Although less known than Argentina and Chile, Uruguay boasts an important wine production, extended throughout the territory, thanks to favorable soil and climatic conditions for the cultivation of vines. Wine arrived in this country in the second half of the nineteenth century, together with the first Italian and Spanish families who settled here, importing not only the first vines, but also their knowledge in the wine sector. The arrival of the Basque-French Pascual Harriague and the Catalan Francisco Vidiella, the two pioneers of viticulture in Uruguay, who planted the first vineyards here. It is with Pascual Harriague, in fact, that Tannat, a black grape variety originating in the Basque Country, also becomes popular in Uruguay: a real success, if you consider that today this country is the main producer of Tannat, with volumes that exceed even those of the Basque Country. In addition to Tannat, numerous other grape varieties have been imported from France: from Merlot to Pinot Noir , up to white grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Today there are 6 different wine-growing regions, each of which is home to certain grape varieties: Tannat is grown mainly along the north coast, where high temperatures and humidity generate wines with an intense aroma and character. Cabernet Sauvignon is also grown throughout the coastal area, from north to south, as the mild climate and warm waters of the Uruguay and Paraná rivers create ideal conditions for late ripening grapes. Most of the vineyards, however, are concentrated in the Canelones, Montevideo and San José areas. Thanks to its wide variety of soils, Canelones hosts 60% of the country's wineries, while the oldest vineyards can be found in the capital Montevideo. These areas are particularly suited to white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, but also for red grape varieties such as Tannat.

Uruguayan red wine

The best known Uruguayan red wines are undoubtedly those based on Tannat, which, as the name suggests, is a grape that stands out for its remarkable tannins. However, it should be emphasized that this characteristic is found mainly in the Tannat-based wines of the Madiran appellation, produced in the north of France. The Tannat produced in Uruguay, on the other hand, is softer and more consistent, as can be seen in the Tannat Bodegas Carrau: a well-structured and decisive red, but smooth on the palate. If you are looking for a red with strong tannins and minerality, the choice will inevitably turn to the Tannat Reserva Bodega Garzón: a red with character, which opens with a splendid bouquet of raspberries and plums and closes with a spicy finish. Two wines of the same variety, but with a unique profile, both available on Vino.com.

Uruguay rosé wine online

Although to a lesser extent than red and white wine, recently Uruguay has become the cradle of excellent rosé wines: from Provençal-style rosés, to those made from Pinot Noir grapes, up to the inevitable rosé Tannat.