Did you know that Uruguay is the fourth largest producer of wine in South America? However, if you have not heard about Uruguayan wines you are not alone. During our Spaswinefood travels in South America I never tasted any Uruguayan wines. Regretfully, I had not even seen Uruguayan wines for sale in North America until recently. Perhaps it is because Uruguayan wines have not been promoted outside Uruguay. Uruguayans have always been fans of their wines leaving very little for export. My first opportunity to taste Uruguayan wines was at the #WBC13 Wine Bloggers Conference in Penticton, British Columbia. I was not the only one who was blown away by these wines. Other wine bloggers have written about this experience (see Odd Bacchus article and fabocwinechick article). So if you have not already tried Uruguayan wines now is the time (see Laurie Daniel's San Jose Mercury article).
What is so special about Uruguayan Wines?
Yanina Olivera notes that Uruguay's distinct Tannat wines are putting Uruguay on the world's viticultural map. A recent Examiner article by Leslie Cramer also notes the health benefits of Tannat. Although Uruguay is known for it red Tannat wines its climate is also perfect for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. White wines that do well in Uruguay include Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewurtraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. While Uruguay is just starting to get attention for its wines it has a viticultural history dating back 250 years ago. Richard Jennings describes Uruguay's recent wine history. For some specific details on Uruguayan wineries (see RJonWine). For an overview of some of Uruguay's top wines read Michael Franz's article. See also an article by Will Lyon on Latin America's Tasty Secret. All of these articles highlight the discovery of Uruguayan wines.
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| Tannat Wines are Putting Uruguay on the World's Viticultural Map © Spaswinefood |
Yanina Olivera notes that Uruguay's distinct Tannat wines are putting Uruguay on the world's viticultural map. A recent Examiner article by Leslie Cramer also notes the health benefits of Tannat. Although Uruguay is known for it red Tannat wines its climate is also perfect for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. White wines that do well in Uruguay include Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewurtraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. While Uruguay is just starting to get attention for its wines it has a viticultural history dating back 250 years ago. Richard Jennings describes Uruguay's recent wine history. For some specific details on Uruguayan wineries (see RJonWine). For an overview of some of Uruguay's top wines read Michael Franz's article. See also an article by Will Lyon on Latin America's Tasty Secret. All of these articles highlight the discovery of Uruguayan wines.
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| Lunch with Wines of Uruguay © Spaswinefood |
Over a #WBC13 lunch sponsored by Wines of Uruguay wine bloggers had the wonderful opportunity to discover the following Uruguayan white and red wines:
White Wines: I sampled white wines from four wineries.
1. Bodega Bouza Albariño 2012
Albariño 2012 from Bodega Bouza, Montevideo Uruguay was a great introduction Uruguayan white wines. For a description of Bodega Bouza and its winemaker see Joe Roberts, 1WineDude article. You will find a review of this winery at Tripadvisor.
2. Establecimento Juanicó Don Pascual Viognier Reserve 2011
If you like Viognier you will find Don Pascual Viognier Reserve 2011 quite interesting. Snooth has reviewed Don Pascual wines produced by Establecimento Juanicó.
3. Bodega Familia Irurtia Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Gewurtraminer Reserva 2012
Bodega Familia Irurtia, Carmelo Uruguay produces a delightful Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Gewurtraminer Reserva 2012.
4. Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a refreshing wine with pleasant aromas.
Red Wines: Over lunch I sampled red wines from seven wineries.
1. Artesana Tannat Merlot 2011
Artesana Winery in Canelones, Uruguay is small estate winery that is known for its production of quality Tannant wines. Both Laurie Daniels' article and Josie Cowden's article describes Artesana's Tannat Merlot 2011. See also reviews at Cellartracker.
2. Giménez Méndez Las Brujas Tannat/Syrah/Viognier 2012
Giménez Méndez Las Brujas Tannat/Syrah/Viognier 2012 is from the Las Brujas "The Witches" line. This specific Tannat blend is a rich fruity and tannic wine.
Establecimento Juanicó Don Pascual Shiraz Tannat Reserve 2011 is another pleasing Tannat blend.
4. Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Tannat Reserva De La Familia 2009
Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Tannat Reserva De La Familia 2009 gets good reviews from Vivino and me.
5. Pisano Tannat Reserva Personal de la Familia (RPF) 2008
Bodegas Pisano Tannat Reserva Personal de la Familia (RPF) 2008 is nicely tannic with fruity flavors.
Bodega Familia Irurtia Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Tannat Roble Gran Reserva 2008 is already a refined wine but it will continue to age well.
7. Bodegas Carrau 1752 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2009
Bodegas Carrau 1752 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2009 is a good Tannat blend. Marisa D'Vari's article describes a visit to this winery. For more information on the winery's history see this article.
