NV Basta Spirit Vermut Flores, Uruguay, Wine Review

This was interesting. The base wine is a Rose made from Tannat grapes. Served straight with an ice cube and a piece of orange peel. 16% Orange/pink in color, clear and bright. The nose is nice with Chinese Five Spice and also floral notes. Viscous. On the palate, this is slightly sweet but also a bitter note that contrasts it. A bit of a dried herbal note as well. Good finish. This is very refreshing and would work well in cocktails. Drink in the next couple of years. It makes a great aperitif and works nicely with fried appetizers.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Current Price:

$16.00USD

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

Vintage:

2023

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$23.00USD

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.

Gimenez Mendez 2020 Tannat

Vintage:

2020

Score:

Grade:

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.

2019 Bodega Garzón Tannat Reserva, Uruguay, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$14.00USD

In a recent tasting of ten Tannat wines, this finished first. Pretty impressive for a wine that can be found under $15. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, black licorice, a hint of sour cherries and slight spice. Medium to full bodied. Light tannins. For such a young Tannat, this was quite accessible. On the palate, black cherry fruit with just a bit of bell pepper. Nice finish. This probably should be consumed over the next three to five years. It will work well with roasted chicken or even game.

2018 Alto de la Ballena Tannat/Viognier Reserva, Uruguay, Maldonado, Wine Review

Vintage:

2018

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$24.00USD

This is an intriguing blend of 85% Tannat and 15% Viognier. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is nice with chocolate, cherries, and a slight coconut note. Medium to firm tannins. Full bodied. Juicy acidity. On the palate, cherries and other red fruits. Moderate finish. This is drinking well now and should drink well for another five to eight years. This works better with food. It would go well with roasted duck or chicken.

NV Basta Spirit Vermut Flores, Uruguay, Wine Review

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