Welcome to Bodega Garzón, a family-owned winery nestled in the picturesque region of Maldonado on Uruguay's Atlantic coast. These folks are true pioneers, as they were the first to bring viticulture to this area over a decade ago. And boy, did they excel at it! They've become the go-to for premium wines from Uruguay, and their efforts were recognized with the prestigious 'New World Winery of the Year' award by Wine Enthusiast in 2018.
The story of this winery began when owner Alejandro Bulgheroni invited consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini to his beautiful 700-hectare olive farm near Garzón and the beach. Alberto was blown away by the stunning views, rolling hills, and olive trees, likening it to his homeland, Tuscany. After analyzing the soil and conditions, they saw the incredible potential to produce top-notch wines here. They started by planting Tannat, Uruguay's flagship variety, and Albariño, recognizing similarities between Garzón and Galicia in Spain, with their cooling Atlantic breezes and well-draining granitic soils.
Over the years, they've transformed these rolling hills into a patchwork quilt of 1,150 individual plots, each around 0.2 hectares in size. Every plot is carefully chosen for a specific grape variety, based on its unique soil and microclimate.
Alberto takes a gentle approach in the winery, using minimal oak influence to allow the pure expression of each grape variety and the terroir to shine through. The winery itself operates with sustainability at its core, earning LEED certification for its environmental efforts, a historic first in the wine world. Their cutting-edge technology and gravity flow system ensure top-notch quality and energy efficiency at every step of production.
It's no surprise that Garzón has become a must-visit spot, with its spectacular winery, breathtaking landscape, and an on-site Francis Mallmann restaurant. Plus, it's close to Punta del Este, Uruguay's most popular resort. In 2021, they were recognized as one of the top five wineries in the world at the IWC-sponsored World's Best Vineyards Awards, as voted by over 500 wine industry experts.
Now, let's talk about the wine – it's a beauty! Picture a pale yellow color with green reflections. On the nose, you'll be greeted with fruity aromas of peach and citrus, along with lovely white floral notes. The mid-palate brings out that fantastic freshness and minerality, beautifully complemented by a remarkable acidity. It all comes together with a juicy fruit finish that leaves your taste buds craving more.
