Vale dos Vinhedos: First D.O. of Brazil
The very first Designation of Origin of Brazil wines is Vale dos Vinhedos (Vineyards Valley). It has obteined this category in 2011. It is located in Rio Grande do Sul state, especificly in the heart of Serra Gaúcha, it envolves part of the Bento Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Monte Belo do Sul counties.
Vale dos Vinhedos was recognized as Geographical Indication in 2002 and reached the Denomination of Origin status in 2011. This D.O. produces white, red and sparkling wines. Part of the regulation is below:
IN THE VINEYARD
100% of the grapes most be harvested within the designated area.
Training: guyot.
Irrigation: Prohibited.
Harvest: entirely manual.
Yield: 10 tons per hectare for the white and red grapes designated to produce still wines. 12 tons per hectare to produce sparkling wines.
IN THE CELLAR
Red Wines:
Merlot 85% min as a single variety and 60% for the blends.
Ageing: 12 months before release to the market, no specifications about barrel or bottle.
Vol. Alc.: 12% minimum.
White wines:
Chardonnay 85% min as a single variety and 60% for the blend wines. 40% max of Riesling Italico.
Aeging: 6 months before release to the market, no specifications about barrel or bottle..
Vol. Alc.: 11% minimum.
Sparkling wines:
Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir 60% minimum.
Riesling Itálico 40% maximum.
Elaboración: Traditional Method.
Ageing: The winemaking procedure most be as minimum as 9 months before to releas to the market.
Estilos: Brut Nature, Extra Brut and Brut.
Vol. Alc.: 11.5%
Source: Aprovale
