Tannat was introduced to Uruguay by Basque settlers in 1870, soon becoming the national grape. It has adapted perfectly to a challenging array of local conditions, producing dark, often powerful wines capable of extended ageing and complexity. Taming the tannins and producing soft, juicy, approachable wines such as this one is no easy task but in the right hands – Gabriel Pisano’s in this case – and with beautifully ripened fruit, Tannat doesn’t require a knife and fork to unveil its lovely dark secrets. This wine is part of the modern Uruguayan wine revolution; delicious upon release but happy to sit quietly in a cupboard for five years