Every time I turn on the television to watch a World Cup
match and see views of Rio de Janeiro that defy superlatives, I am catapulted
back to the sun-filled days that I spent on Copacabana Beach. Standing by the
Statue of Christ The Redeemer on top of the 2,300 feet-high Corcovado mountain
looking down at the city below was more amazing than I dreamt it ever could be.
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| Rio de Janeiro Courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Office |
When I saw that Waitrose had launched a collection of
Brazilian wines, I had to try them. Capturing the essence of Brazil in a
bottle, for me, is adequate compensation for England being knocked out of the
World Cup.
The caipirinha, a refreshing cocktail, is what you
usually associate with Brazil, but there are over 1,100 wineries in the
country.
“We’ve
been exploring Brazil in order to introduce our customers to the best wines the
country has to offer,” says Waitrose’s Nick Room. “We have worked closely with
three Brazilian wine producers over a number of months to craft these wines.
All five new wines are made from international grape varieties widely known to
customers, yet have a sense of place and feel uniquely Brazilian.”
Here are two that I have tried and enjoyed.
Waitrose Brazilian Chardonnay 2013, Serra Gaúcha, Brazil
£8.99,Waitrose
From Serra Gaúcha, the country’s main wine region, this zingy number is bursting with citrus tangs tempered with peach. An extremely pleasant wine that goes down a treat, especially on a hot summer’s evening.
From Serra Gaúcha, the country’s main wine region, this zingy number is bursting with citrus tangs tempered with peach. An extremely pleasant wine that goes down a treat, especially on a hot summer’s evening.
Miolo Riqueza Cellar Reserve Pinot Noir 2012, Campanha
Gaúcha, Brazil, £11.99, Waitrose
Pinot noir can be a difficult wine to get right, so full marks to this light, vibrant red. Oozing flavours of plums and blackberries infused with a hint of chocolate and just the right amount of spice, this is a delicious wine that is gorgeously velvety on the palate.
Pinot noir can be a difficult wine to get right, so full marks to this light, vibrant red. Oozing flavours of plums and blackberries infused with a hint of chocolate and just the right amount of spice, this is a delicious wine that is gorgeously velvety on the palate.
By Daralyn Danns
