NYC Who knew -that yet there is another delicious reason to celebrate Brazil....this time-it's wines...from established CASA VALDUGA (founded in 1875!)...that has won international acclaim ( wine competition- gold medals ) already ---yet its offerings are fairly new to North America wine drinkers. Acclaimed Casa Valduga served up four sparkling wines for tasting...at a recent event in midtown, NYC. Tradition, terroir, weather in the southeast highlands of Rio Gran do Sul region of Brazil...all ideal conditions for growing crisp chardonnay and a variety of luscious red wine grapes. it was mid-day---never to early for sipping sparking wine-chilled just right. lovely color-fresh tropical fruit/almond taste (70% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir), aged 25 months- does well by itself or paired with all kinds of appetizers/seafood/risottos/cheeses... on the left-the premium BRUT 130 is a distinguished sparkling wine that rivals French champagne and-like those pictured....