The journey through Uruguay's 2024 wine vintage has been akin to navigating rough seas, with winemakers facing a tempest of extreme weather events.
Decanter's comprehensive overview sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of this tumultuous year, offering insights into the state of the country's wine industry.
Winter's Embrace and Spring's Promise
As the season unfolded, Uruguay found itself embraced by a winter marked by low temperatures and scant rainfall. Eduardo Félix, an agricultural engineer and technical advisor at Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura – Vinos del Uruguay (INAVI), noted the auspicious budding facilitated by the spring's compensation for the preceding winter's chill. Despite a dearth of rain during blossoming, the resilient vines flourished, laying the groundwork for a promising vintage.
However, the pace of ripening was slower than anticipated, as winemaker Santiago Deicas of Bodega Familia Deicas observed. With the exception of Albariño and Pinot Noir, grapes matured at a leisurely rate, resulting in lower alcohol levels and a remarkable natural freshness permeating the vineyards.
The February Heatwave: A Trial by Fire
Just as optimism began to bloom, Uruguay faced its fiercest adversary yet: a scorching February heatwave, making it the hottest on record globally. With temperatures soaring beyond 35 degrees Celsius, vines in eastern regions teetered on the brink of hydric stress, exacerbated by stony soils that retained minimal moisture. While the oceanic influence provided respite, irrigation emerged as a vital lifeline for parched vineyards, echoing the necessity highlighted in the preceding year.
Record Rains and Tannat's Triumphs and Tribulations
Following the tumult of the heatwave, relief gave way to dismay as March ushered in unprecedented rainfall, inundating regions across the country. While those who harvested before the deluge rejoiced in ideal ripeness and stellar quality, late-harvested Tannat suffered in the wake of the downpour. Eduardo Boido of Bodega Bouza lamented the plight of southern vineyards, where clay soils compounded the challenges posed by intense rains, leading to significant losses.
In the northern Rivera region, where a deluge preceded the spring rains, Tannat yields bore the brunt of nature's fury. Francisco Carrau of Bodega Cerro Chapeu recounted a season marred by diminished yields, with the harvest yielding 40% less than usual, a testament to the capriciousness of climate.
A Silver Lining: Quality Whites and Pinot Noirs
Despite the trials endured, there emerged a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity. The north's diminished yields paved the way for expedited harvesting before the onset of March rains, resulting in exceptional quality for white varieties. Carrau hailed the excellence of white wines, particularly Albariño, while Deicas championed the enduring appeal of Pinot Noir, harvested during the cool embrace of January's respite.
As the storm clouds of uncertainty dispersed, winemakers in Colonia celebrated a harvest unscathed by the deluge, reaping the rewards of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc of unparalleled quality. Rodolfo Bartora of Los Cerros de San Juan extolled the virtues of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat, affirming Uruguay's resilience in the face of adversity.
In Conclusion
Uruguay's 2024 vintage was a testament to resilience and adaptability, with winemakers navigating treacherous waters to secure a bountiful harvest. While the journey may have been fraught with challenges, the promise of exceptional whites and Pinot Noirs serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that even amidst the storm, there lies the opportunity for triumph and transformation in the world of wine.
Source: Decanter