This study evaluates the intrinsic quality of red wines from Rio Grande do Sul in comparison with their main competitors from Argentina and Chile. The organoleptic was evaluated by 31 consumers from Porto Alegre - representing the social segment with the upper purchasing power. The test proposed hedonic scales to evaluate the organoleptic attributes of the wines. The statistical analysis was based on the ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results demonstrated that the intrinsic quality perception of red wines produced in Rio Grande do Sul do not restrain the industry competitiveness which can be strengthened by consistent marketing strategies.
wine; organoleptic evaluation; competitiveness
