Uruguay may be dwarfed by Argentina and Chile’s wine production, but the small country commands a firm presence in the world of winemaking. Falling firmly in the category of New World wines, its vines can be traced directly to 18th-century wine-making Jesuits. The industry was subsequently grown by streams of European immigrants.
Tannat, a punchy, bold red high in tannins, is Uruguay’s signature varietal. Grapes grown in Uruguay are more akin to Bordeaux than those produced by its Andean neighbors. The climate is coastal, humid, and low in elevation. Generally, wines produced in Uruguay are well-balanced in both acidity and alcohol. The moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean tempers the heat of summer, giving the wine an energy that’s been described as “fresh” and “vivacious.”
