Updated: May 23, 2021
Tannat has historically been associated with southwestern France and Uruguay, but we hope that in 5 years, this variety will be associated with high-altitude Peruvian wine. We recently planted Tannat vines from France in our vineyards at 2,850 meters above sea level.
There is no precedent for growing this variety at such a height. In Madiran, France, the average altitude is 128 m. In Uruguay, most of Tannat's vineyards are grown on the coast, in the departments of Colonia, Maldonado, Carmelo, Canelones, Rivera and Montevideo.
Tannat wine is typically acidic and astringent. Due to the cool nights at our high altitudes, we expect that acidity to be even more noticeable. Following the techniques currently used in the production of Tannat, we may blend ours or use micro-oxygenation to soften the tannins. We will also make a rosé, limiting contact with the skins during maceration to prevent the wines from being too tannic.
A consultant from France recommended we plant Tannat here in the Andes because the vines are resistant to mold and fungi, a problem we face during the rainy season. The plants also adapt well to areas with extreme variations in daytime temperature, which is one of the defining characteristics of our terroir. Tannat is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of climatic conditions. We hope to produce a bold and delicious Tannat wine in 3 years. Stay tuned as our vines ripen!
Sources:
Slinkard, Stacy. "Por qué quieres beber más vino Tannat". Wine Folly, 2 abr. 2018, winefolly.com/review/why-you-want-to-be-drinking-more-tannat-wine/.
"Tannat". Wikipedia, Fundación Wikimedia, 1 de mayo de 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannat.