2018 Bouza, Monte Vide Eu, Uruguay

Bodega Bouza

Situated near Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, Bodega Bouza was established in 2000 by the Bouza family, who have a long history in agriculture.

The estate boasts around 35 hectares of vineyards, where they cultivate a variety of grape types, including the emblematic Tannat and Merlot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay, among others. The vineyards benefit from Uruguay's favourable climate and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which helps regulate temperatures and contributes to developing unique flavours in the grapes.

The winery combines traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create their wines. They blend age-old methods with cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest quality and expression of their terroir in every bottle.

Bodega Bouza's Tannat wines have garnered international recognition for their depth, complexity, and balanced tannins. Their portfolio also includes a diverse range of red and white wines, each showcasing the distinct characteristics of the grape varieties and the unique Uruguayan terroir.

Uruguay

Uruguay has a rich winemaking tradition dating back to the 19th century, and the country is known for producing high-quality wines despite its relatively small size in the global wine industry. The wine regions in Uruguay benefit from a favourable climate and soil conditions, making it conducive to cultivating various grape varieties.

The most widely planted grape variety is Tannat, often considered the country's flagship grape. It is a red variety known for its deep colour, high tannins, and bold flavours. Other red grape varieties commonly grown include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. On the white wine side, Albariño, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier are among the most popular types.

The country has several wine regions, the most prominent being Canelones and Maldonado, located near the capital, Montevideo. Canelones is the largest wine region and home to some of the country's oldest wineries. Other notable regions include Colonia and Rivera.

Uruguay's climate is characterised by warm summers and moderate winters, ideal for grape cultivation. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also influences the environment and provides a cooling effect, helping the grapes retain acidity and develop complex flavours. The terroir, combined with clay and limestone soils, contributes to the unique character of Uruguayan wines.

Sustainability practices are becoming increasingly crucial in Uruguayan winemaking. Many wineries adopt sustainable viticulture and winemaking techniques, emphasising organic and biodynamic practices.

Tannat

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.