Brazil

The colonisation of this huge country in South America was initiated by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century, they planted the first vines in the Sao Paulo region in 1532. The Jesuits followed in 1626, and planted Spanish vines in Grande do Sul. However, viticulture was abandoned after the Jesuit missions were destroyed. The oenologist Auguste de St. Hilaire pointed out as early as 1800 that European grape varieties should best be planted in the south, close to the border with Uruguay; however, he was ignored for almost 200 years. The Isabelly hybrid variety was introduced on the south coast of the Rio Grande region in 1840. This produced only very basic wines, but could at least withstand the climate. The next significant viticultural development was only in 1875, when immigrants from the regions of Lombardy and Veneto in Italy arrived, they were followed by German immigrants. These immigrants brought with them vines they were familiar with, such as Trebbiano and Riesling. Due to the difficult climatic conditions, experiments were carried out with many different varieties. The vinifera vines gained ground slowly only after World War I. Major international corporations started new initiatives in the 1960’s and 1970’s, particularly Bacardi, Cinzano, Heublein, Martini & Rossi#Martini-Rossi, Moët et Chandon (with their wine estate Chandon Brazil), Pedro Domecq and Seagram.

It is remarkable that in regions close to the equator, in which there is no cold season and the vine does not get a rest period, one can harvest grapes at least twice a year, and indeed as many as 5 harvests in 2 years are possible. However, these grapes are then of low quality. Rainfall is heavy in these regions, and rain also falls during the harvest period. A large variety of different grape varieties is planted, around 90 varieties in total. The humid tropical and sub-tropical climate increases the risk of fungal infections occurring. For this reason, vines of the vitis labrusca species, which are resistant to fungal infection, such as Concord, Delaware, Dutchess, Isabella, Ives Noir (Bordo), Niagara and various hybrids based on the Seibel grape were cultivated. These account for around 70% of the vineyard area. Even so, relatively large quantities of fungicides have to be used. The most important European varieties are Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Muscadel varieties, Petite Syrah, Sémillon, Shiraz and Welschriesling. Because of the climatic conditions mentioned above, the grape harvest has to take place relatively early in the season, resulting in grapes that are high in acid and fairly light-bodied. The somewhat rustic, alcoholic red and white wines made mainly from vitis labrusca and hybrid varieties are destined for the domestic market only. Red wines are often made in a sweet style. Around 70% of the European varieties are made into white wines.

Viticulture has become established mainly in the more temperate areas far from the equator. The largest region, accounting for around 70% of the vineyard area, is the federal state of Rio Grande do Sul in the hilly regions around the cities of Bento Gonçalves and Garribaldi. The best-known districts there are Serra Gaucha and Frontera. This area is far in the South, close to the border with Uruguay, and it is here that major companies have settled, investing in modern cellar technology. The largest winery in Brazil is the Cooperativa Vinicola Aurora, founded in 1974 close to the city of Palomas, this processes grapes from around 1.500 grape growers, producing 60 million bottles of wine annually. The operation was acquired by Seagrams in 1989. Other growing regions include Minas Gerais, Parana, Pernambuco, São Paulo, Santa Caterina and Sao Francisco. Mainly vitis labrusca and hybrid varieties are grown in many of these regions. The DO region Vale dos Vinhedos lies in the south of the Rio Grande do Sul region, it was cultivated by German and Italian immigrants, starting in 1875, and since January 2007 is the first controlled region of origin to be recognised by the EU. There are more than 30 wineries in the region, and all grapes here must be of the vitis vinifera species. The total vineyard area in Brazil is currently around 63.000 hectares, with more than half of this area producing table grapes, mainly from Isabella and Pirovano vines. Annual production is around three million hectolitres, and per capita consumption is extremely low.