Correio newspaper | Discover the 16 most representative wines of the 2024 harvest in Brazil

The most prominent sparkling wine bases were from Chandon and the Geisse Family

The Brazilian Enology Association (ABE) released this Saturday (19) the list of the 16 most representative wine samples from the 2024 harvest. The announcement was made at the end of the 32nd National Wine Assessment (ANV), which brought together 800 people at the Parque de Events in Bento Gonçalves (RS). These are drinks that may or may not already be bottled, which show the character of the vintage and demonstrate the evolution of national production over the years.

The most prominent sparkling wine bases were from Chandon (Garibaldi – RS) and Família Geisse (Pinto Bandeira – RS), with a blend of Riesling Itálico/Pinot Noir/Chardonnay and a blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, respectively.

In non-aromatic whites, the best were varietals of Riesling Itálico (Vinícola Garibaldi – RS) and Chardonnay (Vinícola São João – RS). The aromatic whites chosen were Moscato Giallo (Vinícola Giacomin – RS) and Malvasia de Cândia (Vinícola Aurora – RS). The most significant sample of rosé was from Casa Venturini (RS), made with the Tannat grape.

Reds make up the majority of the Assessment. Young reds include Pinot Noir (RAR – RS) and Cabernet Franc (Pizzato – RS). The others were Merlot from Casa Perini (RS), Cabernet Sauvignon from Don Laurindo (RS), Cabernet Sauvignon from Valmarino (RS), Teroldego from Don Guerino (RS), Syrah from Casa Soncini (SP), Merlot Miolo Wine Group (RS ) and Tannat from Vinícola Campestre (RS).

ANV is the largest single-vintage tasting in the world; and is considered the biggest Brazilian wine festival, bringing together wine workers from different parts of Brazil and the world.

During the event, all the wines were commented on a stage by industry professionals. CORREIO columnist, journalist and sommelière Paula Theotonio was selected to talk about Merlot from Casa Perini. The only black and northeastern woman to sit at the Evaluation table in its 32-year history, Paula awarded 93 points to the drink and made a speech for more diversity in the wine industry. Listen here.

These almost two dozen samples were selected among the 30% classified in a universe of 472 samples registered by 67 wineries from seven Brazilian states, in addition to the Federal District (Bahia 15, Distrito Federal 16, Goiás 01, Minas Gerais 03, Paraná 03, Rio Grande do Sul 408, Santa Catarina 08 and São Paulo 18). The Terranova winery, located in Casa Nova (BA), had three samples classified: verdejo and grenache, which are included in sparkling wine cuts; and syrah, used in several of the brand’s varietals.

“The 2024 harvest brought challenging weather conditions. Even so, Brazilian wineries have proven that they are capable of overcoming adversities like this, showing that Brazil produces great wines”, highlighted the president of ABE, winemaker Ricardo Morari.

Once again, Rio Grande do Sul predominated on the list, with 15 of the 16 samples, which is natural since practically 87% of the registered samples are from wineries in Rio Grande do Sul. Serra Gaúcha is the highlight. Even so, São Paulo appeared in the ranking, showing that wine-growing Brazil goes far beyond the South. Among the 30%, 148 samples come from 44 wineries in Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and the Federal District.

ABE’s major honorees with the Vitis 2024 Trophy were winemaker Benildo Perini, in the Friend of Brazilian Wine category, and agronomist Murillo de Albuquerque Regina, in the Enological category. Both were awarded by the entity for their relevant performance in the promotion and dissemination of Brazilian wine. Murillo is also responsible for developing a viticulture technique called double pruning, which enabled the production of fine wines in Mucugê (BA), in the Center-West and in several high-altitude regions in the Southeast.