Behind the Cork™ - A Couple of Delicious White Wines from Uruguay

Bordered by the Uruguay River, the Río de la Plata, and the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay today boasts 180 wineries, most of them family-owned, that between them produce 10 million cases of wine annually.

Uruguayan’s tend to prefer reds and over the last 30 years Uruguayan wine has become synonymous with Tannat. But, given the country’s oceanic climate, white wines influenced by the sea are now also beginning to attract attention as producers new and old look to venture into new territory. Uruguay is beginning to produce a growing range of flavors to tempt curious drinkers.

Here are two fine examples of delicious white wines from Uruguay:

2022 BraccoBosca Ombú Moscatel ($16)

The Ombú is a native tree of South America. On their winery, there is one Ombú tree where the previous landowners used to hide golden coins. So, the family that owns the winery has always thought there is treasure buried there. But, actually, they believe the real treasure is the vineyard where they produce this exclusive wine. This Wine is made from 100% dry Moscatel. It is pale straw in color with green highlights. On the nose it has medium-intensity notes of citrus, pear and sweet notes of honey. On the palate it is light bodied, with flavors of apricot, mandarin Orange and honey, Although it is not really sweet, it does have slight sweet flavor on the finish. (13% ABV)

2022 Marichal Sauvignon Blanc ($14)

This wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Etchevarrîa, Canelones which is located just 25 km from the Rio de la Plata. The vineyards are divided into two parcels, one that is 8 years old and the other that is 22 years old. The wine was manually harvested and fermented for 15 days without malolactic fermentation or oak aging. It is medium straw in color with aromas of grass, melon and herbs. On the palate it is medium-bodied with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of tartness to go along with the refreshing acidity. (12.7% ABV)

Both of these white wines from Uruguay are nice examples of the quality and affordability of wines coming from their country. These are great examples of wines that fit right in as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by the noted wineries via Creative Palate Communications

Ever Wonder...What is Sherry?

Sherry is an often-misunderstood drink. A lot of people think of it as something used in cooking or something their grand-parents sipped on. But, Sherry is actually a wonderful beverage that’s enjoyed by many, especially Spaniards, who sip the good stuff like a fine Scotch.

True Sherry must come from the Andalucía region in southern Spain. But, many throughout the world try to imitate Sherry and label it as such.

Sherry starts out like a wine but the final product is quite different from a traditional wine. The primary grape used in making Sherry is Palomino - a white grape. Pedro Ximenéz and Moscatel grapes are also used. Like wine, the juice of the grape is fermented. But, after fermentation, the wine is fortified with grape spirits to 17% to 22 % ABV.

Dry Sherry ages under a cap of flor yeast, preventing the wine's contact with oxygen. These wines are usually crisp and refreshing. Other Sherries are aged in contact with air which gives them a nutty, rich flavor.

Some Sherry is then aged in a solera system, where vintages are blended together to ensure the consistency of the final product.

Sherry's flavor ranges from bone dry (very low residual sugar) to syrupy sweet:

Dry Sherry: Made predominately from the Palomino grape:

  • Fino & Manzanilla - Very light in flavor. Can have salty fruit flavors.

  • Amontillado - A bit bolder with nutty flavors.

  • Palo Cortado - This is much richer with roasted flavors of molasses and coffee.

  • Oloroso - This style is intentionally exposed to oxygen during aging resulting its dark appearance and nutty flavors.

Sweet Sherry: Made from Pedro Ximénez or Moscatel grapes:

  • Pedro Ximéniz (PX) - This is the sweetest style with flavors dates and figs.

  • Moscatel - This has sweet caramel flavors.

  • Sweet Sherry: A blend of Oloroso and PX Sherry.

And, it just so happens that International Sherry week is coming up November 8th through 14th, so look for this week’s Behind the Cork™ blog that will feature several really nice Sherry offerings. Cheers!