Since my last three articles all featured white wines, I’ve been in the mood to talk about some reds. So today I’ve chosen some all around unique wines made with an obscure grape grown in some equally unheard of places.
The grape is Tannat and the regions are Madiran, in the south west of France, and Uruguay. Madiran is the best known traditional homeland of Tannat, while Uruguay is one of the few countries with significant plantings and exports of the varietal, adopting the grape in much the same way that Argentina has done with Malbec and Chile has with Carmenere.
The Tannat grape is known for its intensity and powerful earthiness. Almost something like a cross between the rustic flavors and aromas of a Spanish Tempranillo and the inky depth of Petit Verdot, this varietal brings a very unique drinking experience that can be hard to pin down. Tannic and bold with an unbridled wild side, no matter whether you go with the classic, leaner wines of Madiran or the bigger, more fruit forward wines of Uruguay, you’re in for something different when you pick up a Tannat.
Wine #1: Domaine du Moulie 2005 Madiran
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Gamey and earthy on the nose, this wine shows notes of saddle leather, vineyard dust, and black pepper with dried pomegranate and dried black currant.
Red fruit drives the palate, showing notes of red currants and dried pomegranate combined with leather and a very clear stone and soil quality. Dusty with plenty of gripping tannins, this is a very food friendly wine that would be a great match for a steak on the grill.
Worth Trying. 87 points.
Wine #2: Pizzorno Family Estates 2004 “Don Prospero” Canelones Tannat
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Dark notes of ripe cherry and berry give way to a yeastiness on the nose. A streak of green tea, dark stone, and rose bush also make an appearance with some tar and asphalt coming through with a spin in the glass.
Initially ripe but dusty, this wine is loaded with dark stone and asphalt tones. Blackberry, not entirely ripe black plum, and vanilla also show on the palate. A somewhat unusual wine, with lots of earthiness and an almost green acidity, if you’re looking for something different, this could be a wine…
Worth Trying. 87 points.
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