Description
We have been doing our “homework”, that is tasting a diverse selection of sample bottles, for an upcoming trip in January to Uruguay to check out this overlooked, but serious wine destination in South America. Uruguay is mostly known for its Atlantic coast beaches, beef and more beef, and the darkly colored, full-bodied Tannat variety which was transplanted from southwestern France (Madiran) by French immigrants in the 1860s when phylloxera devasted their homeland.
Even though Uruguay, which is only about the size of Nebraska, has 200+ wineries, very little of the wine is actually imported to the USA market, as most is consumed by the Uruguayans, and the rest by nearby Argentina, Chili and Brazil. Many will recognize the name Bodega Garzon which is the largest and arguably most successful wine company in Uruguay.
However, at this time we are extremely keen on two “value” finds from a new winery for us, the critically acclaimed Bodega Bouza (“Bo Za”). One is an extremely excellent Albarino which is full of brisk cleansing acidity, lemon-lime citrus, and saline-like minerality. Handpicked from the limestone-clay estate vineyards Las Violetas and Melilla, the grapes undergo a short and partial maceration in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks (90%) and French oak barrels (10%) where the wine is aged on the lees for an additional 4 months. No fining agents are used. I would love to include this 2023 rendition in a blind tasting with the best Albarino from Riax Baixas in Galicia, Spain. Price is just $24.95. No ratings! Bring on the oysters and shell fish!
The other wine is a stupendous effort that will redefine Tannat’s expectation and potential for most everyone! Almost already six year old 2019 Bouza Tannat A8 is a special “Parcla Unica” or specific plot within its estate Melilla Vineyard in Canalones north of Montevideo. The fruit is grown on well drained and light reflective pink granite stones. It is judiciously picked and fermented separately with an extended maceration period after which it is aged for 12 months in a combination of American and French oak cooperage. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered. “Black Beauty” would be one adequate description. Almost opaquely black in color this wine is all about concentrated and rich BLACK AND BLUE fruit! Tannat is known for rustic and astringent tannins, but not here. Yes, the tannin is firm, but it is finely integrated and displays an unexpected finesse for such a bold wine. Attention Cabernet Sauvignon lovers! Attention steak lovers! Here is a splendid alternative that will cost you $49.95 a bottle (should be $54)! Only 4,082 bottles were produced. We sampled the hand inscribed #289. 14.5% alcohol. No ratings, but trust me you will LOVE IT!