sparkling wines (Espumante) and still wines made from grapes like Merlot and Chardonnay. The region’s terroir, characterized by its high-altitude vineyards, granite soils, and ample rainfall, provides ideal conditions for producing wines with high acidity and fresh, fruity profiles.
- Vale dos Vinhedos: This region holds Brazil’s first Denomination of Origin (DO) and is celebrated for its high-quality sparkling wines and red wines, particularly Merlot. The unique microclimate, with its warm days and cool nights, along with diverse soil types, helps create wines that are well-balanced and expressive of their terroir.
- Campanha: Located along the border with Uruguay, Campanha is known for its warm climate and diverse soil compositions, which favor the cultivation of robust red varietals like Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s relatively flat terrain and favorable growing conditions make it an emerging area for premium wine production in Brazil.
Key Varietals from Brazil
Merlot
Merlot is a popular red wine grape variety known for its soft, velvety texture and approachable flavor profile.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most popular and widely planted white wine grape varieties in the world.
Viognier
Viognier is a white wine grape variety known for its aromatic profile and full-bodied texture.