URUGUAY, WHY NOT?
Uruguay, where are we?
Does your 7-year-old know where Uruguay is? Mine does!
Let me tell you, this has nothing to do with school or great parenting skills but everything to do with wine. So, sit back, relax and have a sip, this will promote your child’s education. If you’re asking, Max will tell you that Uruguay is in the South East region of South America, Argentina is to its north west and Brazil to the north. He may not have said it in those exact words. . . .but ya. Okay, he can point to a map-stop the inquisition!
Step one- Sip and Learn, it’s as easy as 1,2,3
The more you drink wine outside of your comfort zone, the more your kids will learn about Geography. I call this a big win for both sides. You sip and tell them where in the world the wine comes from. Best dinner discussion ever, and you get to drink wine while educating. It’s called modern parenting! I should write a book.
It all started when my friend, Amanda Barnes stopped over for a visit while toting some Uruguay flags. My son was so curious about the flags, it created a very big discussion around the dinner table about Uruguay, which led to my wine store visit to look for some wines. In my area, Total Wine and Bottle King stock some exciting Uruguay wine, such as Pisano and Garson. Just Ask!
My next encounter with Uruguay wines was at the Wine Bloggers Conference this year in Walla Walla, Washington. Amanda taught a master class on Uruguay and I am happy to report that I tasted some amazing wines and I’ll teach you a little bit of what I learned. Check out Amanda’ website: http://aroundtheworldin80harvests.com/south-america-wine-guide/ #southamericawineguide #uruguaywine #WBC18
According to Amanda, “Uruguay is a best kept secret.” Even though this is a small wine region, they make up for “small” in quality wine production which has been a region-wide focus since the 1990s when technology and investment started to turn wine production around. Also, given the stability of the government, Uruguay is less volatile than surrounding countries which makes new investments easy to swallow.
Besides being some of the biggest beef consumers, they have a fantastic education policy here which has led to all students being given a laptop for education (since 2009). So, drinking wine also helps fund education? It’s a leap, but take another sip.
What does Uruguay wine taste like?
This is Tannat country, with 26% of the country planted with this cool grape and most of the country producing red wine (80%). Why Tannat? Well, European settlers from Basque descent planted vines all over, and tannat was one of those grapes. Uruguay has heavy rainfall, and tannat has thick skins as a grape variety which makes it a perfect grape for all that rain. Also-remember that bit about the biggest consumer of red meat—this is a perfect pairing for tannat. As my son would say, “give me the red part!” Sorry folks- he likes his meat medium and he will steal yours off your plate while you’re not watching!
Let’s talk about why tannat is so cool. Are you looking for a healthy wine to drink? Well, you have found it! Your kids have milk, we have high levels of antioxidants in Tannat, making this one of the healthiest wines to drink. What are you waiting for? Take a glug while you hear more.
Tannat can be found as a single variety, or as a blend. Typically blended with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc to tame its high levels of tannins, basically to make it softer and more approachable. Tannat on its own is equally delicious. It will typically have a deep color with flavors of black fruit, spice, cocoa, tobacco, and a savory flavor, the perfect companion for a big juicy steak. If your vegetarian, that’s ok. Pair it with a big juicy grilled Eggplant!
WAIT, MORE WINE TO TRY?
Albariño is the other grape you will find in Uruguay. This grape also has thick skins (are you seeing a pattern here?), which can withstand the rain and damp climate, basically meaning it is better at avoiding rot. Unlike that apple your child left in the bottom of the backpack sometime last month and you just discovered. Because of the weather patterns here, these grapes retain high acidity and give a very aromatic flavor profile which makes good wine. You will find both un-oaked and oaked versions. Typically these wines will be blended with Loueriro, Treixadura, and Caiño.
What are you going to taste in wine from Uruguay? You will find various varieties, some you have heard of, and maybe some you haven’t. Albariño (aka Alvarinho in Portugal), Marselan, Viognier, Verdegjo, Sauvignon Gris, Marsanne, Arneis, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tannat.
GIVE THESE WINES A TRY
PISANO RIO DE LOS PAJAROS TANNAT this has a beautiful aromatic floral nose, with a nice juicy finish on the palate. This wine is a perfect example of a modern Tannat. Try the Pisano Pinot Noir (pictured) as well, both under $20.00 near me (Total Wine and Bottle King)! www.pisanowines.com
MARICHAL RESERVE TANNAT, this is an example of a typical Tannat that is youthful but has complex flavors and a fuller body. Reserve = means oak usage. $18.00
ARTESANA ZINFANDEL-MERLOT-TANNAT, This has a very rich texture, juicy with flavors and structure. This wine is interesting because it is one of the 1st Zinfandel’s to be planted in Uruguay. $18.00 www.artesanawinery.com
Familia Traversa 2015 Noble Alianza Reserva Marselan-Tannat-Merlot Red, this is a well-made wine with nice texture and flavor from dark fruit to savory. Marselan is an important grape here, and blends well with tannat and merlot. $12.00
FAMILIA DEICAS VALLE DE LOS MANANTIALES, this wine is made in a more modern approach and is elegant, a little lighter on the palate with a brightness with fresh acidity and fine tannins. This wine in a sub-region of Garzón. This one is made by flying winemaker Paul Hobbs. www.familiadeicas.com
GARZÓN SINGLE VINEYARD TANNAT BODEGA GARZÓN, This is an important wine with recent investments made along coastal region of Garzón. It is a cooler climate, which makes this wine have bright fruit, nice high acidity and peppery tannins. This is one to try! $30. The reserve Tannat placed #47 on Wine Spectators top 100 in 2017!
Go out and try some wine from Uruguay, and get out the map.
There will be quiz next Friday.