Los Cerros de San Juan, De la Colonia Tempranillo/Merlot 2022

Los Cerros de San Juan is Uruguay’s oldest winery, established in 1854 in the Colonia department. With a rich history rooted in European winemaking traditions, it has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The winery has embraced both modern techniques and traditional methods, ensuring their wines maintain a sense of place while offering balance and complexity.

Located in Colonia, a region known for its gentle rolling hills and proximity to the Río de la Plata, the vineyards benefit from a maritime climate that moderates temperatures, ensuring a long growing season. The combination of clay-limestone soils and steady Atlantic breezes contributes to the freshness and structure of the wines. The Tempranillo and Merlot blend thrives here, with Tempranillo adding depth and savoury spice, while Merlot softens the profile with its plush fruitiness and smooth tannins.

Appearance: Deep ruby with a slight garnet hue at the rim, showing its youthful vibrancy. The wine clings to the glass with medium viscosity, hinting at its balanced alcohol and body. The clarity is excellent, with a beautiful depth of colour that suggests richness and concentration.

Aroma: Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums immediately stand out, giving way to complex layers of tobacco, vanilla, and a touch of leather. As the wine opens, subtle earthy tones emerge, with hints of dried herbs, cedar, and a whisper of smoky oak. The blend of fruit and spice is well-integrated, creating an inviting and aromatic profile.

Taste: Juicy and medium-bodied, offering a balanced mix of dark fruit and savoury spice. The Tempranillo contributes redcurrant and a hint of smoked paprika, while Merlot brings softness with ripe plum and cocoa. Gentle oak ageing adds a touch of vanilla and spice, leading to smooth tannins and a fresh, elegant profile.

Finish: Lingering and well-rounded, with bright acidity and a touch of mocha and spice on the finish. The freshness of the wine keeps it lively, while the tannins are polished and fine-grained, allowing the flavours to evolve with each sip. A delicate note of dried fruit and subtle minerality lingers on the palate, making it a satisfying and well-structured finish.

Food Pairing: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic bring out the savoury spice and depth of the wine, while the juicy texture of the lamb complements the smooth tannins. Aged Manchego cheese with fig jam enhances the wine’s fruit-forward character, with the sweet and salty contrast elevating the balance between acidity and richness.