Although some might be surprised to hear that Uruguay has a wine industry, they might also be surprised to hear that the small industry is blooming. The Latin American country’s top sommelier, Federico de Moura, leads oenological affairs at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa and represented his nation at the 2013 Concours du Sommelier in Tokyo.

“Having explored alternatives as diverse as sparkling wine, whites, rosés and reds,” he says. “[Uruguay] is also producing Tannat liqueurs in a Port style, and even great wines with botrytis like the Sauternes.” Here, Federico shares his five favourite Uruguayan wines.

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