Cerro Chapeu

Cerro Chapeu sits within the Rivera department in northern Uruguay, roughly 12 km from the town of Rivera and directly on the border with Brazil. It is the only significant viticultural sub-region within Rivera and takes its name from Cerro do Chapeu, a hill located on the Brazilian side of the border. The landscape is defined by rolling hills and undulating hillsides that reach elevations between 215 and 304 meters, making it among the more elevated and topographically varied areas in Uruguay.

• Located on the Uruguay-Brazil border in the Rivera department
• Named after a hill that sits on the Brazilian side of the border
• Elevations range from 215 meters (700 feet) to over 304 meters (1,000+ feet)
• The only commercially significant viticultural sub-region in Rivera

The soils of Cerro Chapeu are sandy and red, deep in profile, with excellent natural drainage and low fertility. These characteristics stress the vines beneficially, concentrating flavors in the fruit. The climate is continental with humid subtropical influences, featuring dry seasons, ample sunshine, and low year-round rainfall. This combination allows grapes to ripen fully while retaining moderate natural acidity and producing wines at lower alcohol levels than many warmer South American regions.

• Sandy red soils, deep and free-draining with low fertility
• Continental climate with dry seasons and low year-round rainfall
• Ample sunshine promotes consistent ripening
• Lower alcohol levels result from the cooler continental conditions

Cerro Chapeu grows a remarkably diverse range of varieties for a single sub-region. Tannat is the flagship, positioned as Uruguay's defining red grape and the region's most important commercial variety. Beyond Tannat, the vineyards include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Teroldego, Sousao, and the rare hybrid Arinarnoa for reds, alongside Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, and Viognier for whites. The breadth of plantings reflects the experimental origins of the estate.

• Tannat is the signature variety, Uruguay's national grape
• Rare varieties including Petit Manseng, Arinarnoa, Nebbiolo, Teroldego, and Sousao are planted
• White varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Petit Manseng
• Wine styles span robust reds, whites, sparkling, and sweet wines

The Carrau family established Cerro Chapeu in 1975 as part of a collaborative research project with UC Davis, seeking virus-free terroir in the northern reaches of Uruguay. The family's winemaking tradition stretches back over 260 years to Barcelona, Spain, where they began in 1752. Their operation in Cerro Chapeu, Bodega Cerro Chapeu, is the region's sole commercial winery and farms 35 hectares of vineyards. In 1997, a gravity-flow winery was constructed directly into the hillside, reflecting the estate's commitment to sustainable and minimal-intervention winemaking.

• Founded in 1975 as part of a UC Davis research project seeking virus-free terroir
• The Carrau family's winemaking tradition dates to Barcelona in 1752, over 260 years of history
• Bodega Cerro Chapeu is the only commercial winery in the sub-region, farming 35 hectares
• A gravity-flow winery built into the hillside was completed in 1997