THE WINE LIFE By Stanley Browne
2020 GARZÓN RESERVA rapes: 100% Albariño G Location: Uruguay Owner: Alejandro P. Bulgheroni Winemaker: Alberto Antonini Approximate Retail Price: $18 Website: bodegagarzon.com TASTING NOTES Color: Lively pale gold with greenish reflections Aroma: Clean and balanced with hints of citrus and white florals Taste: Round and elegant on the palate with a persistent, full and refreshing finish
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lthough the topic of wine from South America usually calls to mind Argentina and Chile, a lesser-known, albeit thriving, wine community centers on Uruguay. The sole South American
62 July 23, 2021 | LadueNews.com
nation entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn, Uruguay rests on a continental block known as the Río de la Plata Craton, which exposes some of this planet’s oldest soil and gives the region a unique terroir. The nation has numerous microclimates, which allow for the planting of several worldwide varietals, including the Spanish native albariño. That white varietal typically yields light, crisp and refreshing wines, with floral aromatics and tropical fruits on the palate. Bodega Garzón was founded by billionaire Alejandro P. Bulgheroni and his wife, Bettina, with the dream of creating Latin America’s most state-of-the-art winery with sustainable farming and clean winemaking practices. They use an intricate underground gravity-fed system in making wine, and Bodega
Garzón ranked as the first winery outside the U.S. to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building certification for sustainability. Situated in Punta del Este, a city and resort on the Atlantic coast, the winery occupies a perfect spot to contribute to the area’s frequent tourism. A delightful and unique experience, Bodega Garzón’s 2020 Reserva tastes bright and acidic, but if met with a dancing palate becomes a white wine that fits easily under the category of “Patio Pounders.” Food Pairings: Grilled or sautéed whitefish, trout or salmon all pair nicely with this wine, as do salads with light vinaigrettes, hard cheese and salamis.
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Certified Sommelier Stanley Browne owns Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves.
