Brazil — wine

Brazil Vale do São Francisco Wine Region

One of the wine world's most extraordinary concepts: Brazil's tropical wine region in the Vale do São Francisco valley straddling Pernambuco and Bahia states at 9°S latitude — closer to the equator than any other significant wine region on earth. Irrigation from the São Francisco River enables viticulture in the semi-arid caatinga biome, and the equatorial climate allows two harvests per year. Syrah, Muscat, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon produce wines of tropical character, high natural sugar, and unusual aromatics from the year-round sunshine and consistent temperatures.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Record tropical quality; two-harvest cycle now mastered by leading producers.
2022 Reliable tropical vintage; irrigation and technology improving consistency year-on-year.
2021 Strong season; São Francisco sparkling Moscatel gaining Brazilian premium market share.
2020 Solid tropical vintage; domestic Brazilian market strong amid global disruption.
2019 Good biannual production; Brazilian wine exports growing to US and European markets.
2018 Improved vintage; São Francisco wines featured in Decanter's South American emerging regions.
2017 Consistent biannual harvest; Brazilian tropical wine gaining novelty market traction.
2016 Strong tropical season; Miolo São Francisco Syrah appearing in international press.
2015 Reliable São Francisco vintage; January and August harvests both performing well.