Monday 30 June 2014

Wines from Brazil



Every time I turn on the television to watch a World Cup match and see views of Rio de Janeiro that defy superlatives, I am catapulted back to the sun-filled days that I spent on Copacabana Beach. Standing by the Statue of Christ The Redeemer on top of the 2,300 feet-high Corcovado mountain looking down at the city below was more amazing than I dreamt it ever could be. 


Rio de Janeiro
Courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Office


When I saw that Waitrose had launched a collection of Brazilian wines, I had to try them. Capturing the essence of Brazil in a bottle, for me, is adequate compensation for England being knocked out of the World Cup. 

The caipirinha, a refreshing cocktail, is what you usually associate with Brazil, but there are over 1,100 wineries in the country.   

 “We’ve been exploring Brazil in order to introduce our customers to the best wines the country has to offer,” says Waitrose’s Nick Room. “We have worked closely with three Brazilian wine producers over a number of months to craft these wines. All five new wines are made from international grape varieties widely known to customers, yet have a sense of place and feel uniquely Brazilian.”

Here are two that I have tried and enjoyed.





Waitrose Brazilian Chardonnay 2013, Serra Gaúcha, Brazil £8.99,Waitrose
From Serra Gaúcha, the country’s main wine region, this zingy number is bursting with citrus tangs tempered with peach. An extremely pleasant wine that goes down a treat, especially on a hot summer’s evening.





Miolo Riqueza Cellar Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, Campanha Gaúcha, Brazil, £11.99, Waitrose
Pinot noir can be a difficult wine to get right, so full marks to this light, vibrant red. Oozing flavours of plums and blackberries infused with a hint of chocolate and just the right amount of spice, this is a delicious wine that is gorgeously velvety on the palate. 

By Daralyn Danns