The tasting session hosted by Wines of Uruguay was not only a great introduction to exciting Uruguayan wines but a great introduction to some of the best Uruguayan wineries ( Artesana, Bodega Bouza, Bodegas Castillo Viejo, Bodegas Carrau, Bodegas Pisano, Establecimento Juanicó, Familia Irurtia and Giménez Méndez ). For further insights into the specific Uruguayan wines tasted at #WBC13 see the Odd Bacchus article (white wines) and another Odd Bacchus article (red wines). It is without doubt that Uruguayan wines were a big hit with fellow bloggers.
White Wines: I sampled white wines from four wineries.
1. Bodega Bouza Albariño 2012
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| Bouza Albariño 2012 © Spaswinefood |
2. Establecimento Juanicó Don Pascual Viognier Reserve 2011
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| Don Pascual Viognier Reserve, 2011 © Spaswinefood |
3. Bodega Familia Irurtia Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Gewurtraminer Reserva 2012
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| Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Gewurtraminer Reserva 2012 © Spaswinefood |
4. Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Sauvignon Blanc 2013
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| Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Sauvignon Blanc 2013 © Spaswinefood |
Red Wines: Over lunch I sampled red wines from seven wineries.
1. Artesana Tannat Merlot 2011
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| Artesana Tannat Merlot 2011 © Spaswinefood |
2. Giménez Méndez Las Brujas Tannat/Syrah/Viognier 2012
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| Giménez Méndez Las Brujas Tannat/Syrah/Viognier 2012 © Spaswinefood |
Giménez Méndez Identity 2011
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| Giménez Méndez Identity 2011 © Spaswinefood |
Another Giménez Méndez red wine is Identity (Tannat blend) 2011. This Tannat blend is quite pleasing.
3. Establecimento Juanicó Don Pascual Shiraz Tannat Reserve 2011 |
| Establecimento Juanicó Don Pascual Shiraz Tannat Reserve 2011 © Spaswinefood |
4. Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Tannat Reserva De La Familia 2009
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| Bodegas Castillo Viejo CataMayor Tannat Reserva De La Familia 2009 © Spaswinefood |
5. Pisano Tannat Reserva Personal de la Familia (RPF) 2008
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| Pisano Tannat Reserva Personal de la Familia 2008 © Spaswinefood |
Then of course for some dessert wine there is a Bodegas Pisano Licor de Tannat EtXe Oneko 2005.
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Bodegas Pisano Licor de Tannat EtXe Oneko 2005 © Spaswinefood
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Bodegas Pisano Licor de Tannat EtXe Oneko 2005 © Spaswinefood
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Pisano Licor de Tannat 2005 is, as you guessed a tannic treat! You will find a description of Bodegas Pisano and reviews of some of its wines on Snooth.
6. Bodega Familia Irurtia Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Tannat Roble Gran Reserva 2008 |
| Km. 0 Rio De La Plata Tannat Roble Gran Reserva 2008 © Spaswinefood |
7. Bodegas Carrau 1752 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2009
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| Bodegas Carrau 1752 Tannat Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2009 © Spaswinefood |
The tasting session hosted by Wines of Uruguay was not only a great introduction to exciting Uruguayan wines but a great introduction to some of the best Uruguayan wineries ( Artesana, Bodega Bouza, Bodegas Castillo Viejo, Bodegas Carrau, Bodegas Pisano, Establecimento Juanicó, Familia Irurtia and Giménez Méndez ). For further insights into the specific Uruguayan wines tasted at #WBC13 see the Odd Bacchus article (white wines) and another Odd Bacchus article (red wines). It is without doubt that Uruguayan wines were a big hit with fellow bloggers.
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| Wines of Uruguay © Spaswinefood |
While it would have been great to do this tasting in Uruguay it was so exciting to be introduced to Uruguayan wines. Now I am ready to taste more Uruguayan wine. My Uruguayan wine journey will continue. Check out my travels at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
August 2013
Los Gatos, California
© Spaswinefood
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Sharon, many thanks for this excellent post. It was a pleasure for the Wines of Uruguay to present our wines at this year's Wine Bloggers Conference. As you mention, Uruguay is producing many outstanding wines that are starting to get some traction here in the states. Hope your readers will keep an eye out for these exciting wines. I've found if you ask your local wine merchant, they'll bring them in. Thanks for the mention of my winery Artesana's Tannat-Merlot, glad you enjoyed it! My winemakers are 2 award-winning Uruguayan women who are quickly becoming the rising stars of Uruguay. Our wines are sold throughout California. ¡Salud! www.artesanawinery.com
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
DeleteIt is a pleasure to write about such amazing wines. Artesana's wines are something to be proud of, as evidence by the awards to your female winemakers. Looking forward to hearing more great things about Uruguayan Wines.
¡Salud! Sharon