Ballast is a type of soil that predominates in the wine producing region of Maldonado in Uruguay. It arises from what is known as “crystalline basement”, the base where more than 2.5 billion years ago other materials accumulated and gave shape to some of the oldest soils on the planet. Due to centuries of tectonic movement and underground volcanic eruptions, the rocks have been transformed and grounded, giving way to what we call ballast. This soil, made primarily of crushed stone, gravel and ash, has excellent drainage to protect the vines during extreme rainfall, as well as containing a wide variety of minerals to feed the plants.
This peculiar soil is found in large quantities around the Garzón lagoon. This is where Bodegas Garzón harvests a wide variety of grapes such as Albariño, Marselan, Cabernet Franc, and the emblematic Tannat.
Author: Maytte Rivera
