RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

Parentage: Carter & Schiava Grossa

Goethe is a type of white grape, created in the United States as a cross between Hamburg Moscato and Carter grapes, by the horticulturist Rogers in the mid- 19th century, then brought to Santa Catarina in the Urussanga region in 1890 and spread among the immigrants. It adapted to local climate conditions here, spreading quickly over most of the colony’s vineyards. 
Unlike the more delicate European vines, American ones are more resistant to pests; they are more adaptable to environmental conditions and complexity in terms of fragrance and taste, making them more appreciated.
The first vineyards were planted in the Rio Carvão Valley, to be eaten at home by the families in Azambuja and Urussanga colonies, considered the “Catarinense wine capital”, which organises the Wine Festival every two years. 
Goethe grapes and wine are considered an alternative rural economy in this area and they have been awarded the Geographic Indication denomination.

They are mostly consumed there, but they are also exported to the United States. Nowadays, Goethe grapes are grown in Urussanga, Pedras Grandes, Cocal do Sul, Morro da Fumaça and Treze de Maio. There are now nine canteens that produce the GI “Goethe grape valleys”, in dry white versions, in soaves or demi-sec, sparkling brut or demi-sec using the Champagne and Charmat methods.

Goethe grapes and their wines have discovered a powerful force against extinction thanks to the GI denomination. Lack of incentives and encouragement for a product that is artisanal and culturally rooted in the territory is a challenge: it is very difficult for it to compete with wines from other areas, from large scale productions, or imported and not taxed like national wines are. The risk is producers and supporters will abandon traditional practice, fearing the wines’ lack of competitiveness and market.

(Courtesy of Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en)

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