São Paulo – The 2011 grape crop in the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul should be the largest ever. The Brazilian Institute of Wine (Ibravin) estimates an increase of 20% to 25% in the harvest. If confirmed, the rate should represent growth of over 100,000 tonnes compared with the last crop.
The chairman of the decision-making body at the Ibravin, Júlio Fante, estimated that 640,000 tonnes should be harvested, in case the favourable weather conditions are maintained, with no hail, for instance.
Last year, 526,890 tonnes of grape were harvested in the state, accounting for 90% of the total Brazilian production. The largest crop ever harvested in Rio Grande do Sul reached 634,000 tonnes, in 2008.
According to a statement issued by the Ibravin, the quality of grapes this year should be the best in the decade. "In addition to the good weather, the enterprises are better prepared now, they are investing in new technologies and possess greater knowledge, which enables them to elaborate higher quality products," said Fante.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
