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Canelones / Maldonado | Uruguay

Uruguayan Tannat DOC Wine Guide

South America's secret — massive Tannat tamed by the Atlantic, built to age

Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonServe 16–18°CAge 10–25 years
Uruguayan Tannat wine colour in the glass
Typical colourDeep purple

Overview

Tannat is to Uruguay what Malbec is to Argentina — an adopted grape that found its highest expression in a new hemisphere. Uruguay's maritime climate (cooler and wetter than Mendoza) gives Tannat ripeness without losing its characteristic structure. Bodega Garzón's single vineyard Tannat — from Maldonado's granite and gneiss soils above the Atlantic — is the country's most internationally celebrated wine.

In The Glass

Colour
Deep purple
Nose
Dark plum, Blackberry, Black cherry, Violet and Dark chocolate.
Palate
South America's secret — massive Tannat tamed by the Atlantic, built to age. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, grippy tannins, dry, with a very long finish.

Tasting Profile

Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Grippy5/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol High4/5

Grapes

TannatMerlotCabernet SauvignonPinot Noir

Aromas And Notes

Dark plumBlackberryBlack cherryCassisVioletDark chocolateIronGraphiteLeatherCoffeeCedarGame

Terroir

Maritime temperate — Atlantic influence, moderate temperatures, significant rainfall. No extreme heat or cold.

GraniteGneissSandy loamClay

Food Pairings

Asado (Uruguayan BBQ)Chivito (steak sandwich)Lamb chopsAged estancia cheese

Notable Producers

  • Bodega Garzón, founded 2011 - Single Vineyard Tannat
  • Bouza, founded 2000 - Tannat Monte Vide Eu
  • Pisano, founded 1924 - RPF Tannat