Brazil is a country with spectacular coastlines and exotic tropical forests(Amazon). The country conjures up images of samba dancing, football, carnaval, cachaca, and churrascarias. Typically wine does not come to mind when thinking of Brazil. This is partly because it has been in the shadows of its wine-producing neighbors, Argentina and Chile. In the last 20 years, Brazil’s wine industry has undergone tremendous changes and is now one of the premier wine regions in South America.
History
Brazil has a long history with grape growing. The first vines were brought to the country in 1532 from Portugal by Martim Afonso de Souza. However, it was not until 1875, when Italian immigrants arrived with their talents and knowledge of wines, that spurred the growth of winemaking in Brazil.
There are 150 wineries of a large dimension and more than 1,100 small growers (two hectares per family). The area of vineyards with Vitis Vinifera varieties amounts to approximately 89,000 hectares located from north to south. Many producers are also making sparkling wines using a variety of grapes and production methods. Today Brazil is the fifth largest producer in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are six main wine regions: Serra Gaúcha, Serra do Sudeste, Campanha, Campos de Cima da Serra, Planalto Catarinense and the Vale do São Francisco to the far North. The largest is Serra Gaûcha in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Salton Poética Sparkling Brut Rosé
Salton Winery is one of the oldest and largest in Brazil, specializing in sparkling wines. They were founded in 1910 in Bento Goncalves by Italian immigrant Antonio Domenico Salton.
The Salton Poética wine gets its structure from the Pinot Noir(80%) and the freshness is imparted by the Chardonnay(20%). This sparkling rosé has a bright pink color with delicate and fine bubbles. Its aromas are fruity, with notes of citrus fruits along with notes of yeast and toasted bread. Its taste is creamy, light and refreshing. This rosé is ideal served as an aperitif. Its structure also makes it a nice food wine with light foods like white fish, shellfish or pasta salads.
Wine Pairing Weekend #WinePW
Brazilian wines are new to me. I found they are difficult to find, so if you see them on your local shelf, be sure to grab a few bottles and explore. If this article sparked your interest in Brazilian wines, be sure to join the Wines of Brazil and my fellow wine lovers for a Wine Pairing Weekend chat, this Saturday, September 14th at 11am New York time with our hashtag #WinePW.
Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “A Brazilian Sparkler +Frango à Passarinho and Pao de Queijo”
Linda of My Full Wine Glass will be posting “Head to Southern Brazil for High-Quality Wine”
Cindy of Grape Experiences writes “Wine and Dine Brazilian Style with Alma Brut White Sparkling Wine from Salton Winery and Fried Calamari”
Gwen at Wine Predator shares “A Poet Pairs Poetica Sparkling Rosé from Brazil”
David of Cooking Chat will be pairing “Brazilian Beans, Greens and Bacon with Sparkling Wine”
Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings will be serving “Miolo Alisios Pinot Grigio/Riesling and Raw Ahi Tuna 3 Ways”
Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm will be adding “Enjoying Indian Summer with Alma Sparkling Brut from Brazil”
Cynthia and Pierre of Traveling Wine Profs will be sharing “Friends, Seafood, Bubbly and Chardonnay:Our Brazilian Wine Pairing Dinner”
Debbie of The Hudson Valley Wine Goddess writes “Celebrating Garden Harvest with Brazilian Wine”
Sarah of The Curious Cuisiniere showcases “Pastel de Queijo and Brazilian Sparkling Wine Pairing”
Here on L’Occasion, “Bubbles from Brazil: a Treat for Wine Lovers”
Jennifer of Vino Travels muses about “Brazilian Sparkling Wines with Salton Brut”
Rupal the Syrah Queen talks about “Aperitivo With Brazilian Sparkling Wines”
Our host, Susannah at Avvinare , posts about “Miolo Merlot Paired with Brazilian Skirt Steak with Golden Garlic Butter.”
** Wines received as media samples. All opinions are my own.**
Hi! I’m Rupal.
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