about this region

Discover the North wine region of Uruguay

Located near the border with Brazil, in South America, the North wine region of the Uruguay wine country encompasses the departments of Rivera and Tacuarembó. This region is distinctly marked by its geographical proximity to Brazil, influencing both its culture and agricultural practices. According to a 2022 report by INAVI, the North region boasts six vineyards—four situated in Tacuarembó, covering an area of six hectares, and two in Rivera, spanning 28 hectares.

The North wine region is characterized by a temperate climate moderated by the nearby Uruguay River, ensuring stable conditions ideal for viticulture. It benefits from a dry continental climate with ample sunshine, crucial for the ripening of grapes. The soils here are primarily sandstone, offering excellent drainage and varying particle sizes, which is vital for the health and flavor concentration of the vineyards.

The region cultivates a variety of grape types, including Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Albariño, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, each contributing to the diverse and rich palette of wines produced here. These conditions combine to make the North wine region a notable area for the production of both robust reds and vibrant whites, reflecting the unique terroir of Uruguay's northern frontier, and are slowly making the North wine region a hot spot within the Uruguayan wine landscape.

Discover Terroir

The North wine region is located near the border with Brazil, in South America, encompassing the departments of Rivera and Tacuarembó. Within this landscape predominate undulating hills and sprawling plains, creating a breathtaking scenery for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. On the rolling hills, rows of vineyards are planted, stretching as far as the eye can see, which together with the natural vegetation of the region create a very attractive mosaic of shades of green.

The region's terrain is predominantly sloping, allowing the vineyards to have ideal sun exposure, which helps the grapes to reach optimum ripeness. In addition, this allows them to have a greater concentration of flavor, which is key to producing wines of great character.

In summary, the landscapes of the northern wine region not only grace wine lovers looking for new experiences. They are also key to the character and profile of the wines produced here, which reflect the region's unique terroir.

The North wine region of Uruguay, that encompasses areas along the northern stretches of the Uruguay River, enjoys a temperate climate that is key for the success of wine production within the region. This area is influenced significantly by the nearby river, that serves as a natural moderator, ensuring that temperatures remain relatively stable and making this region conducive to viticulture. The North is characterized by a dry continental climate, with many hours of sunlight that are key for grape ripening.

Rainfall in the region is moderate, typically ranging from 1000 to 1500 mm annually, providing enough water to sustain the vineyards without additional irrigation. The temperatures throughout the year are generally mild, avoiding the extremes that might be detrimental for the vines. This balance of conditions ensures that grapes have a good concentration of flavors while maintaining good levels of natural acidity, something that is key for the production of high quality wines.

The soils of the North wine region are predominantly sandstone, which offers excellent drainage and is beneficial for the grapevines. This soil type ensures that water does not stagnate around the roots, reducing the risk of vine diseases while also stressing the vines enough to obtain grapes with concentrated flavors.

This unique combination of climatic conditions and soils contribute to the distinct character and quality of the wines produced in this region of Uruguay.

The North wine region of Uruguay boasts a diverse range of soil types, each of them imparting unique characteristics to the wines of the region:

Sandstone: The most common soil type in the North wine region is sandstone. This soil is well-drained and usually has a mix of particles of different size, which gives this soil an excelent drainage, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Sandstone soils are particularly beneficial for producing robust red grape varieties, as they stress the vines enough to concentrate the flavors in the grapes.
Clay: Some areas within the region feature clay-rich soils, which have a great moisture retention. While clay soils can be challenging due to their heavy and compact structure, they are beneficial during dryer periods as they provide enough moisture to the vines. These soils tend to produce grapes that are vibrant and flavorful, which translates into wines with great depth and intensity.
Chalky: Chalky soils in parts of the North wine region contribute to the cultivation of grapes with high acidity levels, key for producing high quality white wines. These soils have a great heat retention, something key for the vines during cooler periods, that is particularly advantageous for early-ripening white grape varieties.

Sustainability

Because the wine industry in Uruguay is relatively young, the North region does not yet have regional sustainability programs. However, the region receives incentives from the Sustainable Viticulture Program, developed by the National Institute of Viticulture (INAVI).

