Bodega Garzón Single Vineyard Tannat 2023
A powerful yet remarkably polished expression of Uruguay's signature grape variety, produced from one of the coolest and most distinctive vineyard sites on the Garzón estate.
Made from 100% Tannat, it combines ripe cherry, strawberry and black plum with layers of tobacco, dark chocolate and spice. Extended maturation for 12–18 months in large, untoasted French oak casks adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
Full-bodied and structured, but with the freshness for which Garzón has become known, this is a sophisticated alternative for those who enjoy Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or other powerful, structured reds.
Uruguay
Garzón
Tannat
750ml
14.5%
2023
Single Vineyard
GarzónBodega Garzón is situated in Garzón, Uruguay, approximately 18 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. Its hillside vineyards are divided into more than 1,000 individual blocks, with variations in exposure, humidity and microclimate allowing individual varieties to be matched closely to particular sites.
The vineyard selected for the Single Vineyard Tannat is cooler than many other blocks on the estate, with steep slopes, thin soils and excellent drainage, particularly due to the prevalence of ballast in the upper soil layers.
The 2023 is 100% Tannat, fermented in 80-hectolitre concrete tanks before spending 12–18 months in 25 and 50-hectolitre untoasted French oak casks. The use of large-format, untoasted oak is important: it provides maturation and complexity without imparting the heavy vanilla character associated with smaller, heavily toasted barrels.
This is a full-bodied, structured dry red, but considerably more refined than Tannat's reputation for being an aggressively tannic variety might suggest.
Expect black plum, cherry and strawberry, followed by tobacco, dark chocolate and warming spice.
The Atlantic influence and Garzón's distinctive rocky soils help retain freshness, preventing the wine from becoming excessively heavy despite its 14.5% ABV and substantial structure.
If you enjoy Argentinian Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or powerful Bordeaux-style reds, this offers something a little different.
In simple terms: powerful, dark and structured, but polished and fresh – premium Uruguayan Tannat.
- Nose: Elegant and complex despite the wine's considerable power, with cherries, strawberries and black plum accompanied by tobacco, dark chocolate and a background of spice.
- Palate: Full-bodied, juicy and fresh, with concentrated dark fruit and the firm structure characteristic of Tannat. The tannins are substantial but balanced, while restrained French oak adds texture and complexity.
- Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering black fruit, spice, dark chocolate and a subtle touch of oak.
- Roast Lamb – probably the classic pairing for Uruguayan Tannat.
- Grilled Steak – the wine's structure and tannins are ideal with richly flavoured beef.
- Duck Cassoulet – particularly good with the wine's savoury and spicy character.
- Slow-Cooked Beef – rich dishes soften the Tannat's substantial structure.
- Parmesan & Mature Cheese – concentrated flavours stand up well to this powerful red.
- Game – venison and other richly flavoured meats are excellent partners.
- Serve at 14–16°C, which is the producer's recommendation – slightly cooler than many people would instinctively serve a red of this weight
- 45–60 minutes in a decanter before drinking. A large Bordeaux-style glass will also help soften the structure and open the fruit and spice.
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