Bodega Garzon: Plunging Roots Ascend Great Heights
Recently, Mark Anthony Group invited wine media to gather at Daphne in Toronto for a gastronomic delight that included a thoughtful tasting and presentation from Managing Director Christian Wylie of Bodega Garzon.
The Winery
The highly awarded winery from Uruguay boasts an immaculate, state-of-the-art facility that beautifully encompasses sustainability throughout all aspects of the estate. Christian Wylie reflected on his personal sustainability dedication within the wine business and how it aligned with Bodega Garzon’s commitment to eco-friendliness that includes their natural gravity flow systems, and solar and wind energy practices. Through these environmentally-conscious approaches, Bodega Garzon is demonstrating why they are the first winery outside of North America to achieve the LEED Silver Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
The Vineyards
More than 20 different grape varieties are planted on the estate that sits atop the oldest granite in the world, where micro-climates are a-plenty in the hilly, mineral-infused vineyards just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The vineyards and pathways that surround the winery are carved around the ancient ballast soil that allows the grapevines to take deep roots, evolving the complexity and nuances of Bodega Garzon’s wines.
Because of the several different variations of the Atlantic influence and aspects of the plots on the estate, grapes like Albarino, Tannat, and Petite Verdot can all thrive in the same area.
“There are no secrets in winemaking, but a lot of mysteries”
The Wines
The excellence and quality of wines from Bodega Garzon all include that X-factor that wine lovers crave, a goal that many wineries can only dream of achieving. Each wine is intellectually stimulating, a holy grail of tasting for wine geeks. However, the wines are presented without pretention with a universal approachability in both style and value.
We tasted through:
Bodega Garzon Estate Pinot Rose de Corte
Reserva Albarino 2023
Reserva Tannat 2022
Single Vineyard Tannat 2022
Balasto 2017
Tannat is a tricky grape with thick skin that contribute to harsh tannins, but unseemingly so for Garzon. The Tannat of Garzon possesses form and balance that’s unmatched by any other. Christian explains that Tannat is very fertile and at Bodega Garzon they have to be careful not to overripen the grapes. Once in the winery, the Tannat undergoes cold maceration pre-fermention. The Reserva sees time in French oak, while the Single Vineyard Tannat is held for 14 months in concrete tulips.
“The Tannat is two years old but already enjoyable. That is the magic of Garzon!”
The final glass was Bodega Garzon’s icon wine - Balasto 2017. This vintage was assembled with 50% Tannat, 40% Cabernet France, 5% Merlot, and 5% Marselan.
“Underneath the vineyards and winery is granite, and as the mother rock of granite degrades, it turns in to pebbles and those pebbles of granite are called Balasto…the Balasto is the secret weapon of the soil.”
While the entire lineup was a sensory delight, for myself, it’s the Reserva Albarino that most embodies the greatness of Garzon!
Wine Reviews
Bodega Garzon Reserva Albarino 2023
Absolutely stunning aromas of fresh sourdough bread with pear and white flowers. A palate that’s luxuriously creamy baked stone fruit notes invigorated with mouthwatering acids. Hints of orange blossom and a leesy mouthfeel carries the complex harmony of flavours on a long finish. What a fantastic albarino!
Bodega Garzon Estate Pinot Rose de Corte 2023
Pure, white floral and marzipan aromas. Encapsulating minerality with chalky, wet stone at the forefront through and through. Notes of dried strawberries on a light and refreshing palate that closes with a crisp, dry finish.
Bodega Garzon Estate Sauvignon Blanc de Corte 2023
Supported with a base of Sauvignon Blanc and blended with 20% Pinot Grigio for balance, this wine experiences three months of lees aging in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling. There’s starfruit, melon and guava aromas that effortlessly lift from the glass. The palate begins with a burst of tropical fruit and citrus flavours before mouthwatering mineral flavours and texture come in for the second act. A slight leesy mouthfeel, and impactful acidity throughout. A complex and refreshing wine that concludes with a persistant, saline finish.
Photos 1-6: Robert Okine
Sponsored, but as always, thought are my own.