Bouza Monte Vide Eu 2022

Bouza is a Montevideo winery founded in 1942 in the mould of a French chateau, and its wines drew attention when Master of Wine Tim Atkin reported on Uruguay's finest. Monte Vide Eu is a blend built around Tannat, Uruguay's signature grape, softened by Merlot and Tempranillo. The maritime climate around Montevideo, cooled by the Atlantic and the River Plate, ripens the fruit steadily while retaining freshness, and the blend is designed to balance Tannat's firm structure and colour with the plush mid-palate of Merlot and the red-fruited lift of Tempranillo. Ageing runs twelve months across both French and American oak; French barrels lend restrained spice and a tighter grain, while American oak adds a sweeter vanilla and coconut tone, and the slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannins. Expect a deep ruby colour, a nose of ripe plum, red berries, vanilla and cocoa over leather, and a full, warming palate with ripe tannins and a savoury oak-framed finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with roast meats.