In this episode, Juan Andrés Marichal of Marichal Wines shares his family history of winemaking, the uniqueness of Uruguayan terroir, and the mighty versatile Uruguayan flagship grape Tannat. Juan Andrés has wine running in his blood as he was born and raised in his family’s winery, Bodega Marichal. After studying oenology in Mendoza, Argentina, he returned to the family winery located in Canelones, outside of Montevideo, and set to the gargantuan task of bringing Marichal Wines to the larger world. As director of exports, he is optimistic about the future of Uruguayan wines in the global market, noting that as the country diversifies, it’s in a unique position to capitalize on the outstanding whites and wine drinkers seeking new regions and flavors. And while Uruguay may be known for its Tannat, Juan Andrés is a pivotal part of the movement bringing new varietals to the global market.
In this episode we talk about:
• Juan Andrés’ upbringing in a wine growing family in Uruguay
• The enmeshed history of Uruguayan wine with the country’s Spanish & Italian heritage
• His background in viticulture and his love for Mendoza, Argentina
• The challenges and triumphs of taking over a multigenerational family winery in Uruguay
• The nuances of Uruguayan terroir and Marichal’s vineyards
• The business of selling wine and promoting Uruguayan wines in a global market
• The many faces of Tannat and a new boom of white wines, including Marichal’s outstanding Blanc de Noir.
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