Review: Pisano, RPF Tannat

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Garzón Tannat and highlighted the fact that seeking wines from ‘under the radar’ wine regions can yield exceptional values. However, I neglected to mention the fact that the grape in this wine, Tannat, could also be considered an ‘under the radar’ grape!

Tannat is not as obscure as some varieties, but I would wager that most casual wine consumers know of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and maybe a few other varieties. But then start to get outside their comfort zone. That doesn’t mean grapes like Tannat can’t result in some spectacular wines. It just means consumers aren’t as exposed to those wines, so they might feel unsure about them.

That unsureness, whether it’s about the region, the grape, or both, equals opportunity for value seekers like you!

Today I’m highlighting another Tannat from Uruguay, and once again it’s a wine that offers outstanding value. This one comes from a producer named Pisano.

Like many wine producers, Pisano produces a portfolio of different wines under different sub brands. This wine is part of their RPF range, which an initialism for, “Reserva Personal de la Famalia.” This translates to mean, “Personal Reserve of the Family.”

The story behind this range of wines is that the family would preserve some bottles of the finest wines they produced for personal consumption by the family and labeled them RPF. These were the most exclusive bottles of wine they produced. Over the years, they shared some of these bottles with friends and word got around about the RPF wines. Eventually, once the proverbial cat was out of the bag, the winery made the RPF wines an official part of their portfolio.

Now, getting back to what I was saying about value, the suggested retail price of this Tannat is only $24. The RPF range of wines are the most exclusive and prestigious offered by Pisano and you can get your hands on a bottle for just $24. Now that’s value.

Tasting Notes

The nose on this wine offers a really nice blend of fruit, spice and earthy notes, such as black raspberry, nutmeg, allspice and dark chocolate. On the palate it delivers tart black raspberry, blackberry, chocolate and spice flavors. This is a big, bold wine, yet the acidity is nice and bright, giving a freshness to the fruit. It has a nice mouthfeel. It finishes long, with tangy berry and spice flavors.

Wine: Pisano, RPF Tannat
Varieties: 100% Tannat
Vintage: 2020
Alcohol: 14%
Rating: 90
Average price: $24
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.