Wine has been a symbol of luxury and sophistication for centuries, and Brazil is no stranger to this world-renowned beverage.
Despite being a newcomer compared to old-world wine regions like France and Italy, Brazil has made a name for itself in the wine industry with its unique blend of history, culture, and innovation.
From the first vines planted by Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century to the modern-day wineries that produce award-winning wines, Brazil's wine industry has come a long way.
And as wine lovers seek new experiences, Brazil's wine scene has become a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the world of wine.
But what about those who want to enjoy their favourite vintage while cruising on a luxurious superyacht? Fear not, as we delve into the intricacies of storing wine on a superyacht thanks to the expert advise of Maria Amaral of Kwevris, you'll discover some facts of how to ensure your wine stays in pristine condition while you sail the high seas.
Q. The history of wine in Brazil began in 1531 when Martim Afonso de Souza was chosen for a colonizing expedition and brought the first vines cultivated in Brazilian lands. In 1532, the Portuguese Brás Cubas became the first winegrower in Brazil. What are the specificities of the wines in Brazil?
A. - Yes, it was, when Martim Afonso de Souza was chosen for a colonizing expedition and brought the first vines cultivated in Brazilian lands. In 1532, the Portuguese Bras Cubas became the first winegrower in Brazil.
Brazil is a huge country with continental dimensions, with contrasting and distinct climatic and geographic conditions. We are located between the parallels the 30th and 50th of the Southern Hemisphere. With viticultural production in 03 macro-regions, with owns charateristics, and tipicities specifics, make these regions unique.
These are regions ranging from a temperate and humid subtropical climate (South and Southeast regions), through a semi-arid tropical climate (Northeast region), to a region of recent cultivation, with a climate ranging from subtropical to high altitude tropical, whose vineyards are located between 600 to 1200 meters of level, called winter wines.
In this way, the quality, typicity and specificity in these regions are tremendous. The diversity of Brazilian "terroir" has given us recognition in our products.
Watershed, in 1990 there was a modernisation in the cultivation and production of Brazilian wine, as well as the entry of investment in the sector. In 2002, the Vale dos Vinhedos region won its first I.P. (Indication of Origin), and in 2012 it won its first D.O. (Denomination of Origin).
Q. Wine production in Brazil has grown since the 16th century. However, on January 5, 1785, Queen Dona Maria I banned any manufacturing activity in the colony, including winemaking. It was not until 1808, with the arrival of the Portuguese royal family, that manufacturing practices were allowed again. What are some of the most well-known Brazilian wines today?
A. Yes, it is true. The Portuguese court banned winemaking in Brazil in 1789, only returning in 1808.
I guess it is important, at this point, not to mention just one name of wine or winery, but to highlight: the achievements reached with Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin; the human factor with its determination, passion, patience and energy, allied to the diversity of micro-climates, soils - our "terroirs" - which through the management of the vines and wine-growing practices, are factors that have collaborated for the strengthening of Brazilian viticulture, as proof of the country's identities and specificities.
Have you tried Brazilian Wine?
Yes
No
No but would love to!
Q. The success of Brazilian sparkling wines is so great that in 1973, the great manufacturer Möet & Chandon saw the potential of Brazil and began to invest in the production of sparkling wines in Brazil. Do Brazilians prefer more sparkling or other wine? A. It is worth mentioning here that from 1970 onwards, multinational wineries such as Moet & Chandon, Martini & Rossi and Heublein established themselves in the Serra Gaúcha bringing high technology equipment and modern viticulture techniques. Implementing a program to encourage producers in the Serra Gaucha to modify the planting system. They stimulated the production of wine strains, giving a great qualitative leap in Brazilian wine that today, despite the diversity of soil and climate, boasts an international quality standard.
At first, Brazilian sparkling wine was widely drinking on commemorative dates, especially in the summer months. However, this habit has changed, and we can notice a greater adherence to the consumption of sparkling wine on different occasions, especially by the female public.
How can you resist its freshness and the noise of tiny bubbles?
BRUT is a type of sparkling wine much appreciated, for having a dry style, without losing its freshness. But, Rosés are also very popular, specially due to the slightly bitterness note on the finish that helps refresh the palate. Q. In 2012 that Brazil won its First Denomination of Origin: D.O. Valley of the Vineyards. Classification for sparkling wines and fine wines produced in the municipalities of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi, and Monte Belo do Sul in the Rio Grande do Sul follow a series of pre-established requirements.
Elected in 2020, Casa Valduga’s 130 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine took 1st place in a contest in Paris called Vinalies Internacionales.
In 2021, Brazil broke the record for winning wines at The International Wine Challenge, in London, with 55 distinctions, including two silver medals, 22 bronze, and 31 honorable mentions.
In 2022 this number increased. In the 19th edition of Decanter, Brazil won 75 medals, 16 silver, and 59 bronze.
How do you see the future of Brazilian wines and will there be more uptake internationally? A. Despite Brazilian wine being considered, within the world wine production scale, as a country belonging to the "New World", the point is that our "terroirs": climates, soils; handling of vines and winemaking practices; allied to continuous work, as the discovery and appreciation of identities, typicities and specificities of the grapes varieties, all of this has strengthened the ever-increasing increase in the quality of the final product, giving greater visibility and growing worldwide recognition to Brazilian wine and sparkling wines.
Q. Now to something interesting. Describe the environment for wine on board yachts and what solutions are needed to optimise their safe keeping? With the motion and sea saltiness, does it affect the wine?
I love to talk about this. Because, it's so important to know that, when wines and sparkling wines are stored in a properly climate-controlled wine cellar inside the yacht, characteristics such as complexity, aroma, flavors and quality are preserved.
Do you think the motion on a yacht affects the wine?
Yes
No
Not sure
The movement, at molecular level, makes the tannins responsible for the structure of the wine to group together more quickly, losing the quality and characteristics of the wine.
As a general rule, it should also apply to young wines from good quality and authenticity, for immediate consumption, when stored in a suitable place, ensure a correct aging and peaking, specially in the hot seasons of the year.
Wine aging can be faster on board than on land due to the vibration of the yacht.
Finally, training and update will help the crew to know the ideal storage conditions, such as temperature and position of bottles, as well as knowledge for wine pairing and consumption.
Q. Kwevris is a clever derivation of large earthenware vessels used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian Wine. What was the importance of employing this symbolism to your company and the market you are reaching? A. Kwevris, since its beginning, aims to operate in areas that are still little explored in the wine market.
As the Georgian earthenware vessel, created and manufactured for a specific and daring task, challenged the status quo of the time, with imagination and creativity, so is Kwevris.
Aiming to deliver, through new strategies, innovative solutions for the nautical and Brazilian fine wines market, looking for gradually turn something common into extraordinary.
Maria would be delighted to help you understand more about the Brazilian wines and answer questions regarding storing wines on board, so feel free to post your questions below or anecdotes.
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