Uruguay isn’t the primary nation that involves thoughts when pondering of South American wines, however not too far off sooner or later, it very effectively could also be. Sizzling take, I do know. Nevertheless, with the ever-changing local weather, a dedication to sustainability, and multi-generational households experimenting and diversifying choices and varietals, this small nation of three.4 million could have one thing to boast about aside from sporting one hell of a very good nationwide soccer staff and wealthy cultural historical past.
The same old affiliation with Uruguay is with wines comprised of Tannat grapes, however there’s way more selection and innovation coming to the forefront. Together with the almost 200 current family-run wineries, extra are developing on-line day by day, with zero indicators of this pattern receding. We had been lucky sufficient to have a possibility to pattern a various array of the nation’s newest choices. They by no means stray too far off the Tannat flagship tip, however there’s sufficient right here to shock and impress.
2020 Artesana Tannat-Merlot-Zinfandel – 55% Tannat, 35% Merlot, and 15% Zinfandel. Full-bodied, with limitless layers of blackberry, plum, cedar, clove, and licorice melding collectively properly with an extended and full of life end. Nice tannins and medium acidity body a pleasant expertise from nostril to complete. A- / $23
2020 Garzón Single Winery Tannat – Wealthy and luxurious with surprisingly deep notes of strawberry, plum, and tobacco on the nostril, fairly harking back to a Malbec from the Mendoza area of Argentina. With time, the palate shows an exquisite mixture of what was introduced on the nostril together with darkish chocolate and baking spice for better depth. A slight contact of oak on the again finish, and the end presents an immensely satisfying mix of chocolate and strawberry. Fantastically carried out. A- / $29
NV Basta Spirit Vermut Flores Rosé – And now for one thing utterly totally different: an surprising curveball within the type of a vermouth. A light-weight trace of strawberry retains the nostril from being a strictly floral (chamomile, juniper, rose) affair. The fruit affect beneficial properties a little bit of actual property on the palate, with mild traces of cinnamon peaches and mildly bitter grapefruit reducing by means of the botanicals onto an extended end. A pleasant summer time patio sipper that’s going to work wonders in a cocktail. A- / $16
2018 El Capricho Aguará Tannat – This one may gain advantage from a little bit of time in glass, not less than half an hour, earlier than sorting itself out for consuming. Blackberry and oak on the nostril ship a teaser of what’s discovered on the palate, with savory notes of Earl Gray, mocha, and roasted plum delivering intrigue on a end that’s gentle on tannins and massive on strong complexity. B+ / $55
2022 Familia Traversa Sauvignon Blanc – Vibrant notes of peach together with lemon and gooseberry mood the mildly herbaceous notes discovered on the nostril, however all of those components play collectively properly as they method a well-rounded end freed from something untoward. Good acidity and a few salinity too, however the quick end is a minor shortcoming. Nonetheless fairly the bottle for this worth level, and it’ll not final lengthy surrounded by the suitable crowd. B+ / $12
2022 Establecimiento Juanicó Don Pascual Coastal White – A mix of Albariño, Chardonnay and Verdejo. A bit on the candy aspect, with inexperienced apple and pear aromas that simmer down with a little bit of relaxation within the glass. The palate’s acidity is a bit punchy, however the ample be aware of peach, lemon zest, and the faintest contact of salinity preserve issues partaking. B+ / $15
2020 Viña Progreso Overground Cabernet Franc – A stunning stability of strawberry preserves and blackberry on the nostril, with mild hints of leather-based and backyard herbs on the palate. A good quantity of acidity is accompanied by grippy tannins that maintain the fruit affect by means of an extended and full of life end. Regular and straight up in its supply, it holds its personal in opposition to Cabernet Francs from probably the most venerable of wine international locations. B+ / $13
2018 Antigua Bodega Prima Donna Tannat– Massive notes of purple raspberry compote and cocoa powder run all through, with a welcome layer of baking spice getting into the dialog on the palate. A crème brulee be aware makes a quick cameo in the direction of the end, however the cocoa and raspberry from the nostril regain momentum and carry this by means of to a full of life conclusion. B / $23
2021 Cerro Chapeu Castel Pujol Folklore Blanco– A mix of 80% Malvasía and 20% Trebbiano, with robust notes of apricot and peach presenting all through alongside a contact of minerality and lemon zest, which add welcome complexity on the palate. The lemon zest sustains because the dominant be aware, however the minerality turns into extra pronounced on the slightly prolonged end. B / $20
2020 Artesana Tannat-Merlot-Zinfandel
$23
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