Wines produced in altitude are new tourist attraction of the region

After 15 years and more than $ 1 billion of investments in planting, research and infrastructure, the business of wine of altitude starts to render the first results in the State of Santa Catarina. In 2014, the producers ' goal is to sell 1 million bottles-were around 800 thousand last year – and earn $ 500 million with sparkling, red and white. The estimate is of Santa Catarina Association of producers of fine wines of Altitude (Acavitis), which brings together 30 wineries family of small and medium-sized enterprises in the municipalities serranos São Joaquim, Campos Novos and Hunter.
"We bet a lot on wine tourism as a way of sustainable development of the mountain, as it leverages other businesses as Inns, hotels and restaurants," says the President of Acavitis, Acari Amorim. "To visit the wineries is program for the entire year". He points out that the concept advocated by producers is making wine in small quantities and with quality. In April the Association promoted its first vintage of altitude, with lectures, tastings, picnic, harvest and typical Italian lunch. The next is scheduled for March 2015.
These wineries are situated at altitudes of 1,200 meters and are assisted by thermal amplitude, difference between the highest and the lowest temperature during certain periods. This allows the heck "rest" on cold nights, prolonging its maturation cycle.
The late-harvest occurs between May and June, dry period in Santa Catarina. "For us it is the best of all worlds, as it increases the sugar content in the grapes," said Amorim. The stony soil and drained the region is another advantage, since it allows that the roots of the vine to deepen. "To make wine it takes knowledge, will and patience", summarises Eduardo Bassetti, partner at Villaggio Bassetti, São Joaquim. He recalls that the property was only a pasture for cattle when it was bought in 2005.
After nine years and invested $ 10 million, the deal has today 14 hectares of vineyards Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc. "Our forecast is starting to return from the 10th grade," he says. The next harvest should yield 35 thousand bottles, unless the weather help. In September 2012, a black Frost-intense cold burning plants-has damaged the crops of the next two years.
Much of the production of the Villagio Bassetti is marketed in Santa Catarina, but the strategy of the enterprise is to open market in restaurants and specialty stores in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. The tax burden on the national production chain reaches 60%, making it difficult to compete with the imports. "There is a strong cultural barrier, but she is falling," he says. "In blind comparisons, the Brazilian wine does not lose to any country". Part of the plans of Bassetti receive more tourists and confraternities of lovers: "to consolidate the project, at least one third of the production must be sold here at the winery".
Also in São Joaquim, the 1,260 meters above sea level, is a pioneer in wine production in the region on a commercial scale, Villa Francioni, responsible for one-fourth of Brazilian wines for sale above $ 35. She is the result of the commitment of the entrepreneur of the ceramic sector Dilor Freitas, who died in 2004, shortly before seeing the dream come true. Her three children, Daniela, Adriana and André, gave continuity to the venture, which produces 150 thousand bottles per year of ten varieties of grapes. In 2014 the winery should earn R $ 6 million.
"Our first wine was ready in 2005 and just now we're getting to a point of balance," says the company's Technical Director, Orgalindo Balleno. He explains that the business requires research, attention to detail and, above all, time: "return on investment takes at least 20 to 30 years". For the winemaker, the best quality recognition is what comes from the consumer: "Never we are interested in filling the bottles of medals, which are little lasting; What we want is a solid company. "