Epagri presents new grape varieties for the production of fine wines

At the event, the results of five years of research will be presented to technicians, farmers and representatives of the Santa Catarina Association of Fine Altitude Wine Producers (Acavists). There will also be a tasting of wines from the 2015 harvest. 50 people are expected on the field day with tasting.

The action is one of the goals of the Viti-enological potential of different varieties project for the production of fine high-altitude wines in Santa Catarina, financed by Fapesc and the Autonomous Province of Trento. The objective of the project is to evaluate the oenological potential of different vine cultivars intended for the production of high quality white, red and sparkling wines, with a view to recommending new varieties adapted to the São Joaquim mesoclimate, in order to compete in national and international markets. .

João Felippeto, researcher at the São Joaquim Experimental Station, explains that the research tests Italian cultivars. Among the white grapes, the varieties Muscaris, Prosecco, Vermentino, Viognier, Verdicchio, Garganega, Sauvignon Blanc and Manzoni Bianco are evaluated. Cabernet Cortis, Aleatico, Rebo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Cabernet Franc and Malbec grapes are also tested for the production of red wines.

The results can be used by winegrowers not only in São Joaquim, but also in other regions of Santa Catarina or other Brazilian states where soil and climate conditions are similar. The choice of soil and favorable climatic conditions and the definition of adapted varieties are determining factors in the standard of wines produced.

The São Joaquim region has a different climate which, combined with soil conditions, among others, has demonstrated a high potential for the production of fine wines. One of the prominent factors is the strong daily temperature range, that is, the large difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures on the same day.

Although vine cultivation is a recent activity in the Southern Plateau of the State, it already represents an increase in income generation and an improvement in the human development index (HDI). This is because it generates new employment and income opportunities in the development of activities linked to regional wine tourism.

In the 2015 harvest, Brazil produced 1.510.788t of grapes. In the first half of last year, the country sold 4,87% more fine wines when compared to the same period in 2014. When evaluating ready-made products, there was an increase of 35,67% in the sale of sparkling wines and 21,78% % in sparkling muscat wines. Brazilian sparkling wine consumption grew more than 100% between 2005 and 2012.

“The sparkling wines produced today in the São Joaquim region are based on grapes that are not always suitable for making these products”, says Felippeto. According to him, the wines produced in Santa Catarina primarily use grape varieties of French origin. Thus, the research developed by Epagri seeks to present alternatives to the producer.

Felippeto has good prospects regarding the results of the research. It has already been possible to see that some tested Italian varieties have interesting potential for the São Joaquim region. The research project should present results within the next three years.

Service

Field day on new grape varieties for the production of fine wines and tasting of wines from the 2015 harvest;

February 25th, Thursday, from 16pm;

At the Epagri Experimental Station in São Joaquim (Rua João Araújo Lima, 102, Bairro Jardim Caiçara)

Information with João Felippeto: (48) 9141-1810 / 3233-8422.