Uruguay means River of Painted Birds in the native language of Guarani. Amongst our rolling hills and thousands of small rivers, birds live freely and fish are abundant. Resting on the Atlantic Ocean between 30º and 35º parallel Uruguay shares the same latitude with the ultimate wine–growing regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The cool weather, rolling hills and maritime climate make it especially fit for the cultivation of the fine grapes. The Tannat is the red grape that has better adapted to the soil and climate conditions of Uruguay. Original of Madiran in the South West of France, it was introduced in our country around 1870 by the pioneering Basque grape grower Pascual Harriague.