Traversa is the largest winery in Uruguay, founded in 1956 by a family of Italian immigrants. With vineyards in the Montevideo and Canelones regions, Traversa specializes in the tannat variety – the hallmark of Uruguayan winemaking. History of Traversa In 1904, Carlos Domingo Traversa arrived in Uruguay with his parents. The son of Italian immigrants, he spent his youth as a vineyard worker. In 1937, together with his wife María Salort, he bought 5 hectares of land in the Montevideo region with optimal conditions for growing vines, and in 1956 he founded a winery with the help of his children: Dante, Luisa, and Armando. They and the next generation proudly continue Carlos's dream. A family representative is present in every department of the winery's operations to maintain control over the quality of the wines produced. Traversa Vineyards The Traversa vineyards stretch across hills and slopes that promote proper water drainage and crop aeration, in two regions: Montevideo and Canelones. In the Montevideo vineyards, the influence of the Atlantic is evident, moderating temperatures during the hottest months of the year. Clay and limestone soils with high calcium carbonate concentrations dominate. All these factors create an ideal terroir – a combination of climatic, soil, and geographical conditions – for growing mature grapes rich in color and polyphenols, from which wines full of freshness and elegance are produced. The company uses state-of-the-art technology and has large temperature-controlled storage facilities. Grape varieties in Traversa vineyards – tannat as the hallmark The main variety and hallmark of all of Uruguay is tannat, producing harmonious wines with an intense aroma of red and dark fruits with a wealth of spice notes. Other cultivated varieties include cabernet franc, marselan, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot among the reds, and chardonnay, viognier, and sauvignon blanc among the whites.