Wines Maldonado Bodega Garzón - Single Vineyard Tannat - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Bodega Garzón’s Single Vineyard Tannat 2022 from Maldonado, Uruguay, is a remarkable expression of South America’s emblematic grape. Entirely dedicated to Tannat, this cuvée draws its character from carefully selected parcels, revealing the full potential of the grape variety. The 2022 vintage, marked by mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, has preserved both freshness and powerful structure in the wine. The grapes undergo meticulous hand-harvesting and are then vinified with a focus on extracting ripe tannins and expressive fruit, followed by a period of ageing—often in oak barrels—to bring depth, texture and subtle spice. The result is a deep, inky red with aromas of black fruits, violet, subtle eucalyptus, and sweet spice. On the palate, expect an ample body, concentrated dark fruit, firm yet polished tannins, and lingering notes of cocoa and graphite on the finish.

The Maldonado region, situated along Uruguay’s southeastern Atlantic coast, is making a name for itself with its unique microclimate and rocky soils. Characterised by cooling maritime breezes, moderate sunshine, and schist or granite-rich soils, the region offers ideal growing conditions for Tannat, contributing to refined tannic structure and a natural freshness in the wines. Maldonado’s relatively recent emergence on the global wine scene belies its great potential and the commitment of wineries like Garzón to sustainable viticulture and modern winemaking. Uruguay’s winemaking history, heavily influenced by European immigrants, finds a new voice in Maldonado’s expressive, terroir-driven wines.

For food pairing, this robust and structured Tannat shines alongside grilled meats such as Uruguayan beef asado, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or venison stew. Its intensity also pairs beautifully with mature hard cheeses, dishes featuring earthy mushrooms or root vegetables, and hearty bean and chorizo casseroles inspired by Basque traditions—a nod to the origins of Uruguayan Tannat.

Serve this wine at a temperature between 16 and 18°C to fully reveal its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins. Decanting for an hour before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and show its full personality. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit and character, or cellar for several years to encourage further integration and evolution.