World Tannat Day 2024, commemorated a little over a week ago on April 14, 2024, marks a global celebration of the distinctive Tannat grape variety, showcasing its unique qualities and the diverse regions where it thrives. From the rolling vineyards of Uruguay to the majestic landscapes of France’s south-west, and the high-altitude terroirs of Argentina’s Calchaquí Valleys, Tannat’s boldness and character have earned global appeal. While often associated with Uruguay, where it is the emblematic red, and France where it originated, Tannat has found a unique home in Argentina, particularly in the Calchaquí Valleys of Northern Argentina and the Cuyo wine region.

Tannat is primarily cultivated and produced in two regions: the Calchaquí Valleys in Northern Argentina and the Cuyo wine region, but can also be found in non-traditional regions like Jujuy. Surprisingly, despite its reputation, Tannat accounts for less than 1 per cent (0.49 per cent, to be precise) of the country’s total red grapes accounting for just under 900 hectares of planted vines, according to the National Institute of Viticulture (INV). However, its limited presence belies its significance in the Argentine wine scene where Tannat grapes can be found at over 3,280 feet above sea level on average, showcasing the grape’s adaptability to high-altitude terroirs. This is in contrast to its traditional growing regions in Uruguay and France, where vines thrive at low elevations.

The Calchaquí Valleys area of Salta has a very high concentration of Tannat vineyards, notably in Cafayate where some 617 acres of these grapes flourish at an impressive altitude of 5,522 feet above sea level, contributing to the distinctiveness of Argentine Tannat wines. The unique terroir of the Calchaquí Valleys, characterised by its rocky soils and extreme temperature variations, imparts a unique flavour profile to Tannat grapes grown here. Winemakers in the region have embraced the grape’s potential, producing wines that showcase its boldness and intensity.

In the Cuyo region, which encompasses provinces like Mendoza and San Juan, Tannat has also found a foothold and is primarily cultivated in key subregions such as Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley, and the Eastern region. Here, wineries are crafting high-end Tannat wines that rival those from traditional Tannat-producing regions. Known as the heart of Argentine wine country, Mendoza’s diverse microclimates and soil types allow Tannat grapes to thrive resulting in wines that express themselves in a range of styles, from bold and robust to elegant and nuanced.

Argentine Tannat wines offer a captivating tapestry of flavours, characterised by their bold tannins, deep colour, and rich fruit expression. With its high-altitude vineyards and diverse terroirs, Argentina presents a unique expression of Tannat that captivates wine enthusiasts around the world while continuing to make its mark on the Argentine wine scene. Having the ability to thrive in challenging environments and produce wines of exceptional quality, Tannat embodies the spirit of Argentine winemaking innovation and excellence.

Thursday Food introduces six of the labels that best represent the Tannat in Argentina:

Casa Petrini Tannat is a 100 per cent varietal produced by Casa Petrini Winery & Vineyard in the Tupungato area of Mendoza. It is violet red in colour, with notes of graphite, red fruits and spices on the nose. In the mouth, it has fine-grained tannins and a light style with low alcohol, making it a subtle, yet delicious wine.

Tannat Cactus is made by Vinas del Perchel in the Jujuy province of Argentina from 100 per cent Tannat grapes. It expresses aromas reminiscent of white pepper, spices and certain very attractive wild notes. On the palate, it is powerful and dense, with great structure and balanced acidity, which gives it very good freshness. Its tannins are sweet with great texture and a long, deep finish.

Amauta Absoluto Tannat, made from all Tannat grapes by Bodega El Porvenir in Cafayate, Salta, is a wine that has an intense ruby red colour with violet and black notes on the outline. On the nose it exhibits spice aromas with notes of eucalyptus, dark fruits such as figs and menthol. It is an intense and sweet entry on the palate due to the ripe tannins, having a medium-high structure with balanced acidity and long finish. It is an intense wine, with freshness and complexity.

Fincas Notables Tannat by Bodega El Esteco is another 100 per cent varietal from the Cafayate regions of the Salta province. The wine’s aromas are concentrated and intense, expressing notes of overripe fruit as well as raisins, liqueurs, dark chocolate alongside notes of coffee and oak resulting from its ageing in barrels. On the palate, it has significant volume, with sweet, mature, fresh tannins in addition to being balanced and fruity. This is a concentrated wine of long and elegant persistence, harmonious with fruity perception, that ends in a chalky finish.

Insólito Tannat is made in the Balcarce area of provincia Buenos Aires by Bodega Puerta del Abra from 100 per cent Tannat grapes. The wine is an intense purple colour and has aromas of black fruit, blackberries, blueberries, cherries and currants. There are also notes of mushrooms and undergrowth, mineral notes reminiscent of graphite and wet stone along with notes of chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco and leather from its passage through French barrels. In the mouth it is a wine with great structure, that has ripe tannins resulting in a long, balanced and complex wine.

Vino Tannat Terrasabbia Reserva is a 100 per cent Tannat wine made in the Patagonia region of Argentina by Al Este Bodega. This wine has an intense violet red colour and exhibits aromas of black fruits, where blueberries and blackberries stand out. In the mouth, it has great structure, ripe tannins and balanced acidity.

For wine lovers seeking adventure and excitement in every sip, Argentine Tannat offers an irresistible allure. Whether exploring the breathtaking vistas of the Calchaquí Valleys or indulging in the refined elegance of Mendoza’s finest wineries, Tannat promises an unforgettable journey through Argentina’s diverse wine landscape. Cheers to World Tannat Day!