In recent decades, South American wine, particularly Malbec from Argentina and Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, has earned a spot at American dinner tables.
But if you want to explore the contintent’s wines beyond Argentinean and Chilean vino, head to Uruguay, a country lodged between Brazil and Argentina. Unbeknownst to most aficionados, Uruguay has a long history with wine.
Tannat, which hails from the Madiran region of southern France, has emerged as Uruguay’s signature red wine. First planted in Uruguay in 1870, the country boasts approximately 5,500 acres of this tough-skinned grape, which has adapted to a terroir defined by warm Atlantic breezes, fertile soils and early harvests.
It’s an excellent partner for steak, as much the Uruguayan national dish as it is in Argentina. Tannat from regions ranging from Carmelo in the west to Canelones near Montevideo to easterly Garzón is fleshier and more friendly than Madiran, but with enough tannic bite and acidity to go with meat.
As for white wines, Albariño, first planted in Uruguay only in 2002, is showing some of the qualities the grape exhibits in its native Galicia. Good examples, and there are only a few as Uruguay has just over 100 acres of Albariño, show leesy, floral characteristics or overt freshness supported by steely acidity.
Alberto Antonini, consulting winemaker to Bodega Garzón, says, “More important than anything, now is the time to educate the world that Uruguay is a winemaking country.”
Leading Uruguayan producers of Tannat and Albariño
Tannat: Familia Deicas | Narbona | Pisano
Albariño: Bodega Garzón | Bouza
Last Updated: May 4, 2023
