The Uruguayan vineyards are located in the region of the purest Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) of the world according
to the 2007 study completed by Yale and Columbia Universities over 142 countries (www.yale.edu/esi). Small family own
vineyards, hand picked grapes and the passion of their people are transforming Uruguay in
"the boutique winery of South America".
….”
URUGUAY AND HIS NATIONAL GRAPE: TANNAT
Uruguay is one of the smaller countries in the southern hemisphere. Wide open spaces
and friendly population Uruguay is a vibrant, fun place to explore. Sandwiched between
two giants Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay receives scant attention from the rest of the
world, yet it has a wine industry to be proud of, capable of producing premium wines as
good as anything coming from the Andes, over 1000 Km to the west. In the south of the
country, near the capital, Montevideo bordering the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, the
climate is moderate and maritime, not dissimilar to that of Bordeaux.
660 Km. Of golden beaches on the Atlantic Ocean strech the east coast to Brazil through
the very fashionable summer resort of Punta del Este. Inland, the “campo” offers a
relaxing, charming and rustic environment where gaucho traditions of years gone by
remain very much alive.
Uruguayans are mainly of Spanish and Italian origin hence the similar backround and
traditions. Wine has been made in Uruguay for over 250 years but it was noy until the
1870´s that Uruguay´s flagship grape, Tannat, was first introduced. It has since adapted
extremely well to the chalky-clay soils of Mediterranean climate of Southern Uruguay as
have many other predominantly French varieties.
The wineries are family owned, boutique, and have been handed down from generation
to generation. 100% of the hasrvesting is done by hand and Uruguay is very much
focused on producing quality and unique wines wich attract the wine-lover and
connoisseur alike as something different and interesting to taste. Enjoy them.
19th century emmigrés to South America from south west France took their local wine
varieties with them. Thus Carmenere took root in Chile and Malbec found this way in
Mendoza. Meanwhile the French Basques who settled in Uruguay brought their local
Tannat. Planting in Uruguay now for exceed those in France, where the variety survives
as the main grape in the wines of Madiran. By nature dark and tannic, Tannat appears to
ripen better in Uruguay giving wines of a softer riper style than in France and thought by
no means lacking in structure, ready to drink much earlier.
Gaucho
U R U G UAY
We produce the most healty grape of the world
Information from Nature Magazine (UK)
According to scientists from United Kingdom, it is very likely that the procyanidins are oligomers element
of polyphenols from red wine with beneficial effects for the heart and longevity. Some red wines contain
more procyanidins than others. In a study published in the journal 'Nature', Dr. Roger Corder, Queen
Mary's College of Medicine and Dentistry (London) and his colleagues point out that not everyone agrees
that red wine possesses really beneficial for the heart, and that these properties might be product
complexity and variability of components of different wines.
To discuss the matter, the researchers cultured human cells and blood vessels those exposed to 165
different wines with the intention of identifying the effect of polyphenols powerful in the blood vessels.
They found that procyanidins inhibit the production of vasoconstrictive a protein called endothelin-1. A
high performance liquid chromatography showed that procyanidins oligomers are the specific phenolic
which produces this effect.
Corder and his colleagues argue that traditional methods of production and use of Tannat grape, rich in
flavonoids and common in southwest France, are responsible for the high degree of procyanidins
oligomers in the wine of the area.Researchers hope that further studies of rich food and wine procyanidins
oligomers used to determine how to maintain the optimum function of blood vessels.
ABOUT US
Ever since our foundation we have been convinced that the most important
thing for the GIMENEZ MENDEZ wines is for them to be totally original.
We are constantly trying to surprise different corners of the world with our
wines, ensuring that they arouse the senses and that they are unique. We
believe that history and tradition provide us with knowledge and experience,
while innovation and modernity help us to advance towards our goal of
becoming iconic producers of fine Tannat wines.
Our family company has been winning national and international awards for its
wines since 1990. The most important prize so far is the recognition given to our
wines by the first “Consumer Choice” competition, organized by the Winetaster
Society of Uruguay, when our Tannat 2007 and our Tannat Premium 2006 were
voted Uruguay’s best standard Tannat and best premium Tannat.
The international quality of our fine wines (Tannat, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier,
Syrah, Arinarnoa, Petit Verdot) and our commitment to over-deliver on quality
and service, has led to the presence of Gimenez Mendez wines on 14 export
markets. Our brands are: GIMENEZ MENDEZ, 100 AÑOS, PUZZLE Multivarietal
(15 grapes), IDENTITY, LUIS A. GIMENEZ, LAS BRUJAS and LYM Tannat-Tannat.
We believe in teamwork and in the talented, professional and committed people
who work with us. We are experts in wine; we love its living essence and its
sensitivity.
THE WINERY
The Winery is using a clearly modern concept, closely following the original style.The enologist in charge are Luis Gimenez Méndez,
Mauro Gimenez Méndez and Gastón Vitale. They after having visited USA and France, offers his experience to produce the best
vintages. Our family is committed to moving forward with the enological practices, combining craft uses and state-of-the-art technology
and machinery. With a extension of 100 há, ( four vineyards) the family produces the next grapes: Tannat, Cabernet, Merlot, Petit
Verdot, Arinarnoa, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Marcelán, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat de Frontignan and Viognier.Today, production
reaches 450.000 bottles.
THE WINES
•GIMENEZ MENDEZ ALTA RESERVA
•PUZZLE Multivarietal, GIMENEZ MENDEZ
•IDENTITY.
•GIMENEZ MENDEZ PREMIUM
•LYM, BLEND OF BLEND, GIMENEZ MENDEZ
•LUIS A. GIMENEZ
BEST TANNAT 2007 FROM URUGUAY
1ER COMPETITION THE CONSUMER CHOISE
XII SALON DEL VINO FINO DE URUGUAY
October 25, 2007
TANNAT SELECTED TO REPRESENT
ALL THE TANNAT WINES .
SEMINARY OF URUGUAYAN WINES
INTERNATIONAL LONDON WINE 2008
BY THE UK WINE JOURNALIST WINK LORCH
GIMENEZ MENDEZ, ALTA RESERVA
In the GIMENEZ MENDEZ RESERVA line, it still remains the finest varietal aromas, ripeness and richness of the fruit; but it it´s
more complex, challenging and exciting for your nose and palate. These wines exhibit a generous body, elegant tannins rich
volume, and a smooth long after. Aged in French and American oak barrels, special care is taken in maintaining the balance
between fruit and wood.,.
Wines:
GIMENEZ MENDEZ TANNAT ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ PETIT VERDOT ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ SYRAH ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ ARINARNOA ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ MERLOT ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ MARSELAN ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ CABERNET ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ VIOGNIER ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ SAUVIGNON BLANC ALTA RESERVA
GIMENEZ MENDEZ PINOT NOIR ALTA RESERVA
'Puzzle' was born in an era of creativity, which is attempting to fuse
the characteristics of these 15 different grape varieties.
This was a difficult, different and original task to combine the
varietal characteristics. This multivariate blend reminds each of us, with
different virtues, talents that together make a great team of people working for
creating the best wine.
PUZZLE 15 GRAPES IN THE SAME BOTTLE
GOLD MEDAL – VINUS 2008 – 91 POINTS
Tannat, Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Marselán, Chardonnay,Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon
Blanc, Arinarnoa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Merlot, Syrah, Alicante Bouchet and Pinot
Meunier.
The Tannat, Syrah and Petit Verdot combination, express the fruit and
the Gimenez Mendez wine ´s identity. This special wine was created by
our three winemakers, Luis, Mauro and Gastón in honors to Marta
Mendez owner and Capitan of this family that always knows to keep the
identity that characterized this winery from South America.
Identity is a complex and elegant wine special for wine lovers. The three
grapes are mixed and combined inside the oak for a period of twelve
months. The Tannat ´s structure, the elegance of the Syrah and the fruit
that specially comes from the Petit Verdot sign the identity of this
premium wine.
Tannat
Syrah
Petit Verdot
PREMIUM TANNAT, GIMENEZ MENDEZ
This exclusive premium wine is elaborated from grapes of the plot 17-A from Las
Brujas Vineyards. Of traditional production, fermented to controlled temperature, it
was raised for 12 months in French and American barrel of first use.
Of black colour plum, of great extraction, does not allow to pass the light, offers a
purplish clear meniscus. On having turned the glass it dyes her of an attractive and
vivacious colour.
In nose, fresh notes of menthol, very expressive fruit with a bottom that remembers
the apricots of plum, spices and jams.
In mouth it is dry, wide, sticky and complex, delicious, lordly and burly, with beefy very
polished tannins. Refreshing acidity with persistence supported on the fruit.
Prompt to accompany red roast meats, wild boar, deer, pheasant and ñandu, intense
and parked cheeses.
