Exploring the Unique Flavors of Egiodola grapes

‍Brazil is a country well known for its vibrant culture and exquisite cuisine. One thing you don’t know is that Brazil is getting specialist in the egiodola grape, which has been growing well in different regions of the Southern side of the country and enjoyed for decades by locals and visitors alike.

Egiodola is also known for its pleasant rustic qualities and plum and blackberry notes. A handful of rosé wines are also made from the variety, exhibiting lighter, red-berry notes. Egiodola grape has a long and interesting history, and it has become a good blending variety for winery cultures. Although it may be intimidating to the casual wine-drinker, with a bit of knowledge and exploration, it is easy to discover and appreciate the unique flavors of the interesting beverage made from egiodola.

History of the Egiodola Grape

The Egiodola grape is a dark-skinned grape variety used in the production of red and rosé wines and is originally a crossing of Fer Servadou and Abouriou, made by grape researcher Pierre Marcel Durquety at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in Bordeaux. However, more recent DNA analysis has shown its true parentage to be Abouriou and Tinta Negra Mole.

A few varietal examples exist under the regional IGP titles, and producers in Brazil are also experimenting with the variety, where it has been grown and used to make wine for a while.

The variety’s name means “pure blood” in the Basque language, and is a reference to the deep, sanguine color of its wines.

Egiodola is rich in polyphenols, meaning that the resultant wine has serious (and at times overpowering) tannins, hence its application as a blending variety. These tannins give the variety good aging potential, although this will depend on the overall balance of the wine.

Egiodola Wine and Food Pairings

Egiodola grapes are best enjoyed when paired with meat. The light and refreshing flavors of the wine go well with a variety of dishes, from strong cheeses to grilled meats. The blackberry notes of the wine can also be complemented by creamy cheeses, while the earthy tones can be balanced by richer dishes such as Wild mushroom ragu.

Egiodola wines are also a great match for Brazilian cuisine. The light and fruity flavors of the wine can help to cut through the rich flavors of the food such as churrasco (Latin America barbecue).

Popular Brands of Brazilian Egiodola Wine

There are many brands of Brazil that cultivate Egiodola, each offering its own unique flavor profile. Egiodola has rarely achieved greatness in France, where it was first crossed, it somehow made it as far as South America, and it makes some distinctive and occasionally tannic wines in Brazil. Small amounts of this usually rich but softer style of wine can also be found in Uruguay. The name is Basque for ‘true blood’. As you doubtless notice, Brazil seems to be a hub for obscure grape varieties. Brazilian Egiodola has the typical semi-opaque colour and deep raspberry and roasted-chestnut flavours that characterise it in southwestern France, but it doesn’t necessarily have the same bite or ferocious tannins.
Best producers: Pizzato, Cave de Pedra (Brazil)

Tips for Choosing the Best Egiodola Wine

If you enjoy a nice glass of red wine from time to time, you’ve probably wondered how to pick the best red wine. But if a good wine is not very know yet, so you should try it first. Just let the Brazilian wines flavours surprise you.

Here’s what you should be looking for:

• Complexity – this sounds a little pretentious, but really what you’re after is a wine with a large array of flavours. For example, a great Cabernet Sauvignon will have hints of cherry, blackcurrant, spice, green pepper, and, if it’s a little older, cigar box, leather, chocolate and savoury.
• Intensity – how clearly can you identify each flavour? The more obvious they are, the more intense the wine, and the higher the quality.
• Balance – the best wines hold all their flavours in balance. If it’s fruity, earthy, and well-structured, you’re on to a winner.

Additionally, you should ask your local wine shop for advice. They will be able to provide you with more information about the wines and help you to find the perfect one for your needs.

Aging Egiodola Wine

Egiodola wines can be aged for a number of years, depending on the type and style of the wine. Generally speaking, Egiodola wines will develop more complexity as they age. The tannins will become more pronounced, and the flavor profile will become more intense.

Other full-bodied wines with robust structures will also age well, but we zeroed in on these nine as our top choices for the cellar treatment.

However, it is important to note that not all Egiodola wines are meant to be aged. Some wines, such as sparkling wines, are meant to be enjoyed young and fresh.

When aging Egiodola wines, it is important to store them in a cool and dark place, such as a cellar or wine refrigerator. Additionally, the bottles should be stored on their side, so that the cork does not dry out. The wines should also be regularly checked for any signs of spoilage.

Exploring Egiodola Wine Tours in Brazil

If you are looking to experience Egiodola wines firsthand, then a wine tour to Brazil may be a great option. There are a number of wineries in the region that offer guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities. On these tours, you will learn about the history of the Egiodola and other grapes and the winemaking process, as well as have the chance to sample the wines. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the local culture and cuisine of the region.

Conclusion

Wines made with egiodola grapes is a unique and flavorful beverage that has been enjoyed in Brazil for decades. It is known for its delicate and complex flavor profile, which is a combination of intense fruitiness, red-berry notes, and earthy tones. Although it may be intimidating to the casual wine-drinker, with a bit of knowledge and exploration, it is easy to discover and appreciate the unique flavors of this traditional Brazilian beverage.

Good disease resistance has seen Egiodola spread to Brazil, as that country’s wine industry looks for a flagship grape variety in the same tradition as Uruguay’s  Tannat or Argentine Malbec.


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