Casa Valduga Duetto Chardonnay Riesling 2012
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Founded in 1875, Casa Valduga is one of the oldest winemaking houses in Brazil. Still a family business after six generations, the company now occupies a huge site in the stunning Vale dos Vinhedos. With the added attraction of two restaurants and guest accommodation, this is deservedly one of the most visited of all the vineyards in Brazil.
Significant investment has been made in wine production and cellaring, resulting in reputedly the largest sparkling wine cellar in South America, and an extensive range of wines. Perhaps most famous of all is their 130 Brut methode champenoise sparkling wine, which was produced to mark Valduga’s 130th anniversary.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.