On our recent “Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing” Podcast on reVolver Podcasts we toasted Uruguay and Bodega Garzon Winery.  Set in the rolling hills of the South American country, not far from the coastal town of Jose Ignacio, with their iconic lighthouse welcoming travelers from afar, pictured above, the Bodega is changing the way people think of wines from Uruguay. A little bit more about why below.

Listen to the show here, by following the link and clicking “Episode 25.” Or subscribe through iTune, Spotify, IHeartRadio or Google.

Established in 2008, by Argentine oil and gas billionaire Alejandro Bulgheroni and his wife, Bettina, Bodega Garzon showcases what the couple called their “little Uruguayan Tuscany,” thanks to the rolling hills o the massive estate located about 10 minutes from the sleepy town of Garzon, one half hour outside of the beach town of Jose Ignacio. Here they developed what is now their Agroland with olive groves, almond trees, and vineyards.

Farming 700 acres of vineyards, divided into 1,120 subplots, the soils filled with decomposed granite and well draining rock and sand, with a close proximity to the Ocean, and an incredibly high amount of rain per year, the terroir is quite similar to Rias Baixas Spain, the land of great Albarino creating highly aromatic, floral and citrus filled, wine that is also bright, crisp and with the slightest hint of briny salinity.Much like great Spanish Albarino, but Bodega Garzon delivers this for a bargain, $15 a bottle.

In addition to this signature white wine, they produce a stone fruit and white flower filled Viognier, mineral intense Sauvignon Blanc and a range of reds, from the signature grape, Tannat, to Pinot Noir, Peitit Verdot and one of the best Cabernet Franc wines from South America that I have had.

A focus on detail is obvious, creating both an aesthetically pleasing place, as well as one that gives attention to the environment. The newly opened winery is finalizing their LEED certification now as the whole new facility was built in a completely sustainable manner. Within the winery, a restaurant has opened for guests to enjoy a tasting and a meal, led by culinary director, famed Chef Francis Mallnann. In addition to the winery, Bulgheroni has built a private club and golf course, with a hotel and future residential development on the way.

Essentially, Bodega Garzon will be an oasis for relaxing and enjoying the finer side of life with great wine, food, and recreation. It is an exciting time for this part of South America.

Run today by GM (and former Chilean rugby player) Christian Wylie, with an incredible team around him, including “Director of Fun,” their head of hospitality, Nicolas Kovalenko and local winemaker Ge`rman Bruzzone, with enologist Alberto Antonini, the Bodega is ready to do some very special things not only abroad with exporting their wine and olive oil, but in the country as well growing tourism within the region.
Both the wine and olive oil are available in Texas at Spec’s.