Realidade e perspectivas da vitivinicultura de vinhos finos de São Joaquim, Santa Catarina

Abstract

The vines of the São Joaquim region were formed exclusively by european variaties imported by the Associação Catarinense de Vinhos de Altitude - ACAVITIS, now a day Vinho de Altitude – Produtores Associados de Santa Catarina. The vineyards cover an area of approximately 400 hectares, in altitudes that varied between 1000 and 1450m over the sea. Entrepreneurs from other sectors who, in one or another way are linked to winemaking, especially the descendants of Italians, have leveraged numerous projects, many still in progress, with several companies with complete winemaking facilities and the remainder using third party equipment. Due to its geographical position and altitude the region has well established seasons, with severe winters, spring and autumn with moderate temperatures and summer with high thermal amplitude. These characteristics influence the phenology and the quality of the grapes, and consequently, of the wines. In general, the varieties are later, being mostly harvested in March, with a higher coloration in the case of paints, and high phenolic content. Despite high rainfall, the region has a lower rainfall index at the harvest season, guaranteeing wines with a high alcohol content and lower acidity. On the other hand, the viticulture of the region has to coexist with frequent frosts out of season, hazards of hail and winds, which can hinder production. A topografia do terreno é fator geográfico positivo, porque no altiplano serrano as colinas são suaves, com boa inclinação, o que facilita a insolação e o escoar das águas pluviais. In general, the results show the potential of the region corresponding to wines of altitude of Santa Catarina, and its potential of extension considering the availability of suitable areas for the installation of vineyards, but they call attention to the necessity to consider with caution the delimitations of the wines of altitude considering the great thermal variation (> 3 ° C) due to differences of altitude (1000 to 1450m) in that established as South plateau of Santa Catarina.