An article published in the Folha de S. Paulo on 28/10/08:

To have more quality product goes up the mountain
Gaúcho’s wines are climbing up to the top of the mountain. Traditionally in the region of Bento Gonçalves, 700 meters of altitude, the production of grapes for wine goes also to the so-called region of Campos de Cima da Serra (Fields up the Mountain), between 750 and 1,100 meters. This area involving the municipalities of Muitos Capões, Bom Jesus and Campestre da Serra, all in Rio Grande do Sul, has interesting features for wine production, according to Mauro Zanus, Embrapa Grape and Wine. "Climate, altitude and topography reveal a potential for the development of high quality wines," says the researcher from Embrapa.
He believes in the development of the region because the production is starting with greater use of technology, with corporate nature, vineyards, modern, mechanized and conducted on trellis (espalier) vineyard conduction system. In addition to the established quality genetic material, new vineyards are in the professional’s hands working in the field of fruit already, such as Rasip Agropastoril, producer of apples. One of the characteristics of the area is the altitude, according Zanus. With mild night temperatures, "the period of maturity increases the biosynthesis of pigments and tannins and resveratrol, a substance in wine that has been linked to human health," he says. Moreover, it preserves the flavors of the grapes and helps in preserving the natural acidity of the fruit, which is essential for the production of fine wines, sparkling wines of "aging".

More projects

John Meyer, an investor in the region, says that "the projects are now springing up by entrepreneurs." The idea is to explore the region's capacity in the different grape varieties adaptable, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay among others. The region’s main features will be the wines of altitude, which have higher color, aromas are more intense and wines of "aging" (for durability), he said.
The current area of production is 50 hectares of grapes, but is expected to reach 200 hectares in the near future. Only Rasip prepares for the cultivation of 200 hectares in the coming years, according to Celso Zancan. It is among the company's plans to mount a canteen to identity specific to the region, he says.
The producers Henry Aliprandini and John Meyer are the Aliprandini & Meyer Fine Wine owners, placed this year on the market the first batch of wine from the company, referring to the harvest of grapes in 2007. The Aliprandini and Rasip are a traditional apple producer in the region. The Rasip, owned by businessman Raul Randon, produces wine in the region in conjunction with the Miolo Wine Group.
"The results obtained so far are still preliminary, but the chemical and sensory analysis of experimental wines, held since 2004, show that there is no impediment to a successful natural development of the vine in the region," says Zanus, Embrapa.
According to the producers already settle din the area, one of the gimmicks of the region is the attractive price of the land. "Good prices should attract new producers, including the region of Rio Grande do Sul," says Aliprandini.