BEST TANNAT PREMIUM FROM URUGUAY
1ER COMPETITION THE CONSUMER CHOOSES
XII SALON DEL VINO FINO DE URUGUAY
October 25, 2007
LYM
TANNAT - TANNAT
MoneyWeek
Wine of the Week Number 150
(due 1st May, published 8th May 2009)
by Matthew Jukes
www.mattthewjukes.com
“I have never, in my wine trade life of twenty-two years, written up a wine from
Uruguay. I have tasted many hearty reds, most made from the muscular, swarthy
Tannat grape and always felt that they have lacked charm and dexterity on the palate,
preferring to bully your taste buds and overload them with tannin. So when I tasted
LYM, made by brothers Luis and Mauro (hence the name), I was amazed to find an
exceptionally genial and, dare I say it, suave Tannat sitting in my glass. I let it breathe
for hours and even tasted it the following day and it kept on expanding and unraveling
in the glass. This is a superb red wine and a tribute to the French Basques who settled
in Uruguay, bringing their local Tannat variety with them centuries ago. Famous for
making the wines of Madiran, this is a very dark wine and one with a chocolatey,
plummy core, but it is the density and depth which impresses me most because it does
it without ever becoming overbearing. When Carmenère took root in Chile and Malbec
made its way to Mendoza in Argentina I bet that the other South Americans felt
confident that they had picked their grapes well! Well I can now report that after years
of lagging behind the Uruguayans have finally caught up and this is the wine responsible
for this great news.”
LUIS A. GIMENEZ
TANNAT SUPER PREMIUM
Luis Alberto Giménez, pioneer of the viticulture of
Uruguay, founds the family winery in 1990 applying
in this new project all his capacity, push,
perseverance and experience that he coined for 40
years of activity inside the sector.
As testimony of his legacy, the family GIMENEZ
MENDEZ dedicates this Tannat Super Premium Limited Edition to Luis Alberto.
It is a pleasure to share this wine with the most
select consumers.
His wife Marta Méndez and his sons Natalia, Luis
and Mauro Giménez Méndez
Winner of the only DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL for wines from Uruguay.
Vinus 2008. Mendoza, Argentina.
LIQUOR AND LATE HARVEST
This Late Harvest comes from the grapes of the vineyard in Las
Brujas region. same in the south of Uruguay, very near to the Rio
de la Plata, being the same the broadest estuary of the world. The
nearness with the Atlantic Ocean endows to our grapevines of
excellently conditions as any terroir of France.
It ´s presents a delicate golden brilliant and limpid colour. In nose
floral aromas, roses and fruits as the orange, besides notes to
small peach, damask and honey. To the palate it proves to be soft
and round, his residual sugar balances on perfect form with his
natural acidity.
.
This Port combines Portuguese's vinification techniques. The
Tannat grapes are selected from our best vineyards of minimal
production. Unfiltered wine directly from barrels. Of deeply purplish
colour it gleams aromas to wild fruits, defaults, raspberries, spices
and aromas from the oak barrel toasting. In mouth they appreciate
very marked, complex and persistent tannins
SILVER MEDAL IN VINUS 2008
SILVER MEDAL IN VINANDINO 2007
SILVER MEDAL IN VINUS 2008
INTERNATIONAL MARKET
2009 – ALEMANIA - GERMANY
2009 - CANADA
2008 - SUECIA
2008 –DINAMARCA
2008 – AUSTRIA
2008 – POLONIA
2008 –VENEZUELA
2008 - COSTA RICA
2008 – BRASIL
2008 - COLOMBIA
2007 –BARBADOS
2007 –MEXICO
2004 – UK – REINO UNIDO
Uruguay
MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL LAST AWARDS
100 AÑOS, TANNAT ROBLE 2002
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
GOLD MEDAL
LICOR DE TANNAT 2007
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
SILVER MEDAL
100 AÑOS, TANNAT 1997
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
100 AÑOS TANNAT 1997
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
GOLD MEDAL
GOLD MEDAL
100 AÑOS, TANNAT ROBLE 2002
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
100 AÑOS TANNAT 2004
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
EXCELLENT QUALITY
SILVER MEDAL
100 AÑOS TANNAT OAK AGED 2004
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
100 AÑOS, SAUVIGNON BLANC 2002
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
GOLD MEDAL
GOLD MEDAL
100 AÑOS, TANNAT 2000
FAMILIA GIMENEZ MENDEZ
SEAL OF APPROVAL
GIMENEZ MENDEZ TANNAT
PREMIUM 2006
COMMENDED
The Uruguayan vineyards are located in the region of the purest Environmental
Sustainability Index (ESI) of the world according to the 2007 study completed by Yale and
Columbia Universities over 142 countries (www.yale.edu/esi).
Small family own vineyards, hand picked grapes
and the passion of their people are transforming Uruguay in
"the boutique winery of South America".
Sebastian Gonzatto
Export Manager
sgonzatto@plazavidiella.com
Tel: + 598 33 20307
Fax: + 598 33 20308
www.gimenezmendez.com