Tannat
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Bodega Gimenez Mendez,
Drink now,
There are few places that don’t produce wine today. Uruguay is just one, where sites with potential are being discovered, and a signature style is being set. Tannat is the grape that they hang their hat on. This example comes from Giménez Méndez, a family-run producer. Its name, literally meaning “100 years”, refers to the estate’s foundation in 1874, as this wine was first introduced 100 years later in 1974.
In its homeland in south-west France, Tannat has a reputation for density and toughness. The power of the wine is still evident in this Uruguayan version (a speciality of the country) but this is broad and with some succulence. One for fans of Argentinian Malbec.
In its homeland in south-west France, Tannat has a reputation for density and toughness. The power of the wine is still evident in this Uruguayan version (a speciality of the country) but this is broad and with some succulence. One for fans of Argentinian Malbec.
Bottle
£11.50
Case price (12)
£125.40
Saving
£12.60
Bottle 12 x 75cl 18cs
£78.48
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Bottle
£19.95
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£215.40
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£24.00
Bottle 12 x 75cl 10cs
£153.48
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Domaine Pichard,
Ready, but will keep,
Cuvée Aimé is the Pichard wine which has been aged in new barrique. The blend is 85% Tannat and 15% Cabernet Franc and the ageing has been for sixteen months. Still youthful in the terms of Madiran chronology and therefore a little foursquare, the wine has a dark brooding soul and chewy precocious tannins. Patience will certainly be rewarded, as all those who know and understand Madiran will fully appreciate!
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Bottle
£33.95
Case price (12)
£366.60
Saving
£40.80
Bottle 12 x 75cl 11cs
£279.48
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Tannat is best known as the dominant grape variety in Madiran, Southwest France's most famous red wine. The grape probably originated in the Basque country and almost certainly derives its French name from its high tannin levels. It is a thick-skinned grape variety that produces deeply coloured, well-structured wines that can be tough and austere in youth. However with ageing the massive tannins round out while the wine develops nuances of spices, coffee, cocoa, and vanilla.
In Madiran it is blended (typically 60-70%) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Fer. The only other country where Tannat is seriously grown is Uruguay, where it was planted by Basque settlers in the 19th century. It is known as Harriague in Uruguay and recently plantings have spread over the border into Argentina.