The wine industry in Uruguay dates back to 1870. It was brought by immigrants from the Basque region of Spain, France and Italy. The first grape produced was Tannant. By the mid-1950’s Albarino was introduced. Today other common varietals are Merlot (10%), Chardonnay (7%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Sauvignon blanc (6%), and Cabernet Franc (4%). There are two levels of classification, Vino de calidad preferente (VCP), a “quality wine” category and Vino común (VC), a “table wine” category. In the 1980’s the wine industry focused on quality and marketing to compete with Brazilian and Argentine wines.
The selected wines are produced by Bodegas Garzon. When Alejandro Bulgheroni and his wife, Bettina, discovered Garzón in 1999, they saw in it their “little Uruguayan Tuscany”, and they had a dream, a family dream that has come true today: Agroland. Thus, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, they started to design Bodega Garzón. From energy efficiency to reduction in water consumption, from using low-emission local equipment to responsible construction waste management, from collecting rainwater to restoring biodiversity… These are some of the environmental strategies implemented in its design and construction.
2021 Garzon Albarino Reserva, Uruguay $14
This Albariño is of a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections and fruity aromas reminding of peach; balanced with citric notes. It is fresh and mineral with a marked acidity and a long and rounded aftertaste in mouth. Aromas of gooseberry, finger lime and ginger lead off in this refined but refreshing white, with saline-laced grapefruit and Meyer lemon at the core, followed by a clean finish Alcohol: 12.5%
2020 Garzon Tannat Reserva, Uruguay $14
This Tannat is deep purple in color. It has fresh aromas of red and black fruits – plums and raspberries with spice flavored aroma. It has features grippy tannins. On the palate it feels juicy with medium body. The most traditional combination is slowly cooked leg of lamb flavored with sage, mint, garlic and olive oil. It also pairs beautifully with blue cheese and toasted walnuts.
Alcohol: 14.0%
