Tuesday, March 25, 2014

March 2014 - Carla Bertolotti - Wines of Uruguay

We've had Carla along before, trying single handledly to raise the profile of Uruguayan wine in this country. And its a worthy task - some very good wines, good value and not easy to find.

Carla brought along a full AV presentation of her trip last summer to Uruguay, to meet several of the winegrowers, and I know some of the members were very taken by the chance to see the actual people behind the wines. We had a great turnout - 40 people - standing room only (literally) as we only had 38 chairs!!

We had a couple of whites to start, then mostly Tannats, Uruguays top grape variety.

VDV Estival 2012 - 60% Gewurtztraminer, 30% Charonnay, 10% Moscato Bianco. 12.5% £11
Bodegones Viognier Vineyard Select 2011 - 13.5% £9.50

Bodegones Marselan Vineyard Select 2011 (Cabernet/Grenache Cross) - £9.50
Bodegones Tannat 2012 - £8
De Lucca Tannat Libero 2010 (5-10% Nero D'Avola/Sangiovese) - 13% £11
Bodegones Tannat Private collection 2010 - 13% £13
Marichal Reserve Collection Pinot Noir/Tannat 2010 - 13% £13

VDV Alcyone Tannat Dessert Wine 16% £19 (1/2 bottle)

First off, the Pinot Noir/Tannat blend was controversial - a veritable marmite of a wine - I certainly did not like it.
The Alcyone dessert was superb, christmas cake in a glass, all those usual descrptions - excellent.e
Whites - good  and good value
Reds - All good, and for me the best was the cheapest (maybe thats just me) but at £8, the Bodegones Tannat is a steal.

Get them all from www.winesofuruguay.co.uk