What a great wine!

The forecasts come from Epamig, which, since 2005, has been intensifying research to increase the production of higher quality grapes. Created by the Government of Minas Gerais, the objective of the institution's Grape and Wine Technology Center is to become a center of reference in technological development and training of specialized labor to meet the demand of viticulture, both in Minas Gerais and in other southeastern states with aptitude for the production of fine wines.

Currently, three sparkling wine brands produced in Andradas, Caldas, and Dinolândia (SP) – Villa Mosconi, Casa Verrone, and Primeira Estrada Brut, respectively – are in the validation phase and will soon be available for sale. The brands are in the process of registration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). Two other fine wine brands, produced in Cordislândia, in the south of the state, and in the municipality of Espírito Santo do Pinhal (SP), are also in the process by private companies. The validation process for the labels takes, on average, eight months.

Epamig's oenologist, Maritê Carlin Dal'Ostu, attests that Minas Gerais has great winemaking potential to be explored and, starting next year, should see a considerable increase in the launch of new brands of fine wines, including sparkling wines. "These prospects take into account the good results that have been achieved by research implemented by Epamig in partnership with rural producers and entrepreneurs," affirms the oenologist.

According to Maritê, the municipalities of Baependi, Andradas, Varginha, Três Corações, Santo Antônio do Amparo, Três Pontas, and São Sebastião do Paraíso in Minas Gerais are already showing promising results in viticulture.

Autumn/winter harvest is a differentiating factor.

Businessman Rodrigo Carrara Peixoto, from Santo Antônio do Amparo, in southern Minas Gerais, is preparing to launch "Insólito" this year, a dry red wine produced from Syrah grapes. The registration process with the Ministry of Agriculture is already underway.

“We are able to manufacture a product without equal in the world, originating from the autumn/winter harvest, which guarantees superior quality,” confirms the businessman. “The work carried out by Epamig with the development of technology that allows rural producers to harvest grapes in the autumn/winter period was of fundamental importance in giving a fantastic quality differential to the production of fine wines in the state,” adds Rodrigo Peixoto.

He reveals that the initial production of 4 bottles will be sold in establishments in Belo Horizonte, taking into account the potential of the region's consumer market.

The Epamig technology that Rodrigo refers to, which has been encouraging rural producers and entrepreneurs in the sector, is the double pruning of grapevines in the months of January and August. This procedure, pioneered by researcher and coordinator of the Grape and Wine Technology Center, Murillo de Albuquerque Regina, involves reversing the grapevine's production cycle, shifting the harvest period to winter, contrary to what is traditionally done.

"The Syrah vine proved to be more productive in this system due to the lower temperatures and reduced water availability. All factors were superior, showing a higher concentration of sugars, lower acidity, and higher levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols, which are key aspects for obtaining high-quality fine wine," attests the agronomist.

According to Murillo, it is possible to explore a wide range of oenological potential within Minas Gerais, including the production of grapes suitable for table wines, white wines, and sparkling wines. In the southern and southwestern regions of the state, the work includes the municipalities of Três Corações, Cordislândia, and Caldas. In the northwestern region, the municipality of João Pinheiro already has activities in this area. In northern Minas Gerais and the Jequitinhonha Valley, Pirapora and Diamantina are beginning to develop this activity.

Furthermore, currently in the Serra da Mantiqueira region, 20 rural producers are developing similar projects. They cultivate Syrah vines for red wines and Sauvignon Blanc for white wines. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties are also being cultivated for sparkling wine production.

Epamig's own Grape and Wine Technology Center has a winery where, on an experimental basis, grapes produced in the municipalities of Caldas, Andradas and Divinolândia (SP) are being processed.

Competition that matches its stature

According to agronomist Murillo Albuquerque, despite still being in the initial stages of production, fine wines from Minas Gerais are already capable of competing, in terms of quality, with imported products, especially from Argentina and Chile. "Primeira Estrada, for example, is already being sold in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and in tourist cities in the interior of Minas Gerais such as Poços de Caldas, Tiradentes, and Três Corações," he points out.

Primeira Estrada, produced by the Estrada Real winery in Três Corações, can now be found in renowned restaurants in the capital of Minas Gerais, such as Taste Vin, Vechio Sogno, Pizzaria Olegário, and Hermengarda, as well as in some supermarkets. The product, made from Syrah grapes, comes in red and rosé versions.

The Epamig researcher notes, however, that the increase in Minas Gerais' fine wine production will depend on demand and public acceptance of the product. According to Murillo Albuquerque, the activity is financially worthwhile, since the price per liter of the new wines should range between R$ 40,00 and R$ 70,00.

"The fine wine market is expanding, but those who benefit most from the increase in consumption are still imported wines, as domestic wines face difficulties due to high taxes and competition from Mercosur wines. Therefore, investing in quality is the way to overcome the competition," concludes the researcher.