This program seeks to guarantee both the origin and traceability of the grapes used for wine production, to ensure that all grapes are produced using sustainable practices.

Among the practices assessed by this program are:

Environmental impact of the practices used.
Respect for workers
Pest and disease control methods

It should be clarified that this program also certifies wineries, although it only assesses whether or not grapes from certified vineyards are used.

Discover

Uruguay's North wine region, characterized by its unique terroir and climate, is ideal for growing a wide range of grape types, each with unique agricultural and climatic needs.

Tannat: Originally from France, Tannat has thrived in Uruguay's northern region due to its ability to adapt to cooler temperatures and high levels of rainfall. This grape variety prefers well-drained soils and has a great tolerance to the heavy clays prevalent in the soils of this area.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its robustness and adaptability to a great variety of climates, Cabernet Sauvignon in Uruguay’s North region benefits from the warm days and cool nights. This variety thrives in deep, fertile soils that support its vigorous root systems and prefers a longer growing season, so the grapes can reach full maturity.
Syrah: Syrah is well-suited to the variable temperatures of the North wine region, requiring a warm climate to fully develop its intense flavors but enough coolness to retain its natural acidity, key for the production of high quality red wines. This grape prefers rocky, well-drained soils with a great heat retention.
Albariño: Typically found in cooler, coastal regions, Albariño adapts well to the mild humidity and moderate summer temperatures of some areas within the North wine region. It requires moist, well-aerated soils to prevent root diseases and benefits from the gentle ocean breezes that cools the temperatures of this region.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay flourishes in the cooler microclimates of Uruguay's North wine region, and thrives in chalky or clayey soils that have a good moisture retention. The grape demands moderate temperatures, and benefits from the cooling breezes that come from the nearby bodies of water.
Sauvignon Blanc: This grape variety requires a cooler climate to maintain its natural acidity and prefers well-drained, loamy soils. The elevation of the North wine region, coupled with the cooler evening temperature, help to preserve its delicate balance between sugar and acidity.
Viognier: Viognier needs warm temperatures and a long growing season to develop its full potential, making the sunnier sites of the North wine region ideal for growing this grape. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires careful water management to avoid excessive vigor, something that helps to obtain higher quality grapes.

The North wine region of Uruguay is celebrated for its unique wines, each offering a unique exploration of flavor and aroma. This area's diverse terroir provide the perfect conditions for producing wines with a rich character, that are gaining more recognition globally and makes this region a potential hot spot within Uruguay.

Tannat: Known as Uruguay's flagship wine, Tannat from the North region usually shows a robust structure with prominent dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum. On the palate, these red wines often have notes of ripe fruits coupled with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate, creating a complex and hearty drinking experience.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This globally popular wine has an unique profile in Uruguay's North wine region. It usually shows an aromatic bouquet of ripe red fruits such as cherries and red currants, coupled by undertones of vanilla and sweet spice due to oak aging. In the palate, this wine shows a great balance between fruity amd spicy notes, coupled with a good tannic backbone that makes this wine a great prospect for aging.
Albariño: Albariño from the North wine region is fresh and very aromatic. The nose is usually filled with scents of peach, apricot, and occasionally citrus blossoms. On the palate, these white wines show a vibrant acidity complemented by flavors of stone fruits and a subtle minerality, making them a great option for wine lovers looking for a refreshing wine with great drinkability.
Sauvignon Blanc: The Sauvignon Blanc from the North wine region is crisp and aromatic. The aroma tipically features notes of lime, green apple, and freshly cut grass. On the palate, this wine is zesty and shows a lively acidity, while the finish is usually clean and sharp. Overall, this wine is another good option for those looking for a very refreshing wine, with citrusy notes.

So, the next time you travel to Uruguay, be sure to attend one of the wine tastings that take place in this region, to delight yourself with its red wines of great character and its elegant and refreshing white wines, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

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Discover the North wine region of Uruguay

Associations

growing degree days

Discover Terroir

Sustainability

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History of wine

Subregions

Rivera

Tacuarembó