It was a priority to visit Bento Goncalves’ wineries since I was going to be around there to see what the buzz was all about. How is it possible that the sparkling wines of the Vale dos Vinhedos were being compared to Champagne? Of course they are made in the Traditional Method and with the same Champagne varieties, but what about the soil? The climate? The quality? I was puzzled.
Elected the best sparkling wine of Brazil, Decanter magazine featured Mario Geisse; owner of Vinicola Geisse, as the man behind this Champagne-like espumante that won numerous international awards. Small production and high quality is the motto at Vinicola Geisse, where we met with one of their knowledgeable staff- a student of the nearby Viticulture & Enology University.
Their elegant wines can only be found in boutique stores and restaurants throughout the world, and of course, here in my cellar, where a few bottles made its way safe and sound. I must agree, Vale dos Vinhedos is definitely making sparkling wines comparable in quality and style to some Champagne houses and Cave Geisse is the proof that Brazil can produce excellent fizzy juice. Saude!
