The Barnes pick: 10 top Uruguayan white wines to try
1 Bouza, Pan de Azúcar Riesling, Maldonado 2019 94
£24.95 Jeroboams
One of my go-to Uruguayan white wines, this Riesling showcases the incredible Pan de Azúcar vineyard which Bouza planted on a syenite-laden hillside just a few kilometres from the coast. Edgy and mineral with racy acidity and just a hint of lime leaf, this will age like a dream. Drink 2022-2028 Alcohol 13%
2 Garzón, Single Vineyard Albariño, Maldonado 2020 94
£31.99 Liberty Wines
Garzón helped put Uruguayan Albariño on the map, and this is a fantastic show of how exciting this variety can be on the granitic soils of Maldonado. Quivering acidity and a flinty minerality underpins warming notes of white blossom and citrus. Made for seafood. Drink 2022-2026 Alc 14%
3 Cerro del Toro, Alquimia Corte Unico Blanco, Maldonado 2020 93
POA Vinos Latinos
Cerro del Toro is climbing the ranks as one of Uruguay’s top Albariño producers, and this sumptuous blend with Chardonnay and Viognier is both fleshy and fresh. The coastal terroir and refreshing acidity give a frame to this full-bodied, lees-aged white blend. Drink 2022-2027 Alc 12.5%
4 Familia Deicas, Preludio Barrel Select, Canelones 2018 93
£21-£25.50 Christopher Keiller, Georges Barbier Following many years of research and trials by the Deicas family with Paul Hobbs, this voluptuous white Chardonnay with a dash of Viognier is one of Uruguay’s most ageworthy. Full-bodied and rich with peachy aromas and a textural finish, and a touch of salinity. Drink 2022-2028 Alc 14.5%
5 Bresesti, Sur Lie Sin Filtrar, Canelones 2020 92
bodegabresesti.com
Bruno Bresesti is part of the new generation of the family winery and has been pushing forwards in more premium wines, and this Sauvignon Blanc sur lie is a triumph. With stony minerality and citrussy acidity, it has great palate weight and leesy texture. One for oysters. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 12.5%
Proyecto Nakkal, Nakcool, Canelones 2021 92
@proyectonakkal
Embracing Dirk Niepoort’s now global
Nat Cool movement of low-alcohol, ultimately gluggable wines, this is Nakkal’s own contribution. With explosive notes of orange blossom, this Viognier-MoscatelUgni Blanc blend is deliciously fresh.
It’s a juicy white that embraces the fresh vision of the new generation and a refocus on the older varieties of Uruguay. Very cool indeed. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 8.5%
Bracco Bosca, Ombú Moscatel, Canelones 2021 91
£14.49 Hispamerchants
Making a case for reviving the fortunes of Uruguay’s second-most planted variety, Moscatel de Hamburgo, this is Fabiana Bracco’s delightful blanc de noir white. Crisp with fragrant notes of grapefruit and white blossom, it’s a fresh, easy-drinking summer wine, and pairs very well with sushi. Drink 2022-2024 Alc 12%
Juanico Bodegones del Sur, Vineyard Select Albariño, Maldonado 2020 91
£13.99 Ashby Wines, EWWines, Frazier’s, Vinos Latinos, Vinotopia, Wickhams, Wine Poole, Wines of Uruguay
Coming from two sites in Maldonado, one of which is just a couple miles from the sea, this is a great introduction into the coastal vivacity of Uruguayan Albariño. Citrussy and zesty, with an invigorating finish that lingers with a salty tang. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 12.5%
6 Pablo Fallabrino, ArneisChardonnay, Canelones 2020 91
£11.99 Vinos Latinos, Wines of Uruguay
Celebrating his Piedmonte heritage, this Arneis blend is one of Pablo Fallabrino’s signature white blends. Elegant in style with refreshing acidity and white peach and blossom notes, it’s a delightfully versatile wine which would sit pretty in many dining situations. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 12.5%
Viña Progreso, Overground Viognier, Canelones 2021 91
£19.99 Dunell’s, Ucopia
Viognier is certainly having its moment in Uruguay and Gabriel Pisano’s interpretation is a bright and aromatic wine with ripe pineapple and apple blossom notes. It’s more serious in the glass, with an oily, silky texture and freshness on the finish. Drink 2022-2025 Alc 12.5%