Wine has been made in Uruguay for a long time. Like other Latin American countries whose growth was fueled by European immigration in the mid-19th century, wine was made to satisfy the thirst of those nostalgic for their homeland. Bordered by the Uruguay River, the Río de la Plata, and the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay today boasts 168 wineries, most of them family-owned, that between them produce 10 million cases to meet a current annual demand of around 20 liters (5.28 gallons) per capita.
Here are three excellent examples of Albariño from Uruguay:
2024 Bouza Albariño ($28)
Hailing from Galicia, the Bouza family were the first to plant Albariño in Uruguay, a variety that has now eclipsed Chardonnay to become the third most widely planted white grape.
This wine is produced from 100% Albariño that is undergoes pre-fermentation maceration for four hours. 90% of the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks while 10% is fermented in French oak barrels. It is then aged on-lees for four months. (ABV: 12.5%, Total Acidity: 3.9 g/L, pH:3.05, RS: 1.9 g/L).
This wine is pale gold in color with a delicate aromas. On the palate, this medium-light bodied wine has subtle flavors of nectarine and grapefruit and medium acidity. It finishes soft and smooth with hints of minerality and saline.
2024 Familia Deicas Atlantico Sur Albariño ($20)
Santiago Deicas grows Albariño at his estate vineyards in Canelones and Maldonado, and finds that he prefers the “explosive flavor” of the grape in the clay and calcareous soils of Juanicó, in Canelones.
Produced from 100% Albariño that is fermented and stored in a tank with lees stirring for several months. It is aged in chilled tanks for four to six months. (ABV: 12.3%, Total Acidity: 4.2 g/L, pH: 3.13)
This wine is medium gold in color with a light aroma. On the palate, this Albariño has flavors of nectarine and grapefruit and finishes with a slight hint of tartness.
2023 Bodega Garzón Single Vineyard Albariño ($35)
Antonio Antonini considered the granitic soils of Garzón and the rainy Atlantic climate when he suggested the team at Bodega Garzón plant Albariño—and they now produce three in each vintage. Their single vineyard used for this wine lies in its southern orientation that shelters the vines from the intense sunlight and direct exposure to the ocean breeze.
This wine is produced from 100% Albariño that is fermented in cement tanks before being aged on-lees for 8 months also in cement tanks. (ABV: 14%, TA: 7.6 g/L, pH: 3.21, RS: 2.7 g/L)
Medium gold in color with an aroma of honeydew. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has flavors of apricot and citrus along with medium-high acidity. The finish is balanced and smooth.
These three Albariño wines are excellent examples of the wines being produced in Uruguay. And, at these prices, are great fits as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Media Sample Provided by Bodega Bouza, Bodega Familia Deicas and Bodega Garzón