The top wines to try on Tannat Day this year

Pascual Harriague ushered in Uruguay’s modern wine industry by planting the country’s first commercial Tannat vineyard in the late 19^th century. The Basque agronomist was determined to put the South American country on the wine map after moving to Salto in 1838. Most of the grapes he planted failed to flourish in northwest Uruguay’s humid, maritime climate, but he finally struck gold with Tannat.

The thick-skinned grape often struggles in its native France, but it relishes the humid climate, loamy soils and Atlantic breezes in Salto. Tannat quickly emerged as the crown jewel of Uruguay’s wine industry, and Harriague gained legendary status.

He died on April 14, 1894, but his legacy lives on at vineyards across Uruguay. To celebrate his pioneering work, Uruguay’s National Viticulture Institute declared that April 14 will forever be known as Tannat Day. The annual celebration started out as a Uruguayan event, but it has steadily gained international attention. It’s a fitting tribute to a tough, uncompromising grape variety that defied the odds to become a national treasure.

Scroll down to discover 10 award-winning Tannat wines from around the world

Basque roots, Atlantic soul

Uruguay has always punched above its weight on the international stage. The country is tucked in between two mighty neighbours, Argentina and Brazil, and it has a population of just 3.5 million. However, that hasn’t stopped Uruguay from becoming a major player in several fields.

It’s the global leader for clean energy, the football team has won two World Cups, and Uruguay also hosts Mercosur, the South American common market. Yet Uruguay never really made much of an impact in the global wine industry – until Tannat came along.

The grape originated in the foothills of the Pyrénées, in and around the French appellation of Madiran. Tannat’s name hints at its defining trait: tannin. In France, it built a reputation for producing dense, powerful reds that demanded years of cellaring before they became approachable. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc was the traditional strategy for softening its edges, and Madiran’s appellation rules still require it. French kings once accepted Madiran wines as payment for taxes, but the variety never achieved the fame of its Bordeaux neighbours.

In Uruguay, everything changed. The country’s humid climate and abundant sunshine coaxed a gentler side out of Tannat, producing wines with softer tannins, riper dark fruit and a freshness that its French counterparts often lack.

A grape of many faces

More than 150 years of experience have taught Uruguayan winemakers how to handle Tannat’s formidable structure through gentle macerations, careful use of oak and, increasingly, minimal intervention. Today, Tannat accounts for around a quarter of all vineyard plantings in Uruguay.

Winemakers now produce everything from vibrant, unoaked reds to structured wines that can age for more than a decade. You’ll also find crisp Tannat rosés, fizzy pét-nats, and even sparkling Tannat – proof that this variety has a creative streak to match its muscle.

Meanwhile, back in Madiran, a new generation of French winemakers is rediscovering Tannat with a lighter touch, and plantings are appearing in Brazil, California, Texas and beyond. Yet Uruguay remains the grape’s undisputed heartland. This April 14, do as the Uruguayans do: fire up the grill, pour a glass and toast the grape that helped make the country famous.

Argentina

Colomé, El Camino, Calchaquíes, Salta 2023
Gold, 95 points
Muscular smoky tannins, a weighty cedar oak structure and precise, defining acidity infiltrate the ripe bramble fruit harmony. Lengthy and sustaining with a chocolate infusion to end. Alcohol 14.5%

Brazil

Cerro da Cruz, Assemblage, Campanha Gaúcha 2022
Silver, 90 points
Aromatic and inviting nose, showing jammy fruit aromas with touches of coffee. Bright acidity, very polished on the palate. Alc 13%

France

Mont d'Oraàs, Villa Bys, IGP Béarn, Southwest France 2020
Gold, 96 points
Sophisticated dark cherries, dried tarragon and savoury notes spill out onto the voluptuous palate abounding with concentrated cured meat and pure fruit vigour to the end. Alc 14.5%

Plaimont, Néo Mad, Madiran, Southwest France 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
Immersive mixed red berry fruit and violet aromas which fan out over the rounded, supple structure; with soft tannins, fresh acidity and an ample, mouth-filling finish. Alc 13.5%

Marie Maria, Mont Durou, Madiran, Southwest France 2021
Silver, 91 points
Succulent black fruit aromas; subtle tannins, gentle spice and smoky oak on the palate. Alc 14%

Bergeyre Labadie, Réserve, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest France 2024
Silver, 90 points
Upfront fruit profile of dark fruits complemented by a touch of spice and delicate flowers. Vibrant and silky. Alc 13%

Plaimont, Apéro' Nautes, Madiran, Southwest France 2023
Silver, 90 points
Lifted and perfumed, with a nose of red fruit, then to a palate of black fruit, spice and chocolate. Alc 13.5%

Uruguay

Bodega Garzón, Reserva 2023
Gold, 96 points
Capacious notes of spiced blueberry compote, red florals and a squidge of balsamic; full of juicy tension and verve with a persuasive freshness that lingers. Alc 14%

Viña Edén, Eternamente Presente Tannat-Chardonnay, Maldonado 2024
Gold, 95 points
Stacked with bouncy bramble fruit and spicy tobacco fragrance emanating vibrancy and pizazz. Beautifully rounded with evanescent acidity and tannins which melt in the mouth. Alc 12.5%

Altos de José Ignacio, Reserva 2023
Silver, 92 points
Floral and fruity profile, with scents of tobacco, sage, blackberry compote and leathery nuances. Supple and juicy, ripe tannins. Alc 14%

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