Deeply embedded in Uruguay’s culture and history, Tannat became this South American country’s signature grape variety for many reasons.
Since its introduction in the 19th century by Pascal Harriague, this Basque grape variety found a natural home in Uruguay - well suited to its moderate, coastal climate and consistently outperforming all other varieties.
“We didn’t choose Tannat - Tannat chose us!” laughs renowned vigneron and viticulturist Reinaldo De Lucca.
As plantings expanded throughout the country, Tannat became the undisputed champion of Uruguayan wine, thriving in every one of its many wine regions. Ranging from the terra rossa soils and higher-altitude vineyards of Rivera, bordering Brazil to the north east, down to the river gravels and silts of Colonia, bordering the River Plate in the south west, Tannat has proven its adaptability to Uruguay’s diverse terroirs. But more than just a versatile grape variety, Tannat has become deeply intwined with the nation’s culture and gastronomy.
Tannat and beef is very much part of the staple diet in Uruguay
In Uruguay, where cows outnumber people three to one, beef is a way of life. The country boasts one of the highest per capita beef consumption rates in the world, and the traditional ‘asado’ — a communal, fire-grilled barbecue — is an essential part of the social and family life of Uruguayans.
“Tannat is the natural partner to Uruguayan asado,” says fourth-generation vigneron Daniel Pisano, who even has an asado grill installed in the family winery’s tasting room. It is hard to disagree as rounds of juicy, flame-grilled meat and vegetables come off the fire. Their RPF Tannat’s refreshing acidity and firm tannins with its spicy, smokey complexity make for an ideal match.
While traditionally known for its bold, structured reds, Tannat in Uruguay has evolved into a multifaceted variety. Uruguayan winemakers have truly tamed Tannat, and created a range of styles for every occasion.
The wave of lighter, fruit-driven unoaked Tannat wines offer a refreshing counterpart to the traditional, aged Tannat wines, and are embodied by many wineries including Proyecto Nakkal, Pablo Fallabrino, Viña Edén, and Establecimiento Juanicó.
There are also a host of juicy, approachable Tannat blends, with Cabernet Franc, Marselan, Merlot, and even Viognier and Petit Mansang, making attractive bedfellows with the variety.
Tannat: Bold, structured and now making award-winning wine that are helping to raise the profile and reputation of Uruguayan wine
And, as a true testimony to its versatility, there are sweet Licor de Tannat fortified wines, and even sparkling Tannat on offer today.
As Uruguay marks Tannat Day on April 14, commemorating 131 years since the passing of its pioneer Pascal Harriague, it’s the perfect time to explore this iconic grape.
10 Tannat wines for your list
Bouza, Tannat B6 Parcela Unica, 2021
One of the most sought-after sub-regions of Canelones, this is the Bouza family’s top selection from Las Violetas. A seductive nose of ripe plums, wild herbs and floral notes leads to a smooth, full bodied red with supple, ripe tannins.
Jeroboams, £47
https://jeroboams.co.uk/product/2021-bouza-tannat-b6-parcela-unica-gift-box-las-violetas-canelones/
Castel Pujol, Folkore Tinto Tannat, 2022
Coming from the region of Rivera, this Tannat is not only unique for its terroir but also its vinification — made on the skins of white grape Petit Manseng. The result is a perfumed, supple and refreshing red with notes of citrus zest and sour cherries.
Dvinecellars, £17
https://dvinecellars.com/products/castel-pujol-folklore-tinto-tannat-petit-manseng-rivera-uruguay
Latitude Wine
https://latitudewine.co.uk/products/castel-pujol-folklore-tinto
Cerro del Toro, Tannat Clasico, 2020
This is the unoaked and refreshing entry wine from the beautiful Cerro del Toro estate, just a stone’s throw from the coast in Maldonado. Lively, fresh and with juicy black fruit and liquorice notes.
£14.99, Wines of Uruguay
https://www.winesofuruguay.co.uk/shop/red-wine/cerro-del-toro-tannat-clasico-2020/
De Lucca, Reserve Tannat, 2024
One of the stalwarts of Canelones, Reinaldo De Lucca makes this ripe and smooth Tannat from his sustainable vines in El Colorado. By dropping the yield through green harvesting, he achieves round and supple tannins, and rich bramble fruit expression.
£11.95, The Wine Society
https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/de-lucca-reserve-tannat-2024-en.aspx
Familia Deicas, Extreme Vineyard Subsuelo Corte Unico, 2022
This Tannat blend with Merlot comes from one of the most calcareous soils in Uruguay, in the region of Garzón in Maldonado — just 19 km from the sea. Winemaker Santiago Deicas loves a challenge and this ‘extreme’ site produces distinctive aromas of blackcurrants, wild herbs and citrus peel with a lively yet elegant finish.
£32.64, Great Wines Direct
Garzon, Petit Close Block 212 Tannat, 2018
A complex yet vibrant Tannat from one of the most iconic contemporary producers in Uruguay, Garzón in Maldonado. Coming from a select block of vines on granitic soil, the wine is packed with energy and shows layers of spices, tobacco and red fruit.
£43.05, VINVM
https://www.vinvm.co.uk/find-a-winery/bodega-garzon/bodega-garzon-petit-clos-block-212-tannat-2018
Pablo Fallabrino, Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine, NV
Although Pablo Fallabrino is well known for his unoaked Tannat, this sweet dessert wine is his most sought-after! Get it before it goes. Made combining the techniques of Marsala and Barolo chinato, it is an aromatised, sweet, fortified Tannat with irresistible notes of herbs, chocolate and vanilla.
The Good Wine Shop, £24
https://www.thegoodwineshop.co.uk/products/vinedo-de-los-vientos-alcyone-tannat-dessert-wine-nv
Pisano, Family Selection Grand Reserve Tannat, 2023
A structured and rich Tannat with dense bramble fruit and firm tannins. From one of the great family dynasties in Uruguay.
£17.50, The Wine Society
https://www.thewinesociety.com/product/pisano--family-selection-grand-reserve--tannat-2023/
Proyecto Nakkal, Simple Pet Nat Rose, 2022
Coming from the low intervention wines of Proyecto Nakkal, this pet nat rose is a joyful expression of Tannat — a pretty pink with vibrant notes of cherries, raspberries and wild herbs, it is creamy and fresh, with a fruit-driven but dry finish.
£17.95, Connolly’s Wine
https://www.connollyswine.co.uk/products/arwnak02
Viña Progreso, Revolution Tannat, 2022
One of the leading winemakers of the new generation, Gabriel Pisano’s revolutionary Tannat is intense and youthful with mouthwatering acidity, a firm spine of tannins and a heady nose of black forest fruit and spices. A perfect wine for asado.
£18, Hedonism
https://hedonism.co.uk/product/vina-progreso-revolution-tannat-2022
* You can find out more about Tannat Day here.
