Blog Article - Tannat | sample
A Tannat guide for Malbec Lovers
When we think about Argentina, it is easy to let our minds connect with Tango flair, fantastic meat, and all the deliciousness of the glass of Malbec. Most of us are yet missing out on the magic behind its closest neighbor Uruguay, home of Tannat, and one of the rising stars among the wine connoisseurs around the globe. Grab your glass, and discover with us Uruguay's hidden gem!
Are you a Malbec Lover? Are you curious for Argentinian Culture?
Argentina and Uruguay have a lot of cultural similarities. Both are significantly influenced by the gaucho (cowboy) tradition. Both were colonized by Spain and share a tremendous European influence, and they are undeniably some of the best meat producers in the world. Not surprisingly, their wines share some great similarities too.
What do Malbec and Tannat have in common?
Color expression and fruit character.
Argentinian Malbecs are juicy and fruit-forward, developing a wide range of red and dark fruit, mainly plum, black cherries, and blackberries. Most complex Malbec can display a flowery character, with notes of leather, chocolate, and tobacco. In the palate, they are rich, rounded, with a soft mouthfeel and balanced acidity. When it comes to color, Malbec is known to show a pretty dark color, with deep purple hues in the glass.
Similarly, Tannat can display lots of red fruit, especially raspberry, and also plum and black licorice. When oaked aged, it shows notes of espresso, dark chocolate, cardamom, vanilla, and smoky hints. Tannat is known to have an intense color and powerful tannins. Lucky us, the Uruguayan winemakers have a toolbox full of techniques to soften those grippy tannins. Typically, Tannat has a medium body, moderate alcohol, and a persistent length.
No wonder why both Malbec and Tannat makes a fantastic pairing with a juicy piece of steak!
Did you know?
It is believed that Tannat gets its name from the French, named after its unique tannic structure.
Tannat and Malbec are originally from southern France.
Malbec (also known as Cot), was the most widely spread vine throughout southwest France, especially Cahors, until the severe winter of 1956 that killed many of the vines. After that, most vignerons chose to replant those varieties today known as "Bordeaux," led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It was introduced to Argentina by the French viticulturist Michel Pouget in 1868. Tannat, also originally from South-West France, was brought to Uruguay in 1986 by Pedro Jáuregui, who planted the first Tannat cuttings in 1861. They apparently came via his paternal grandfather from the estate of Louis XVI.
These two particular varieties with thick skin, deep color, and intense tannins were often used in France as blend components and did found in the warmth of South America, the perfect climate to tame this powerful monsters into beautiful and expressive single varieties. On top of that, the Tannat vines growing in the Americas are subtly different from those found in France, making Uruguayan Tannat lower in the tannins for which Madiran has long been known.
Tannat has also migrated with relative ease and is now planted in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and even California, Colorado, Oregon, and Virginia.
Tannat and Malbec are very terroir-driven and have found their home in South America.
It is out of a discussion that both Tannat and Malbec have found their new home in South America, and they are kings of their new lands. As winemakers dare to plant them in different climates, they have started to understand how climate-sensitive both varieties are and to evaluate the different expressions of these wines.
While Mendoza in Argentina is high altitude and has a desertic climate surrounded by mountains, Uruguay is relatively humid, and the coastal areas have strong oceanic influence from the Atlantic and green rolling hills. What's does it really mean? As Uruguay's climate is humid, at sea level, seasonal, and limestone soils rich in calcium, it is technically the closest in South America to Bordeaux. It is fair to say then, that Uruguayan wines are closer in structure, style, and taste to Old World than they are to the New World.
When it comes to New World success stories, there are plenty of labels to reference as great reds of South America. Argentina has become the absolute king of Malbec with Catena Zapata as number one leader. Never the less, Uruguay remains still as a hidden gem and is slowly becoming one of the most promising upcoming wine regions of the world. Boosted by Bodega Garzón, a pioneer that's just starting to gain global awareness.
In a nutshell: Uruguay is the continent's fourth-largest wine producer, looking to up its game on export markets.
What makes Tannat unique?
-Smaller Producers
Keeping a tradition of smallholdings, the average vineyard size in Uruguay is only five hectares. There are over 3,500 growers spread over a country that is slightly smaller than the State of Missouri.
-Transparency and Sustainability
According to Martin Lopez at Wines of Uruguay, an "ambitious plan that is funded by the National Wine Institute (INAVI). The intention is that by the end of 2018, every bottle of Uruguayan wine will have its geo-referencing QR code on the label”
-It is one of the healthiest varietals.
Tannat has high levels of antioxidants, like Resveratrol.
-Blend Affinity
Tannat is known to be a great Blending partner. If you happen to come across a bottle of Either Tannat-Viognier blend or Tannat-Merlot, grab it! Blends from Uruguay offer great value for money, and Uruguayans are quite proud of these styles.
What to drink under 20 bucks?
https://www.wine.com/product/bodega-garzon-uruguay-reserve-tannat-2017/519888
90 points Wine Enthusiast
"For textbook modern Uruguayan Tannat, look no further than this. A ripe black-fruit aroma melds with flowers, while this is smooth and balanced on the palate. Blackberry and spiced plum flavors are lightly touched by oak and peppery spice, with a steady finish that brings this home".
https://www.wine.com/product/catena-malbec-2017/543818
90 points Wine & Spirits
"Marked by herbal notes and violet aromas, this has the stamp of Uco Valley in its fresh flavors of black cherries. Its acidity is tense, balanced by the ripe flavors in an enchanting finish, lasting on the scent of flowers".