Near and Far

Matching up Czech and Brazilian wines in one box may sound like a crazy idea at first, but that is only if you don’t know Jan Neubauer and Maryna Omská – two wine pros bringing these two ends of the earth together.

Near – many of you will recognize the labels from Arte Vini, and maybe even the tasting we did at Na Konce a couple of years back. Coming from Znojmo, Arte Vini wines are a true staple at many a Czech restaurant.
This is Jan’s baby after many years in the trade.
Far – Ever wonder where every Brazilian restaurant in this country gets their wines from ? This is Maryna’s niche, as well as host of other new world counties. The pair make a great duo for an adventurous wine tasting treat.

Given that your Brazilian wine knowledge may need a little tune up, let me help. You know Brazil is a big place, but it is also one of the biggest wine producers in the world. Over 90% of the wine come from the Southern most state of Rio Grande do Sul, and was founded almost exclusively by Italian immigrants at the end of 19th century. The immigrants, mainly poor farmers coming for the opportunity to buy their own land settled in the mountains around the town of Bento Goncalves.
Rio Grande do Sul has a temperate climate marked with four distinct seasons. Winters full of rain and snow and warm summers in the low 30’s.

There was only problem back when everybody got off the boat – the Brazilians didn’t drink wine… The wine industry really only took off in the 1980’s after foreign winemakers invested in the region and started to produce a quality that was suitable for export. This was originally dominated by 2 large cooperatives – The most celebrated of which was Miolo. We have 4 wines this month from Miolo and in addition, what some call the best Cabernet Frank in South America from Casa Valduga.

So be it familiar Moravian whites or big, bold reds from the heart of South America, we can guarantee that this box will find you a favorite what ever your taste may be.

Be a member