Tasting Tannat

The tannat grape, which has long been associated with Madiran in the South West of France was taken to Uruguay by Basque settlers in 1870. The Atlantic influence on the vineyards brings out a certain elegance in the wines whilst the sunshine teases fruit flavours to the fore.

To get a taste for Tannat, try Teru Teru 2007 from Familia Deicas. It's a perfectly tuned balance of juicy, ripe dark berries, subtle tannins and a tad of oak. Lingering and elegant, it's an alternative to claret alongside your Sunday roast beef. Priced at £11.95, it's available from http://www.thewinesociety.com