Official wines of the Rio 2016 Olympics

The wine that is the face of Brazil.

We were invited to the launch of the exclusive collection of official wines and sparkling wines of the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. The event took place at Casa Suíça and the result of a blend of Brazil was shown first hand.
It was Lídio Carraro Winery, a family business that has been operating in this field for five generations.

When it comes to wine, they really know what they're doing! The philosophy is purist and minimal intervention for maximum expression of the wines, they like to give their productions a striking and unique flavor, they already export to more than 20 countries and their wines are gaining more and more recognition, such as Decanter Magazine's Steven Spurrier citing it as his "favorite winery in Brazil", the Jancis Robinson website giving it high scores (17 to 18 points) and Snooth choosing it as "wine of the year" in the USA with 94 points. It was also the winery that made the official wines for major sporting events such as the 2014 World Cup, the 2013 Confederations Cup, Rio Open Tennis, Stock Car, the Rio 2007 Pan American Games and now also for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. So you can see that we're in great hands when it comes to representing Brazil's taste for wine!

After so many presentations, I was dying to taste them. Usually my favorites are red wines, but would it be any different tonight?
Monica Rossetti, the winemaker who has been working with the winery studying and improving each wine for so long that she is almost part of the family, was also there, as was one of the partners, Juliano Carraro, who made a point of showing us the whole history of the Lídio Carraro winery.

I've been enjoying it more and more, because it's remarkable that only family love can make something that shines through in its products. First came the wines from the FACES line, which have the official seal of the Olympics and range from 12 to 13% of alcohol, the white (Chardonnay), rose (Pinot Noir) and red (Merlot), I found them light and good for any time with family or friends, that wine that accompanies moments of relaxation and joy, very refreshing and matching the climate of Rio!

Of the three, I liked the white one best, a nice surprise for me! These are also the first to be launched on the market, already in March in 750mL and baby 187.5 mL versions, the prices will be more affordable too!
Then came, at least for me, the darlings of the evening, Coletânea and Olímpia! Without a doubt, the Olímpia was my favorite, with over 15% of alcohol and a very tannic taste, it filled my taste buds with affection, I loved it! I'll definitely put it on my shopping list for a very romantic Saturday night or even a gathering of friends here at home.

All the wines were tasted and served with treats from the Swiss House, which were also divine! The evening couldn't have been more enjoyable, especially as I was with dear friends.

                        Photo courtesy of Lídio Carraro.

All these wines have made me even more eager to visit the Lídio Carraro winery, together with the Vale dos Vinhedos in the Serras Gaúchas, a great option for a new trip, I wonder? I'm up for it...lol