In Brazil, Italians have been able to be known not only for their contribution to the development of one of the most promising emerging markets in the global economic landscape but also in the territory entrench the culture of knowing how to make good wine.
Everything began in 1875 when Italian immigrants settle in the south of Brazil for the first importing a new philosophy in the cultivation of the vineVitis vinifera with the adoption of new cultivation techniques with traditional row and pergola or pylons.
In fact, prior to their arrival there was only a variety of American vines and the wine produced was limited to the typical “Suave” wine with a sweet tatse and a lack of structure. In short, a true cultivation that it focused on the quality did not exist also because protectionism persisted for years. It prohibited the importation of wine from other countries and then to establish a competitive benchmark in terms of quality. A good taste was almost unthinkable.
Settlement in Rio Grande do Sul
Italians settled in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and they were able to make of winemaking a successful
entrepreneurial activity. These italians are mostly natives of the Northeast as the Venetians families like the Miolo, the Carraro with the brand “Lidio Carraro“, or the Boscato and the winemakers Casa Valduga originating from Rovereto in Trentino.
The Miolos originating fro; Piombino Dese in the province of Treviso, arrived on Brazilian soil at the end of the nineteenth century and by the will of the patriarch Giovanni, they decided to purchase immediately a small plot in the city of Bento Goncalves, soon becoming the wine capital of Brazil.
Today, the Miolo Wine Group with 40% of the market for quality wines in Brazil and 15% of production of sparkling and demi-sec sparkling wine is considered as the first winery in the country. The company that makes of internationalisation a key to its revival, produces 12 million liters of wine for about a thousand acres scattered throughout Brazil and also in the famous Vale do Sao Francisco at Bahia, the only place in the world where you can get 2 crops per year.
With the start of the first imports from Argentina, Chile, France before the 70s and then finally in the 90s the few Brazilian producers to remain in the market had to review the methods of production focusing on quality and starting to grow international varieties , Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico, Pinot Noir and many others.
The first quality wines produced in Brazil are derived mostly from Merlot and in Brazil has all its features. A harmony of aromas and flavors that we unexpect: black cherry, currant, cedar, mint green olives but also tobacco, tea leaves short, elegance and style are not lacking.
Henry BORZI
Vineyards Magazine 