Bringing A Splash Of Brazilian Carnival To Horspath

Spring kicked off early this year with a great presentation by Nicholas (Nic) Corfe from Go Brazil, a specialist expert and reseller concentrating solely on the burgeoning Brazilian wine producers. The wines were surprisingly good for a region which despite its massive size is relatively unknown as a source of wines. This near anonymity isn't going to last long going by the wines sampled. Below are the six wines.  

1. DON GUERINO BRUT CHARDONNAY NV 11.5% Abv.

Very well presented Charmat method sparkler made from 100% Chardonnay, benefiting from three months on the lees. Pale straw yellow colour with green reflexes; clear, clean and bright. Lemon and green apple notes on nose, with subtle hints of biscuit and candied fruit. Small persistent bubbles and a surprisingly soft mousse. Green apple, lemon citrus and sherbet on a light palate. Dry to off-dry, with bright acidity and an unexpectedly long finish. Lowish alcohol, so a great lunchtime or party tipple!  Good-looking bottle too!

2. SINAIS ITÁLICO RIESLING 2017 13% Abv.

​Produced by the Don Guerino winery from grape of Central European origin, also known as ‘Welschriesling’. Ripe tropical fruit notes on nose, some floral hints. Spends 4 months on lees prior to bottling. Palate is light to medium-bodied with restrained pineapple, melon and peach flavours. Dry, but without the minerality and high acidity associated with German Rhein Riesling. Soft stonefruit and pineapple show on a longish finish. Drink chilled as an aperitif or serve as an accompaniment to hors d’oeuvres, seafood and fish.

3. SANJO NOBRESE MOSCATO NV 13% Abv.

​100% Moscato Giallo from Sanjo, a winery based in Santa Catarina, Brazil’s coldest state. Day/night temperature differences are high, giving wine real freshness. Very pale colour, with greenish highlights. Intensely aromatic and floral, with guava, lychee, mint, elderflower and even grapefruit notes apparent. Palate not sweet, as might be expected, instead dry/off-dry, grapey, perfumed with a touch of spice. Medium bodied, with a marked cleansing acidity. Try with Thai curries or similar.

4. DON GUERINO SINAIS MERLOT 2016 13% Abv.

​Another wine from our best-selling ‘Sinais’ range, this time an unoaked 100% Merlot. Concentration of youthful ripe fruits on nose, with plum and black cherry dominant. Warm ripe berry fruit continues on medium-bodied palate, which is both smooth and supple. Soft tannins and moderate acidity combine to make this a very approachable and easy-drinking wine. Goes well with pizza, pasta, salami, roast chicken or lightly flavoured cheeses.

5. CAMPOS de CIMA TRÊS BOCAS 2016 13% Abv.

​An intriguing, unoaked red blend comprising Tannat (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Ruby Cabernet  (10%). Concentrated hedgerow fruits on nose, with damson and bramble showing strongly. Palate is well rounded, with a slightly gamey or savoury character, while other notes of licorice, fig, mint and herbaceousness add complexity. Warm ripe tannins are sufficiently robust to ensure wine can be kept for another 2-3 years. Try with lightly spiced dishes, steaks, sausages or casseroles.  

6. DON GUERINO RESERVA TEROLDEGO 2017 13.5% Abv.

​Seldom seen grape variety of northeast Italian origin, this is a 100% example from 17 yr. old vines. Aged in French and American oak for approx. 6 months, then a further 6 months in bottle before release. Attractive, very deep purple in colour. Concentration of youthful dark fruits on nose, overlaid with lighter raspberry or redcurrant notes. More ripe fruity aromas on medium palate, which shows a moreish black cherry and licorice core, with hints of smokiness and vanilla off well integrated oak. Tannins still in evidence but overall wine is smooth, with fairly high acidity and touch of sour cherry on a long finish. Recommended with roast lamb or pork.