Driven by extremely favorable weather conditions and an increase in the production of wines and wine by-products, the Brazilian wine industry sees 2018 as a turning point for the sector, which suffered significant quantitative losses in 2015 and 2016. Furthermore, the Brazilian Wine Institute (Ibravin) 
forecasts that this year’s harvest will be the best in many decades.
There are reasons for such optimism: after losing almost 60% of its production in 2016, the sector recorded a 169% increase last year. This occurred at the same time that global production plummeted, even in leading wine and sparkling wine markets like France (-19%) and Spain (-20%), according to data released by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV).
“2015 and 2016 were tough years, but 2018 will undoubtedly be a year of recovery – considering our good harvest, high-quality grapes, and prospects of a stronger dollar,” said Carlos Paviani, director of Institutional Relations at Ibravin. “The smoother the grape ripening process, the more balanced the wine tends to be, with higher alcohol content and lower acidity,” he explained.
Recovery
“The 2018 harvest seems to be, in terms of quality, the best of this century so far – a harvest with balanced rains and no climate stress,” explained Paviani. He added that these characteristics should result in well-balanced grapes, which will produce high-quality wines.
For winemaker Lucas Simões, ambassador of Casa Valduga, one of Brazil’s most renowned wineries, the 2018 harvest will truly be one of the best in Brazil in many years. “Our projection is that some wines from the iconic 2018 harvest will take time to be released and will only reach the market in 2025. This is especially true for red wines with aging potential. However, younger and subtler wines will be available sooner for the delight of wine lovers,” he added.
More Prestige
In Paviani’s view, the increase in exports of Brazilian wines, sparkling wines, and wine by-products proves that the 
industry has raised its competitiveness levels in recent times. By March of this year, for example, over $1 million had been exported (553,100 liters), representing a 44.3% increase in value and a 48.7% increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
“We have 40 good wines available in the international market, which means that exports have been growing. We saw an increase in 2014 due to the World Cup, but then there was a decline. Now it’s time to resume sales,” he explained, adding that estimates could improve, 
depending on this year’s currency trends – in other words, if the U.S. dollar maintains its upward trend.
Winemaker Lucas Simões also predicts a leap in quality for Brazilian wine. According to him, wines produced in Brazil are well-received by both national and international consumers. “If we consider the numbers from the last 10 years, we will see that Brazilian wine has won the hearts of many consumers. Not long ago, our wines were still considered exotic,” he highlighted.
Source: www.brazilgovnews.gov.br