Uruguay — wine

Canelones DO

Canelones, south of Montevideo, is Uruguay's wine heartland, producing over 60% of the country's wine. The region is centred on the French-origin Tannat grape — a high-tannin Pyrenean variety that has become Uruguay's signature red, producing wines of extraordinary structure and antioxidant content. Uruguay's Atlantic maritime influence moderates temperatures, producing Tannat of surprisingly refined tannins compared to the Madiran originals. Bodega Garzón (south, in Maldonado) and Pisano are leading estates. Viognier has also emerged as a successful white variety.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good conditions; consistent quality across the DO's established producers.
2022 Exceptional vintage; Canelones wines earning medals at international competitions.
2021 Fine vintage; wines showing the variety's capacity for elegance alongside power.
2020 Outstanding conditions; Uruguayan Tannat achieving international recognition.
2019 Good vintage; Atlantic breezes preserved freshness in what was a warm year.
2018 Landmark Canelones vintage — Tannat of exceptional concentration and balanced tannins.