Uruguayan wines gain traction in the UK

By Erin Smith

Published: 22 May, 2015

Recent figures from Infonecta and Wines of Uruguay showed the value of exports to the UK increased by 74% between 2013 and 2014 with an impressive 300% increase in value between 2011 and 2014.

Recent figures from Infonecta and Wines of Uruguay showed the value of exports to the UK increased by 74% between 2013 and 2014, with an impressive 300% increase in value between 2011 and 2014.

The UK is the third largest importer of Uruguayan wines, behind the US and Brazil. Exports have tripled in the last five year and it currently exports more than 3.2mL per year.

Barwell & Jones' managing director, Steve Gerrard, has had great success with emerging regions such as Brazil and Uruguay. He said at London Wine Fair this week the regions like Uruguay are having success in the UK as more consumers are looking for something unique and different.

"We were looking for a point of difference and Uruguay and Pueblo Del Sol, the wines we import, offer that. At the London Wine Fair, the response has been huge. I think that people have been surprised by how the wines massively over-deliver on the quality and value proposition."

Gerrad believes the recent rise of South American cuisine and its popularity across all the UK, not just in London, is helping the region gain exposure. "The food revolution is helping to influence the focus in that part of the world with Uruguay and Brazil alike. It is early days for wine from Uruguay, but the response for us has been incredible."

It is an investment to help bring these wines to the trade as "they are a bit different and need that hand sell", he added. Barwell & Jones found that hosting a masterclass in Manchester in February lead by Barwell & Jones' wine director Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, the only MW from Brazil, was a great way to introduce these wines to independent merchants and the on-trade.

Fiona Juby, marketing director at Barwell & Jones said: "I think it is offering something different. With Uruguay, we're are having success with those wines because people want to explore and want to learn They are not massively expenses or hugely over-complicated wines."

Andrew Shaw is the buying director at the Bibendum PLB Group the UK distributor for Bodega Garzón wines said that varietals coming out of Uruguay are also offering something different for consumers and the on-trade. He said: "Bodega Garzón's winemaking broadens horizons for the wider wine world offering a refreshing difference. Intriguing varietal diversity coming from such a remarkable region is why we decided to bring the wines into the UK. Garzón's focus is Tannat and Albariño and the quality of the wines proves that this winery has a bright and exciting future in the UK.'

Alberto Antonini the oenologist and consultant winemaker at Bodega Garzón, said: "The UK is known for the breadth and quality of its wine offering and its passion for embracing emerging wine regions. The success of our first year here reflects the wider trend for Uruguayan wines in the UK and we look forward to introducing our wines, and Uruguay, to an increasing number of UK wine enthusiasts."

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