Familia Deicas' Preludio Wine Shines at International Tannat Day Celebration

Global Recognition for Preludio: Tannat Takes Center Stage

As April unfolds, attention is drawn to Tannat, Uruguay's flagship grape variety, and Familia Deicas is at the forefront with its celebrated wine, Preludio 2018. This vintage has recently secured second place in a prestigious blind tasting event held in New York City, featuring a top-tier lineup of international wines.

The remarkable tasting event, which occurred on June 12, brought together leading members of the wine industry—from sommeliers to retailers—who evaluated wines purely on their quality, structure, and expression without any hint of their origin or price. Among the esteemed wines presented during this event were the BV Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 from the USA, Château Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 2020 from France, Alión Ribera del Duero 2019 from Spain, and the Pio Cesare Barolo Mosconi 2019 from Italy.

Familia Deicas accentuated the experience with a culinary showcase that included premium caviars from Polanco and artisan cheeses crafted by renowned cheesemaker Martín Rosberg. This inclusion not only highlighted the quality of Uruguayan specialty foods but also provided guests with a gastronomic tour that perfectly complemented the wines.

Santiago Deicas, the winery's third-generation winemaker and co-owner, spoke of Preludio's crafting process, emphasizing its complex character derived from a blend prominently including Tannat. He noted, "Preludio represents decades of innovation and precision at Familia Deicas. Its extended aging in barrels followed by time in bottles creates a refined wine that beautifully marries power with finesse."

The accolades did not stop there. Giro Messeri, the Director of Food & Beverage at Glenwild Golf Club, shared his thoughts on the wine's balanced elegance, stating that it displayed "a quiet confidence in the glass—structured and distinctive, inviting a second look." Similarly, Rajesh Chawia, owner of Wine Château in Piscataway, New York, praised Preludio for its outstanding performance alongside some of the most recognized names within the tasting event. He triumphantly declared, "Preludio held its own and showcased that Uruguay's finest can compete at global standards, proving to be a delightful discovery—refined, expressive, and truly memorable."

First produced in 1992, Preludio has come to represent the epitome of Uruguayan fine wines, drawing attention for being one of the best long-aging red wines in South America. The 2018 vintage showcases the winery's dedication to harmonizing traditional methods with modern innovations, influenced by the Atlantic climate, which significantly shapes its vineyards.

Reflecting on the wine’s essence, Ram Mahidhana, COO and co-founder of Arara.io remarked, "The soul of Preludio reflects the soul of Uruguay—pure, honest, and filled with quiet strength. It captures the air, soil, and spirit of the people in its flavor profile, making it not only well-crafted but also deeply moving."

As the wine world turns its gaze to Tannat each year on April 14, Familia Deicas invites wine lovers and connoisseurs alike to revisit and celebrate the depth and elegance of Uruguay’s signature variety. Nino Deicas, co-owner of the winery, commented on the significance of this recognition, stating, "This achievement is deeply meaningful—not only for our family but for Uruguay as a whole. It reinforces our belief that Tannat, when handled with care and patience, can stand proudly among the world's great wines. We are excited to share our story with a wider global audience."

About Familia Deicas

Familia Deicas is widely recognized as one of Uruguay's premier family-owned wineries, known for its pioneering role in enhancing the country's fine wine status. With vineyards shaped by nearby Atlantic influences, the winery is dedicated to producing exemplary long-aging wines, focused on combining heritage with innovation while respecting the unique terroir. For additional information, visit familiadeicas.com.

For media inquiries or sample requests, please contact Patricia Schneider at 415-717-7595 or via email at [email protected].