VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior:  I developed a passion for wine during my travels through Europe, particularly in Germany, France and Italy. The beauty of vineyards and the rich history of winemaking fascinated me. This led me to explore wines from various countries and regions, including Germany.

VDP: Your first encounter with German wines?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior: My first encounter with German wines happened during a family trip to the southern region of Brazil in 2001. This area is known for its strong German heritage, and it provided the perfect backdrop for my introduction to German wines. During this trip, we had the wonderful opportunity to taste a Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese produced by Joh. Jos. Prüm. 

The experience was truly exceptional. Sipping this Riesling, with its enchanting balance of sweetness and acidity, amidst the rich cultural context of the region, was nothing short of fantastic. It not only opened my eyes to the world of German wines but also sparked a deep appreciation for their unique qualities and the heritage that often accompanies them.

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior: One of the most cherished moments in my life involving German wine occurred when my brother and I shared a bottle of Wittmann Morstein Riesling GG with our grandmother. As we sipped this exceptional wine, we found ourselves engrossed in a heartfelt conversation about our family's German roots. Our grandmother, with tears of nostalgia in her eyes, spoke of her mother, Albertina Hubener, who was born in Germany. She shared captivating stories about our great-grandmother, whom unfortunately we never had the opportunity to meet. 

It was a uniquely emotional experience, one that not only connected us to the rich heritage of German winemaking but also to our own family's history. The wine, with its layers of complexity and depth, seemed to capture the essence of our ancestral homeland. That evening remains etched in my memory as a profound and unforgettable moment, a testament to the power of wine to bring people together and bridge generations.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior: I currently have around 20 bottles of German wine and VDP wines in my cellar. I enjoy collecting and aging these wines to appreciate the evolving flavors and complexity they develop over time.

VDP: What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior: It's challenging to pick a single favorite vineyard in Germany, as there are so many exceptional ones. However, my favorite German vineyard is Graach Himmelreich in the Mosel region. Its stunning landscape, steep slate slopes, and the Mosel River create a picturesque setting. Graach Himmelreich consistently produces exceptional Riesling wines due to its unique terroir, mineral-rich soil, and favorable microclimate. Additionally, I've been inspired by the dedication of the winemakers who uphold tradition and pursue excellence in this vineyard. Graach Himmelreich represents the harmonious union of nature and human craftsmanship in winemaking.

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Mário Márcio Lescano Júnior: While I appreciate both Riesling and Spätburgunder, I have a particular fondness for Riesling. Its versatility, ability to reflect terroir, and range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, make it a captivating grape variety. Riesling's vibrant acidity and complex aromatics make it a true gem of German winemaking.