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Wine from Uruguay: Surprise!
Tannat based wine from Uruguay is really a surprise x 2. Surprise #1 is that wine grapes are grown and wine is made in Uruguay. Wine regions of the world typically range from 30 – 50° latitude, with 30° being a very warm climate. Looking at a map of South America, we notice that Uruguay’s latitude ranges between 30-33° S, nearly too warm for grapes. Uruguay sits at nearly sea level over the entire country, it lacks the altitude of Argentina to provide cooling. Uruguay’s secret is the Malvinas/Falkland current, a cold ocean current coming up from Cape Horn and Antarctica. This cooling influence provides a maritime climate not unlike that of Bordeaux. This means that viticulture in Uruguay has challenges more like the coastal regions of France and Spain: humidity, lack of abundant sun and seasonal variability.

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Tannat from Uruguay: Surprise!
Surprise #2 comes with the Tannat grape and wine, the signature variety of Uruguay. Tannat based wines from Southwest France often feature astringent tannins so powerful, the wines must be aged for years before drinking. Uruguayan Tannats still offer the power of tannins, but they are more refined and are typically delicious right at release. No need to wait! Take a look for a Tannat from Uruguay in your local independent wine retailer, we have some on the shelves in Minneapolis/St. Paul. No luck? Online retailers like Wine.com have several for you to try. Who might enjoy Tannat? If you are a big red wine lover, you’ll love Tannat from Uruguay. Bonus: they’re quite affordable!

Disclosure: The wines for this post were provided as samples. No other compensation was involved, all opinions expressed are mine.

Pisano RPF Reserva Personal de la Familia Tannat Región Progreso Uruguay 2018 ($24 online) 14%abv
Eye: Deep Garnet
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, black plum, prune, dried thyme, coconut, hot.
Mouth: Dry, medium plus acidity, medium plus intensity, medium plus chalky tannins, full body with rich texture, high alcohol, pleasant medium plus finish. Nice ripe blue fruit with subtle dried fruit, dried herbs.
Observation: A big, firmly textured wine balanced by nice fruit intensity.

Bodega Garzón Tannat Reserva 2021 ($20 available in Minneapolis here) 14%abv
Vineyards are 11 miles from the ocean, aged in untoasted French oak
Eye: Deep, even opaque ruby
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of violets, fresh ripe blueberry, blackberry, black plum, subtle coconut, fresh earth, hint of mint, hot
Mouth: Dry, high acidity, medium plus sandy tannins, medium intensity flavors, full body, high alcohol, medium finish. Nice blue fruit intensity with very subtle oak.
Observations: Lively acidity with firm but smooth tannins, a wine looking for grilled red meat.

Bodega Cerro Chapeau Batovi Tannat T1 Single Vineyard Cerro Chapeu 2018 ($31 online) 14% abv
Eye: Deep, even opaque ruby
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of ripe blueberry, blackberry, black plum, pepper, coconut, forest floor, pine needles, subtle chocolate notes, hot.
Mouth: Dry, high acidity, medium plus silky tannins, medium plus intensity flavors, full body, high alcohol, medium plus finish. Flavors fresh blue/black fruits plus very subtle dried blueberries, chocolate and forest floor in the background.
Observations: Big, rich and firmly structured, balanced by nice fruit intensity on the palate. This wine was my personal favorite in the tasting, enjoyed with flank steak.

Alto de la Ballena Reserva Tannat Viognier 2018 ($33 online) 14% abv
85% Tannat 15% Viognier
Eye: Deep ruby
Nose: Medium plus intensity aromas of elderflower, ripe black cherry, blackberry, black plum, subtle vanilla and coconut, hot.
Mouth: Dry, medium acidity, medium smooth tannins, medium intensity flavors, full body, high alcohol, medium finish.
Observations: A little softer tannins than some of the wines, appealing floral and fruit aromas and flavors.

Viña Progreso Bodega Experimental Barrel-less Tannat 2020 unoaked ($28 online) 13.5% abv
Eye: Deep ruby, dreaming of medium ruby
Nose: Medium intensity aromas of pure blueberry, blackberry fruit with subtle violet and fresh herbs. Still has a base aroma character softening the fruit.
Mouth: Dry, medium plus acidity, medium smooth tannins, medium plus body, medium alcohol, medium plus finish. Flavors highlight ripe blue fruit with a softening textural side.
Observations: Not soft by any means, but the most gentle texture and impression of this group of wines.

Tannat from Uruguay at the Grill
Summer is a great time to try a new red wine with a grilled steak, a perfect opportunity for Uruguay Tannat to shine. Francis Mallmann is a great source for open fire recipes, plus he was born in Argentina and spends much of his time in a variety of South American locations. I made rare flank steak topped with chimichurri sauce from Seven Fires along with braised black beans from On Fire, topped with grill charred peppers. The big flavors in the food paired beautifully with a couple of our Tannats. Highly recommended.