BRAZIL - THE NEW EMERGING WINE PRODUCER
While Brazil has a relatively large amounts of vineyards, a large part of them produce table grapes, and only some produce Brazilian wine. As much of Brazil is close to the equator, traditional rules of thumb brand most of the country unsuitable for viticulture, due to too much heat and humidity. Most of the wine production of Brazil is concentrated in the south of the country, away from the equator, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which is close to Uruguay and Argentina. In that area, many of the vineyards are also located in cooler high and hilly locations, to a large part in Serra Gaúcha region.
While better quality wines (vinho fino) are produced from the European grapevine Vitis vinifera, in 2003 only some 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) out of Brazil's 68,000 hectares (170,000 acres) were planted with such vines.[1] The rest is American vines or hybrid vines, many of which are easier to cultivate under Brazilian growing conditions.
While better quality wines (vinho fino) are produced from the European grapevine Vitis vinifera, in 2003 only some 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) out of Brazil's 68,000 hectares (170,000 acres) were planted with such vines.[1] The rest is American vines or hybrid vines, many of which are easier to cultivate under Brazilian growing conditions.