Uruguayan wine

As in many South American countries were also in Uruguay the Spanish, who imported the wine end of the 18th century. But also in Uruguay very numerous Italian immigrants cultivated wine. From about 1870 began with commercial wine production.

Today 90-100,000 hectoliters are produced on about 10,000 acres in 270 mostly small businesses. The main growing regions are located around the capital Montevideo in the department of Canelones, where about 60% of production incurred. Most of the smaller areas are located along the river Uruguay and the Río de la Plata. The climate in Uruguay is humid and subtropical warm, due to the proximity to the sea or to the Río de la Plata, however, the main growing area is similar to the Médoc well ventilated.

The oldest vine in Uruguay is Tannat, which was imported in 1875 by Pascual Harriague from the French Basque country.

Other varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah (red ) and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc, Moscatel, Frontignan, Riesling, Semillón, Muscatel ottonel and Torrontes ( white wine).