Tannat is a red-wine grape that originally came from the Basque country, on the border between France and Spain. It is known for producing full-bodied wines with strong tannin and acidity. Today, it is Uruguay’s flagship grape amounting for 27% of its total wine grape production.

The Tannat vines growing in Uruguay, and throughout the Americas, are slightly different from those found in today’s French vineyards. This is because they are some of the oldest Tannat vines that are direct descendants of the pre-phylloxera cuttings shipped across the Atlantic in the 19th Century. The result is that Uruguayan Tannat is actually slightly lower in tannin than those still being grown in France.

Here are a few facts about Tannat in Uruguay:

• Tannat was first planted in Uruguay in the 1870

• Tannat is well-adapted to the soil type in Uruguay and its climate

• Tannat is a relatively thick-skinned grape. This is beneficial in Uruguay due to the high humidity conditions during growing season

• Tannat is thought to have been introduced to Uruguay by Don Pascual Harriague (1819-1984) who was a winegrower from the French Basque country. Tannat was originally referred to as Harriague (ar-rē-a-gāy) in Uruguay. He has since been honored on a postage stamp in Uruguay celebrating 200 years since his birth

• Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon were cross-breed to create Arinarnoa which is being grown in Uruguay

• Tannat can be blended with other grapes such as Viognier (stay tuned for this in an up-coming Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week feature!)

• Tannat grapes are also being used to produce a wonderful rosé Vermouth (stay tuned for this in an up-coming Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week feature!)

As noted, some really super Tannat-based wines are being produced in Uruguay and will be featured as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week in upcoming blogs. Until then, Cheers!