South America has earned, and rightfully so, a well-deserved reputation as a key player in the global wine industry, with Argentina and Chile leading the charge. These countries have long been celebrated for their rich, flavourful wines, which have found favour with wine enthusiasts around the world. However, beyond these well-known giants, there are lesser-known gems in South America that are quietly making waves in the wine world and today we explore one of them: Uruguay.
This small yet dynamic country is steadily gaining recognition for its unique wines, offering a fresh perspective on what the southern continent can bring to the table. When one thinks about wines from the southernmost regions of the Americas, the likely first names that come to mind are undoubtedly Argentina, famous for its robust Malbecs, and Chile, its signature Carmenère. Both countries have invested heavily in their wine industries, benefiting from favourable climates, diverse terroirs, and long history of viticulture.
This has resulted in their wines being staples in wine shops and restaurants around the globe. But the South American wine scene is more than just Argentina and Chile. Brazil’s sparkling wines and fruity reds, along with Uruguay’s distinct take on Tannat, are not only capturing the attention of vinophiles but have been emerging as significant players in the global marketplace.
Each country brings something unique to the table, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavours and styles that define South American wine. Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is one of the most important countries in the Latin American wine world. Boasting a location that lies at the same latitude as Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, its temperate climate favours the cultivation of vines throughout its territory with ample sunshine and cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, making it an excellent environment for producing high-quality wines.
While it may not be the first country you think of when it comes to wine, since its wine industry is relatively young compared to its neighbours, Uruguay’s commitment to quality over quantity has allowed it to produce vintages that are ever-increasing in recognition on the global stage. The country’s vineyards are smaller and more focused on crafting wines that reflect the unique characteristics of their terroir. This attention to detail and dedication to quality has paid off resulting in Uruguayan bodegas securing top 50 placements in the World’s Best Vineyards rankings.
Today we feature the wines of one such winery: Bodega Garzón. Located in the picturesque region of Maldonado, close to the ‘riviera’ at Punta del Este which is known as the ‘Saint Tropez of South America’ owing to its beaches, yachts and bustling summer season, Bodega Garzón has quickly established itself as one of the leading wineries in South America since its inception.The vineyards are planted on ancient granitic soils that are over 2,500 million years old, a feature that significantly contributes to the unique terroir of the wines.
The influence of the Atlantic Ocean, lying a mere 18 kilometres away, provides a cooling effect that enhances the acidity and freshness of the grapes. This location is particularly favourable for growing Tannat, Uruguay’s signature grape variety, which thrives in the local climate and soils. Bodega Garzón has rapidly gained international recognition, winning the title of “New World Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in 2019 in addition to ranking number 6 among the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023.
The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation has also been a hallmark of its success as its facility is designed to use gravity flow systems to minimise energy usage, in addition to hand-harvesting all grapes to ensure the highest quality. Since producing its first vintage in 2010, Bodega Garzón has expanded its production capacity to 2 million litres per year, making it the largest winery in Uruguay. The estate produces a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, all of which reflect the unique characteristics of the region.
In this issue, Thursday Food features five outstanding labels from this award-winning bodega: Garzón Single Vineyard Albariño , a 100 per cent varietal with its very elegant pale yellow colour, is an Albariño that surprises with a fresh and vibrant nose that reminds us of tropical fruits, along with some citrus with subtle floral notes. On the palate it is round and fresh in body with a saline and mineral combination that transforms it into a wine with a marked notion of terroir. Garzón Estate Pinot Grigio de Corte is a 100 per cent varietal that is delicate, fruity and medium-bodied with notes of pear and apple on the nose.
On the palate, citrus notes are accentuated, with its unbeatable acidity offering a delicious freshness. Garzón Field Blend Orange is a wine born from the union of five fantastic varieties — Riesling, Verdejo, Vermentino, Petit Manseng and Albariño — and has an intense yellow colour due to contact with the skins. With a smooth and fresh body, this wine has a rich acidity that makes it very elegant, while expressing floral, compote and honey aromas.
Garzón Extra Brut , comprising 80 per cent Chardonnay, 20 per cent Pinot Noir, has a pale yellow colour with greenish reflections along with fine and well-integrated bubbles. It exhibits aromas of citrus, lime, pear and stone fruits. Fresh and light on the palate, with good acidity and minerality, it is elegant and delicate with a long finish.
Garzón Rosé Brut Nature is a salmon-coloured, 100 per cent Pinot Noir with coral reflections that has bubbles which are fine and continuous. The nose is frank with notes of ripe red fruit (cherries, strawberries) combined with aromas of ageing. In the mouth, the finish is long, fresh and mineral.
Today, Bodega Garzón is a symbol of Uruguay’s growing reputation in the global wine industry as its wines are exported to numerous countries, including the United States and Brazil, its largest markets. The winery continues to be a leading example of what can be achieved when innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land come together to create something truly extraordinary. As Uruguay carves out a niche for itself in the global wine landscape, its unique taste, among the vintages of South America is sure to charm your palate, while leaving a lasting impression.
Salud!.
