If you were planning an advertising campaign for the Brazil tourist board, you’d probably think of tanned bodies on Copacabana, bicycle-kicking footballers and capoeira. I doubt vineyards or wine would get a look in. Gradually, thanks to outstanding producers like Seival Estate, that might begin to change.
The estate is 100% dry planted due to the almost perfect natural climatic conditions in the region and Portuguese winemaker Miguel Almeida, has been instrumental in improving the quality of the wines since he joined the team, drawing on his experience in the Douro, Alentejo & Rheinhessen.
Seival has invested millions of dollars in the vineyards and cellar to make this a shining beacon in the young Brazilian wine industry. Michel Rolland consults in the cellars and at last count, the company had 21 different varietals planted including Albarino, Viognier, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Tannat and Touriga Nacional.