Uruguay — wine

Canelones Wine Region

Department surrounding Montevideo; maritime-influenced plateau climate with Atlantic breezes. Clay and sandy loam soils. Tannat is Uruguay's signature grape (brought by Basque immigrants in the 1870s) — producing here wines of deep colour and tannin that are less austere than Madiran, the French original. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir also produced. 70% of Uruguay's wine comes from Canelones.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Good Atlantic growing season; Bouza Tannat achieved excellent ripeness; maritime conditions provided natural freshness
2021 Outstanding Canelones vintage; Tannat Monte Vide Eu from 2021 receiving high international critical praise
2020 Good conditions; Tannat from clay-loam maritime soils showing softened tannin characteristic of Uruguay's style
2019 Classic Uruguay vintage; Bouza range showing full potential; Albariño particularly impressive from maritime climate
2018 Variable conditions; Atlantic rainfall benefited Canelones; Tannat ripened well with good colour and structure
2017 Good growing season; Tannat showed characteristic softness; Bouza Tannat Reserve from this year praised internationally
2016 Benchmark Uruguay vintage; Canelones Tannat wines received Decanter recognition; new era for Uruguayan premium wine