Written by CGCOM, on Tuesday, September 11th., 2012. (free translation into English)
On November 19, 2002, wines and sparkling wines from the Vinhedos Valley region (Port. Região do Vale dos Vinhedos) became the first Brazilian products to bear a Geographical Indication – specifically, Indication of Origin. On September 11, 2012, almost ten years later, the BPTO announced that the products will bear the Designation of Origin (D.O), which is the “most valuable” of all Geographical Indications, being as of now in par with the most famous wines of the world.
The Association of Fine Wines Producers of the Vale dos Vinhedos (APROVALE) applied for the registration of Designation of Origin in 2010. It is worth of mentioning that Designation of Origin is the most complex kind of Geographical Indication, and evidences a differential pattern. The Designation of Origin will ultimately attest that the product or service has qualities or characteristics that derive exclusively or essentially from the natural and human factors in the geographic area. Now, the producers have a 60-day term to pay the fees related to the issuance of certificate. Only after that, it will be effectively in force.
According to the producers, the wines and sparkling wines of the Vale dos Vinhedos reflect 130 years of history of the Italian immigration in Brazil.
Different to other regions in the country, the seasons can be clearly perceived there because of the explicit transformation in the natural scenery. In spring and summer, the vineyards form truly green carpets. Dry red, dry white and sparkling wine are produced there.
In view of the predominant the use of Merlot grape, the wines maintain a strong association with this variety, presenting notes of fresh red fruits, and having a well-balanced acidity.
In contrast, the sparkling wines can be either white or rosé. Produced in accord with the champenoise method, the sparkling wines’ aroma has a predominant flavor of fresh fruity notes, more inclined to citrus than to tropical (pineapple). The taste is rather dry, with a low sweetness level, with a medium intensity of flavor and medium body, as well as with a good creaminess. The sparkling rosé has characteristics similar to the ones of sparkling whites, differing from those only by the slight pink coloration (onion skin) and by a fruity flavor, as well as by a little more intense aroma due to the more pronounced use of the Pinot Noir grape.
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