Winemaker Notes
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Portugese colonists brought wine producing grapes to Brazil as far back as the mid 16th century but the mainly humid, tropical environment proved to be a challenge for the early settlers. Though it is a large country, only a small portion, towards its southern end near Uruguay, is within the ideal latitudes for wine production. Brazil has about the same acreage under vine as its South American wine-producing neighbors, Chile and Argentina, but most of it is for table grapes. About 10% of the land is Vitis vinifera, the wine producing species.
Brazil has enjoyed consistent quality advancements since the 1970s and 1980s, largely due to investments by international wine companies, namely Moet & Chandon, Seagram, Bacardi, Domecq and Martini & Rossi. Serra Gaucha, a southerly coastal region of low mountains, recognized for sparkling wine production, is Brazil’s key wine region. Campanha, its neighbor, is attracting more attention for its red wines (Cabernet and Tannat) and white wines (Chardonnay).