My Latest in The Drinks Business:
Why you should try sparkling wine from Uruguay
by L.M. Archer
As consumer demand for sparkling wine continues apace, Uruguay offers some fascinating options for fizz lovers. But how do its wines compare with bubbles from other South American nations?
Subtropical Uruguay sits snugly between Argentina and Brazil in South America.
In the native Charrúan language, Uruguay means “river of the painted birds”, with “river” referencing the Rio de la Plata, a wide, brackish estuary skirting Uruguay’s southern border that empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
European immigrants are credited with bringing international grapes to Uruguay in the 18th century, including the thick-skinned Tannat variety, which was found to thrive in Uruguay’s humidity and has become the nation’s flagship wine grape.
However, a trend towards planting more white grapes like Albariño and Chardonnay means sparkling wine production has grown in recent years. Today, the country boasts nearly 162 wineries, 16 wine regions, and approximately 6,000 ha.(14,492 ac.) planted to vines.
Unusual Attributes
Uruguay stands out from its South American sparkling wine counterparts for a few key reasons.
Weather, for one. The unusual confluence of river and ocean whips up bracing marine winds and dramatic diurnal shifts. This keeps wine grapes cool, locking in freshness and acidity.
Then there’s the unique terroir. Unlike rugged Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, Uruguay rarely rises above 500 metres. Moreover, most of Uruguay rests upon ancient basalt soils. In some regions, such as Maldonado near the eastern coast, vineyard owners have to use jack-hammers to break up the quartz-laced, granitic bedrock before they are able to plant vines.
Indeed, many sparkling wine producers such as Bodega Garzón and Viña Edén favour the emerging region of Maldonado for its briny, marine breezes and mineral-rich soils. This compelling combination imparts a complex, savoury flavour profile not found elsewhere.
Add Uruguay’s easy-going, beach-loving, ’carnival’ culture, and this tiny country packs a mighty punch for fizz fans. READ MORE HERE.
I’m delighted to share my ongoing sparkling wine series for The Drinks Business with you here.