Masterclass: Wines of Uruguay with Amanda Barnes

Uruguay is emerging as one of the most exciting wine producing countries in South America but, despite being the 4th largest producer in the region (after Argentina, Chile and Brazil), production here is closer to Japan or Switzerland in terms of volume. The country is roughly the size of the state of Washington, with a population equivalent to that of Wales, but its secret in terms of quality lies in its climate and soils, both of which contribute to the styles of wine produced - which are very different from its neighbours in Chile and Argentina.

The main wine growing regions' proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, with the chilly Antarctic currents and sometimes fierce winds that blow inland from the sea, gives this southern coastal region a cool maritime climate (it is almost sub-tropical further north) that could be comparable to Bordeaux or Margaret River. This means that in general Uruguay produces a more European style of wine with less jammy fruit, less alcohol, more acidity and structured tannins.

Amanda, author of South America Wine Guide, is a fountain of knowledge with her boots in the vineyard and we are delighted to host her at the school for what will no doubt be an eye-opening tasting - join us to discover this unexplored terroir.

Wines on tasting - picked by Amanda

CERRO CHAPEU Castel Pujol Folklore Blanco

VIÑA PROGRESO Revolution Albariño

BOUZA Riesling Pan de Azúcar

EST. JUANICÓ/FAMILIA DEICAS Bizarra Orange

PISANO Rio de los Pajaros Pinot Noir

FAMILIA TRAVERSA Viña Salort Tannat

GARZÓN Reserva Tannat