Deicas, Extreme Vineyards, Suelo Invertido 2018

Suelo invertido translates as 'inverted soil'. In the area of Progreso, where this wine comes from, there is fertile soil on the surface and a calcareous clay subsoil with increased concentration of calcium carbonate in the deeper areas. In 2004 Santiago Deicas, the winemaker, wondered what would happen if they had the limestone part on the surface and the fertile soil in the depth. So they did just that!

With the soil inverted, the roots explore a hefty volume of chalky, mineral-laden soil in search of the fertile layer now buried deep down.

The Deicas family has dedicated the past 15 years to exploring new vineyard sites in Uruguay, leading to the development of new growing areas for tannat, the country’s emblematic varietal. The family vineyards are in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, where the maritime influence regulates ripening, allowing tannat to fully develop its aromas and phenolics, while retaining freshness. Santiago Deicas, winemaker and 3rd generation in the family winery, crafts dry-farmed tannats that are bold and fresh, with a sophisticated tannin structure. These single vineyard wines are full expressions of the specific sites, each reflecting their unique soils and microclimates.