Like other grape varieties, Tannat, of distant European origin, gives its best results on the other side of the world, in South America. In Uruguay, in particular, this grape variety knows how to express itself in wines of great character and strong personality. Its name alone suggests a significant tannicity, something found especially in wines made purely in the Old World. Curiously, the style of these reds across the ocean becomes softer and less angular that they can sometimes be mistaken for a wine made from Merlot or Syrah grapes. A 100 percent Tannat, this Bodega Carrau red comes from a careful selection of the best grapes, harvested by hand and brought to the winery in small 16-kilo crates. This is followed by a short 2-day maceration at low temperature and then the fermentation phase in stainless steel tanks, again at controlled temperature. Before meeting the bottle, then, the wine is left for about 9 months in fourth-passage barrels. A young red wine with aromas of red fruits such as cherries and plums, this "Uruguayan" red is characterized by a distinct freshness and ripe, velvety tannins. Ideal for accompanying various types of aged cheeses, it also goes well with slow-cooked red meat preparations.