From the Atlantic Coast to the Río de la Plata: The Kingdom of Tannat
INAVI regulated system
Spanish colonial era
Basque immigration
Italian, French influence
Technology adoption
Wine institute founded
International recognition
Garzón investment
Organic growth, terroir focus
The heart of Uruguayan wine - 60% of national production
Historic wine center northwest of Montevideo. Clay-limestone soils with good water retention. Traditional family wineries alongside modern operations.
Central Canelones mixing traditional and modern wineries. Good terroir diversity with focus on innovation and experimentation.
Urban wineries and historic vineyards
Capital city region with historic wineries within city limits. Tourism-friendly locations mixing old traditions with modern approaches.
Atlantic elegance - Uruguay's Bordeaux
Uruguay's most ambitious wine project. 20km from Atlantic Ocean with rocky granite soils and cool breezes. $85 million investment in state-of-the-art facilities.
Resort area wineries combining beach tourism with wine experiences.
Historic region on the Río de la Plata
Uruguay's Napa Valley. Western Uruguay across from Buenos Aires with river influence and sandy-clay soils. Growing wine tourism development.
Swiss heritage area with dairy and wine tradition.
Northern border with Brazil featuring unique terroir with red sandstone soils and continental climate.
West of Montevideo with growing quality focus and good terroir potential.
From flagship Tannat to Atlantic varieties
Originally from Madiran, France, arrived 1870s with Basque immigrants. Uruguay is now world's second-largest producer with 27% of vineyard area.
The softener
Atlantic connection
Rising star
Character: Bordeaux heritage meets Atlantic influence
Trend: Quality improving across the board
Innovation: Co-fermentation, unique blends
Watch: Syrah, Petit Verdot experiments
La mesa uruguaya - where asado culture meets Tannat tradition
Traditional excellence
Premium innovation
Small production excellence
Movement: Natural, minimal intervention
Focus: Terroir expression, sustainability
Certification: Growing organic movement
Practice: Sustainable viticulture expanding
| Spanish Term | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bodega | Winery | Wine producer/estate |
| Viñedo | Vineyard | Grape growing area |
| Cosecha | Vintage | Year of harvest |
| Crianza | Aging | Maturation period |
| Roble | Oak | Oak aging |
| Sin madera | Unoaked | No oak aging |
| Reserva | Reserve | Quality + aging |
| Gran Reserva | Grand Reserve | Top tier |
| Vendimia tardía | Late harvest | Sweet wine |
| Parcela única | Single vineyard | Specific plot |
Key Understanding: Tannat evolution from traditional to modern
• Joven: Young, little/no oak, fruit-forward
• Roble: 6-12 months oak aging
• Reserva: 12+ months oak, bottle aging
• Gran Reserva: 18+ months oak, premium selection
• Rosado: Structured rosé style
• Co-fermented: With Viognier for aromatics
2020: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding quality, concentrated
2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, balanced vintage
2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good quality, elegant wines
2022: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hot, dry, ripe vintage
2023: ⭐⭐⭐ Variable, selection important
2018: ⭐⭐⭐ Challenging, wet harvest
Top collectible Uruguayan wines with aging potential
| Category | USD | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $8-15 | Castillo Viejo, basic Tannat |
| Premium | $15-25 | Pisano RPF, Garzón Reserva |
| Super Premium | $25-40 | Single vineyards |
| Icon | $40-60 | Monte Vide Eu, Massimo |
| Ultra Premium | $60+ | Limited editions |
| Style | Region | Specific Bottle | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Tannat | Canelones | Castillo Viejo Reserva Tannat | $10 |
| Premium Tannat | Canelones | Pisano RPF Tannat | $15 |
| Icon Tannat | Canelones | Bouza Monte Vide Eu | $45 |
| Tannat Blend | Progreso | Pizzorno Don Próspero | $20 |
| Cabernet Franc | Canelones | Bouza Cabernet Franc | $18 |
| Albariño | Maldonado | Garzón Albariño | $16 |
| Rosé | Canelones | Artesana Rosé de Tannat | $12 |
| Unique Blend | Maldonado | Alto de la Ballena Tannat-Viognier | $20 |
| Aged Tannat | Canelones | Familia Deicas Massimo | $35 |
| Sparkling | Montevideo | Carrau Sauvignon Blanc Brut | $14 |