Bodegas Garzon Tannat Reserva 2021
CBC House Wine - November 9, 2024
I often encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. For this month’s House Wine column, I’ve decided it is time to take my own advice! I’ve picked a red wine from Uruguay called Bodegas Garzon Tannat Reserve 2021. Over the years we’ve tasted wines from other countries in South America but this is a first for Uruguayan wine.
Interesting facts about Uruguay
it is the second smallest country in South America. (Suriname is the smallest.)
small population of 3.5 million people (2023)
it has the highest literacy rate at 98.7%
it has the highest life expectancy in South America at 78.58 years
it is the fourth largest wine producer in South America according to the South America Wine Guide.
The Jesuits missionaries are credited for making the first wine in Uruguay. Followed later by European immigrants from Italy, Spain and France who settled there in the 1800s. They brought vines on the boat and planted them in their new homeland. Modern winemaking is quite recent, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.
Uruguay’s climate is completely different from that in Chile and Argentina. Being on the east side of South America, Uruguay is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions are a warm maritime climate, making it more like Bordeaux in France, then Mendoza in Argentina. There are six different wine regions defined mainly by soil types and proximity to the sea.
Bodegas Garzon
The wine that I have selected is from Bodegas Garzon. It was established in 2008 and is owned by Argentinean billionaire Alejandro Bulgheroni. The winery is in the Maldonado region, which has become a popular wine destination. It is a couple hours drive from the capital city Montevideo and is famous for its Balasto Wine Bar. For six consecutive years, Bodegas Garzon has helped to put Uruguay on the map with its inclusion in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 100 list.
I am happy to learn that Alberto Antonini is the winemaking consultant at the estate. Alberto Antonini is a highly sought after consultant who spends half of his time in Italy, both at his own estate of Poggiotondo in Tuscany and consulting for other wineries. He spends a large amounts of time with his growling client list in South America. I’ve had the pleasure to meet him and can attest to what a down to earth person he is. I really respect and admire him. With Alberto Antonini’s influence it is no wonder that Bodegas Garzon has such a strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The entire estate is LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Uruguay’s Flagship Grape
This Bodegas Garzon is made of 100% Tannat. Uruguay is Tannat’s adopted home, but southwest France is its native home. It is a fairly rare red grape variety. Although France is its homeland, more Tannat is grown in Uruguay. 27% of Uruguay’s total production is Tannat. They love Tannat so much in Uruguay that in 2016, they gave it a special day. April 14th is Tannat Day.
Tannat is a full-bodied grape. People keen on Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah usually like Tannat too. As the name implies, Tannat is known for its grippy tannins. Thanks to Uruguay’s southern climate, the grape can achieve full ripeness which helps to tame the tannins in the wine. This is a real contrast to a Tannat from Madiran in southwest France.
We don’t see much Uruguayan wine in our market. It is overshadowed by its more famous neighbours - Argentina, Chile and Brazil. After tasting this Tannat from Bodegas Garzon I am inspired to try more Uruguayan wines! I have been so focused on this Tannat that I didn’t mention any other grapes. As far as whites are concerned, I am excited about Albariño. It is gaining ground here due to the Atlantic Ocean influences similar to it’s native Galicia. One thing is very clear to me now that I have tasted this wine. I need to make a plan to go down to Uruguay!
Tasting Note
Colour: ruby garnet , almost opaque
Nose: Italian plums, blackberry black cherry, spicy
Palate: full bodied,super smooth, plush fruit – raspberry, blackberry, plums with tobacco and leather. The tannins are supple – not rough like in some French Tannat.
Pairing: Tannat is a grape that begs for a hearty meat pairing. Think beef ribs! I tried it with medium-spiced chili with some grated smoked Gouda on top. I wasn’t sure if the tannins were going to clash with the spice. The smoked Gouda helped bridge the flavours and it was delicious.
Remember, food pairings don’t have to be complicated. It can be as easy as a little sliced meat and cheese (aged cheddar, smoked gouda)