Photo of the Altos de Pinto Bandeira regiion via Asprovinho
As of November 2022, Brazil has granted Denominação de Origem (DO) status to the Altos de Pinto Bandeira wine region. Located in the hills of Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, the appellation is approved for sparkling wine only. Along with the previously established Vale do Vinhedos, Altos de Pinto Bandeira represents Brazil’s second wine region to earn the Denominação de Origem designation.
The Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO is centered on the municipalities of Pinto Bandeira, Farroupilha, and Bento Gonçalves. It is situated on the 29th parallel, somewhat in the north/central area of Rio Grande do Sul (about 115 miles/185 km inland of the Brazil’s Atlantic Coast, and 250 miles/415 km north of the border with Uruguay). Vineyards are located among the rolling hills and small mountains south of the Rio das Antas (River Antas). The elevation—averaging 632 meters/2,075 feet asl—allows for a good deal of sunshine while keeping the climate somewhat cooler than would be expected given the latitude.
The sparkling wines of the Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO must be produced in the traditional method (requiring a second fermentation in the bottle followed by sur lie aging). Only three grape varieties— Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Welschriesling (also known as Riesling Italico or Graševina)—are permitted. According to the regulations—as published in the country’s Revista da Propriedade Industrial (Journal of Industrial Property)—the wine is expected to show balanced acidity and a velvety texture in addition to a complex range of aromas and flavors to include notes of citrus, yeast, honey, and roasted almonds.
Sparkling wine has been produced in the state of Rio Grande do Sul since the early 1900s. The area has recently seen international recognition and investment, including the Moët & Chandon Brasil estate, established in 1973. A range of wine (sparkling and otherwise) is produced in the area; however, currently there are only four wineries are permitted to use the Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO label for traditional method sparkling wines: Família Geisse, Vinícola Aurora, Vinícola Don Giovanni, and Vinícola Valmarino.
Welcome to the world, Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO!
In addition to the two DOs, Brazil currently has several wine regions designated as Indicação Geográfica (IG); this designation is (theoretically) a step below the Denominação de Origem category in terms of status, regional specificity, and regulation. These include Monte Belo IG, Farroupilha IG, and Altos Montes IG (all located within the state of Río Grande do Sul).
Note: Altos de Pinto Bandeira was previously registered as an Indicação Geográfica (IG); this announcement reflects the region’s ascension to the higher-level DO status.
References/for more information:
- https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/registro-de-indicacao-geografica-e-concedido-para-o-espumante-natural-de-altos-de-pinto-bandeira-rs
- https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/central-de-conteudo/noticias/espumantes-de-altos-de-pinto-bandeira-rs-recebem-denominacao-de-origem
- https://www.invinoviajas.com/altos-de-pinto-bandeira/
- Pinto Bandeira Wine Producers Association (Asprovinho)
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org