If you're not familiar with tannat, you may recognize its name, which is related to the word "tannin." This grape variety is known for producing wines with a significant amount of tannins, which can vary in intensity depending on where it's grown. Originally from Southwest France, tannat has found more success in Uruguay, where it is now the country's leading grape variety and accounts for over one-quarter of all plantings, according to the South America Wine Guide. The coastal location of Uruguay provides an ideal combination of sunshine, heat, and cooling breezes that help the tannat grapes ripen to their optimal potential.