Decanter World Wine AwardsNapa Valley wine gets GI status in Brazil
- Tuesday 9 October 2012
Sales of US wine to Brazil are already growing strongly, albeit off a low base, and GI status gives wineries in Napa Valley a further boost in the country.
'This is another important milestone for our trade group in protecting our appellation's name from fraudulent use in yet another high-profile, emerging wine market," said Linda Reiff, executive director of Napa Valley Vintners (NVV), a trade body representing 430 wineries.
In 2011, exports of US wine to Brazil doubled versus the previous year in both value and volume terms, hitting sales of US$3.6m from 1.1m litres, according to the California-based Wine Institute. California accounts for around 90% of US wine exports.
'Currently we have only 13 Napa Valley wineries exporting there,' NVV spokesperson Terry Hall told Decanter.com. '[But] keep in mind, China was in a similar position just a few years ago and now has more than 100 Napa wineries in the market.'
Reiff said GI recognition for Napa Valley worldwide is 'important to building our brand integrity'.
The NVV announced Napa's GI status in Brazil during the International Wine Law Association's conference in Bento Goncalves, in the heartland of Brazilian wine production.
Have your say!
Bernardo
October 11 20:21
Very good question, Linda. From the point of view of someone working in the brazillian market, there are no boosts in sales without heavy marketing campaigns and/or cuts in taxation/pricing, especially since most people don't even know what a GI is, even less why should they drop their VERY-low-cost and hot-weather-friendly beer and buy some quite expensive wines with such an "indication"...
Linda
October 10 22:30
To Chris Mercer: Very interesting article. Please explain- why will GI protection boost sales? Is this because more Napa wineries will be interested in exporting? Or is there another reason? Thanks
Evan
October 10 00:12
Great news! What is the latest on GI protection for Napa Valley wine in China? Any lessons learned from Brazil that could be applicable in China?