Overview
Rivera lies in the northeast of Uruguay, on the border with Brazil, and represents one of the country's most distinctive inland wine zones. The subregion of Cerro Chapeu, at around 220 meters above sea level, is one of the highest and hilliest vineyard sites in the country. Bodegas Carrau has led development here, showing that Uruguay's north can produce premium wines with concentration and elegance.
The climate is drier and more continental than the coastal regions, with more sunlight hours, greater diurnal range and less humidity. Deep red sandy soils over sandstone provide excellent drainage and stress vines into producing small, concentrated berries. Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat are the stars, yielding rich, powerful reds with firm structure and aging potential.
Key Varietals
- Cabernet SauvignonA late-ripening star that develops cassis, spice and firm tannins in the warm north.
- TannatA powerful, concentrated expression of Uruguay's signature red from elevated sandy soils.
- MerlotA supple red that softens blends and adds plum and mocha richness.
- Pinot NoirA cool-elevation variety that yields delicate, mineral-driven red wines at Cerro Chapeu.