The world of fine wine continues to recognize the burgeoning potential of South American viticulture. In a significant achievement for Brazilian winemaking, Casa Tés’ Grama Branco 2024 has been selected as the sole representative of Brazil in the prestigious World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026. This marks the second consecutive year a Brazilian wine has earned a place among the world’s elite, solidifying the country’s growing reputation for quality and innovation in the wine industry.
The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, curated by the team behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, is a highly respected competition judged by a panel of leading sommeliers from around the globe. The selection process, held annually, identifies wines considered exceptional by those at the forefront of the hospitality industry. This year’s list features 115 wines from 16 countries, with Italy leading the way with 20 selections, followed by Portugal with 18. The recognition for Grama Branco 2024 underscores a commitment to quality and a unique terroir that is increasingly capturing international attention.
A Rising Star in Brazilian Winemaking
Casa Tés, located in the Serra da Mantiqueira region, a traditionally coffee-growing area, has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the Brazilian wine scene. The Grama Branco 2024, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, is grown at an altitude exceeding 1,020 meters (approximately 3,346 feet) in the Vale da Grama, characterized by argillaceous soil interspersed with granite stones. This unique combination of altitude, soil composition, and climate contributes to the wine’s distinctive character. The vineyard’s elevation and soil type are key factors in producing grapes with vibrant acidity and complex flavor profiles.
According to tasting notes from the selection committee, the Grama Branco 2024 exhibits a “creamy texture” and a bouquet of aromas including green apple, lemon zest, orange blossom, elderflower, fresh herbs, gooseberry, and green bell pepper. Tropical fruit notes of peach, pineapple, and passion fruit add a refreshing dimension to the wine, making it an ideal pairing for dishes like ceviche. The addition of Sémillon to the blend, a first for the 2024 vintage, is credited with enhancing the wine’s structure and complementing the crispness of the Sauvignon Blanc.
The 2024 Vintage and a Second Consecutive Win
This year’s recognition follows the success of Casa Tés’ 2022 Tinto (red wine), which was the first Brazilian wine to be included in the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection in 2023. As reported by Estadão, this achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Casa Tés is a relatively young winery, having been founded less than a decade ago. Founder Pedro Testa emphasized that the awards are a result of the team’s dedication to quality and meticulous work. “The awards are important, mainly for a new project like Casa Tés, but they are a consequence of the daily and meticulous work of a team fully focused on quality,” Testa stated.
Pedro Testa, fundador da Casa Tés, vinícola localizada na região da Serra da Mantiqueira. Divulgação/Casa Tés Foto: Divulgação/Casa Tés
The Selection Process and Global Recognition
The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection is organized by William Reed, the company behind the renowned The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The selection process involves a three-day blind tasting conducted by sommeliers from 17 countries. This rigorous evaluation ensures that only wines of exceptional quality and character are recognized. The list does not rank the wines, but rather presents them as a curated collection of the world’s finest.
The growing recognition of Brazilian wines on the international stage is a testament to the country’s dedication to viticultural excellence. According to G1, the Grama Branco 2024’s selection is particularly significant as it highlights the potential of Brazilian wines to compete with established wine-producing regions. The Serra da Mantiqueira region, with its unique climate and terroir, is emerging as a key area for Brazilian wine production.
Unfortunately, the highly sought-after Grama Branco 2024 is already sold out due to limited production resulting from the 2024 harvest. However, Pedro Testa has assured that Casa Tés will continue to prioritize quality in future vintages, stating, “We will continue to follow this north, which is what we know how to do best and we continue to learn.”
Grama Branco 2024 é selecionado para The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026. Lu Prezia/Divulgação Foto: Lu Prezia/Divulgação
The continued success of Casa Tés and the growing recognition of Brazilian wines on the international stage signal a promising future for the country’s viticultural industry. As Brazilian winemakers continue to refine their techniques and explore the unique potential of their terroirs, we can expect to spot even more exceptional wines emerge from this dynamic region. The next step for Casa Tés will be to build on this momentum and continue to produce wines that showcase the quality and character of Brazilian viticulture.
Readers interested in learning more about Casa Tés and their wines can visit their official website at www.casates.com.br. We encourage you to share your thoughts on this exciting development in the world of wine in the comments below.
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