Proyecto Nakkal Suelto Tannat

Region

Canelones is the epicentre of the Uruguayan wine industry. Running from the north-west of the capital Montevideo, the area runs in an arc to the Atlantic coast east of the city. The flat, low-lying vineyards, so atypical of South America, are densely planted and responsible for around 60% of Uruguay’s total production. Famous for its Tannat, the area is also home to international varietals that appreciate the moderate coastal climate, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Producer

Born from a desire to develop a more conscious way of winemaking, Proyecto Nakkal in Canelones produces wines with minimum intervention, respecting the fruit, nature and the environment. Recognised as Descorchados’ Winery Revelation of the Year in 2021, this passion project comes from Santiago Degásperi (also recognised as Descorchados’ Winemaker Revelation of the Year in 2022) and Nicolás Monforte. These good friends and winemakers focus on producing fresh, accessible wines that reflect both their natural ingredients and their natural environment. Spontaneous ferments utilising wild yeasts present in the vineyard produce complex wines with strong varietal and terroir expression. The wines are not clarified or filtered but racked twice by moon calendar (in last quarter) for a natural clarification. To quote the team at Nakkal, ‘The grapes are the protagonists; we are just a guide.’

Viticulture

The winery practices sustainable farming (uncertified).

Vinification

5% of whole clusters. 7 days maceration and fermentation without any additions. At the end of the fermentation, pressing and racking, aging takes place in concrete tanks. Racked twice in quarter moon, to clean the wine naturally.

Tasting Note

Red fruits such as raspberry on the nose with notes of violet and graphite. Smooth with soft tannins, fresh but rounded acidity and a fruit-driven palate.

Food Matching

Great with beef, strong cheeses, and pasta with tomato-based sauces.

Technical Information

Country: Uruguay

Region: Canelones

Altitude: Sea Level

Blend:100% Tannat

Winemaker: Santiago Degásperi

Body: Medium

Oak: Unoaked

Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l

Closure: Cork

Vegan: Yes

Vegetarian: Yes

Organic: Practicing

Biodynamic: No

Sustainable: Uncertified

Allergens: Sulphite