Nestled between the renowned wine regions of Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is carving out its own niche in the world of wine. This small South American country, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, is generating increasing interest among wine enthusiasts and collectors, particularly for its Tannat wines.
Despite Tannat’s reputation as a lesser-known grape compared to the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, Uruguay’s emergence on the global stage is noteworthy and influencing price trends in the wine market.
Uruguay’s Tannat: A Robust Tradition
The story of Uruguayan wine is inextricably linked to Tannat, a robust and tannic red grape variety that originated in the Pyrenees region of France. Tannat was brought to Uruguay by 19th-century Basque settlers, and its genetic lineage has remained relatively unchanged since then. However, modern Tannat clones from France have introduced higher alcohol levels and more straightforward structures, diversifying the profiles of wines produced from this grape.
Tannat's prominence in Uruguayan wine is reflected in its prevalence among the country’s most expensive offerings. It’s worth noting that while Tannat wines generally do not command the same high prices as some other varietals, the quality and reputation of Uruguayan Tannat are starting to shift this dynamic.
Most Expensive Uruguayan Wines by Wine-Searcher:
This is the first time Uruguay has been included in our Most Expensive series, and the list reveals a significant focus on Tannat. Here’s a snapshot of the most expensive Uruguayan wines based on their global average retail prices (GARP):
- Familia Deicas Massimo Deicas Tannat, Juanico - Score: 90, Average Price: USD 110 (EUR 102)
- Pisano Axis Mundi Gran Reserva Tannat, Progreso - Score: 93, Average Price: USD 109 (EUR 100)
- Bodega Garzon Estate Balasto, Maldonado - Score: 93, Average Price: USD 97 (EUR 89)
- Pisano Etxe Oneko, Progreso - Score: 91, Average Price: USD 85 (EUR 78)
- Pizzorno Family Estates Primo Red, Canelones - Score: 93, Average Price: USD 84 (EUR 77)
- Familia Deicas Preludio Barrel Select Red, Juanico - Score: 91, Average Price: USD 69 (EUR 63)
- Bouza Monte Vide Eu, Montevideo - Score: 92, Average Price: USD 67 (EUR 61)
- Bouza A6 Parcela Unica Tannat, Montevideo - Score: 91, Average Price: USD 65 (EUR 60)
- Bodega Garzon Petit Clos Tannat, Maldonado - Score: 94, Average Price: USD 59 (EUR 54)
- Bodega Garzon Petit Clos Albariño, Maldonado - Score: 94, Average Price: USD 59 (EUR 54)
- Bodega Garzon Petit Clos Cabernet Franc, Maldonado - Score: 93, Average Price: USD 59 (EUR 54)
- Bouza B6 Parcela Unica Tannat, Canelones - Score: 90, Average Price: USD 59 (EUR 54)
- Bracco Bosca Gran Ombu Cabernet Franc, Canelones - Score: 92, Average Price: USD 59 (EUR 54)
Notably, there are 13 wines listed in our top 10 due to ties in GARP. The dominance of Tannat is clear, with only a few wines in the list being non-Tannat varieties, such as Albariño and Cabernet Franc.
Uruguay’s Competitive Advantage
Uruguay’s wine industry is still in its nascent stages compared to established wine regions like France, Italy, and Spain. However, the country’s wines are currently priced much lower than the most expensive offerings from Argentina or New Zealand. This presents a significant opportunity for collectors and wine enthusiasts looking to diversify their collections with emerging and high-quality options.
Uruguayan wines are not only affordable but also offer impressive critic scores. For example, the top-scoring Uruguayan wine on our list, Familia Deicas Massimo Deicas Tannat, is rated higher than some of its New Zealand counterparts. This combination of quality and value makes Uruguayan wine an attractive proposition for those looking to explore new horizons in their wine collections.
Rising Prices and Future Prospects
Over the past decade, Uruguayan wine prices have increased by an average of around 25%. While this is not a dramatic rise, it reflects growing recognition and demand for Uruguayan wines. As the international market becomes more aware of Uruguay’s unique offerings, prices are expected to continue their gradual ascent.
In summary, Uruguay is emerging as a noteworthy player in the wine world, with its Tannat wines leading the charge. The current pricing of Uruguayan wines, combined with their quality, presents a compelling case for collectors and enthusiasts to invest in this rising wine region. As the world catches on to the charm of Uruguayan wine, it is likely that its presence and influence in the global wine market will continue to grow.
Source: Wine-Searcher