Uruguay, a small South American country tucked just below Brazil and directly east of Argentina, is the fourth largest wine-producing nation on the continent. While grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Torrontes and Chardonnay perform very well here, it is Tannat that has become the nation's signature variety, accounting for over 40% of the plantings. In the Canelones appellation, nor far from Montevideo, Tannat is king, as it represents almost 50% of the local plantings. The wines are deeply colored with good richness on the palate and medium full tannins. Other varieties planted here include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. Canelones is the leading wine-producing zone as well as having the most vineyards planted in the nation; the total is just over 5000 acres, almost five times the amount of the Montevideo zone. Unlike much of South America, most vineyards in Canelones are planted on flatlands. (Wine/Appellations)