2023 Bodegas Cerro Chapeu Castel Pujol Folklore Tinto, Uruguay, Wine Review

This is a blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Petit Menseng from Uruguay. The Tannat grapes are destemmed and then macerated with the petite Mennseng on the skins. The result is a lighter more approachable Tannat. Ruby/blue in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is dusty with black cherries. Medium bodied. Silky texture. Medium tannins. On the palate, black cherries and gravel. Good acidity. Long finish. This is nice on its own and will work well with food. This is a great choice for mid-week pizza or pasta. Drink over the next five to seven years.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2023

Current Price:

$23.00USD

Bodega Cerro del Toro 2020 Tannat

Vintage:

2020

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Current Price:

$25.00USD

It’s not easy to find an approachable Tannat, one that drinks well right out of the bottle. One of the reasons is that the Tannat grape has more, and larger, seeds than other grapes therefore the tannins are more aggressive. Tame that and you’ve got it nailed. Uruguay is a country pushing Tannat to the world and with great results. This 2020 is a lively robust wine that will change your mind about this misunderstood grape.

Gimenez Mendez 2020 Tannat

Vintage:

2020

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Current Price:

$18.00USD

Uruguay’s flagship red wine is, and always has been, Tannat. It grows well there. Tannat, however, is not the friendliest of grape owing to its heavier tannic structure. For this iteration, it’s 100% Tannat and it offers blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry, with back notes of wild cherry, plum and lingonberry. There is very little oak influence – just nine months in barrel - and very strong tannins, so this wine definitely needs some air time, and food. Tannat is not a cocktail wine and it needs to be paired with food, most typically in Uruguay it’s beef.

NV Viñedo de los Vientos Tannat Alcyone, Uruguay, Wine Review

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$33.00USD

This is a dessert wine made in Uruguay from the Tannat grape. It is aromatized with different roots and herbs and then fortified with brandy to 16% abv. The base wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels. Inky purple in color. The nose is very different with caramel, cherries, chocolate and spices. On the palate, cherries with vanilla and chocolate. Sweet, not cloying. Slight heat on the finish. Very interesting and tasty as well. This would work well with chocolate desserts. Drink over the next twenty years.

2016 Viñedo de los Vientos Tannat, Uruguay, Atlantida, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$16.00USD

Uruguay is making the Tannat grape its own and there are more and more on the market. 14% ABV. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries with baking spices. On the palate, strong acidity. Nice texture. Firm tannins. The palate has black cherry fruit. A long finish. There is some value here. This should drink better with food to counter the tannins. Cassoulet would be a nice match. Drink over the next five to seven years.

2022 Establecimiento Juanicó Don Pascual Coastal Tannat, Uruguay, Wine Review

Vintage:

2022

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$16.00USD

Purple/ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is lovely with plums, salinity and black raspberries. Lush texture. Light tannins. Moderate acidity. On the palate, there is some depth. Black cherries with spice, and char. Good finish. This is very approachable and drinking well. It would go nicely with a plate of pasta with a meat or mushroom sauce with a touch of spice. Drink over the next seven to ten years. Excellent value.

2023 Bodegas Cerro Chapeu Castel Pujol Folklore Tinto, Uruguay, Wine Review

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2022 Establecimiento Juanicó Don Pascual Coastal Tannat, Uruguay, Wine Review