One of the most charming aspects of exploring Uruguayan wine is that most producers are wine families with a multi-generational history. Each winery has its own identity and style, defined by the different family tastes and often by their European ancestry. One of the most prominent wine families in the traditional Canelones region of Uruguay is the Pisano family. Today Pisano winery is run by three brothers – Daniel, Eduardo and Gustavo Pisano – who each take care of different aspects of the business (sales, viticulture and winemaking respectively).
In this video interview made in collaboration with Uruguay.Wine, Daniel Pisano discusses his experience and perspective of the family business and what makes Uruguayan wine unique.
Daniel Pisano interview: Pisano wines & Uruguayan wine legends
“My grandfather, Cesare Pietro Secundino Pisano, was the first to come to Uruguay in 1914. He started to plant his vineyard and later to make wine. I was born here and I have always been surrounded by wines of quality. But more important than quality, making wines with personality!
“Our wines are: Pisano first, then Uruguayan, then South American, then New World! It is a pleasure to be able to work as part of a family and share this experience with one another.
“Our vineyards are on the 35th parallel south; where we have good light intensity. Where we reach good maturity of tannins and alcohol; whilst maintaining good natural acidity. For me, that’s what makes the Uruguayan identity.
“You don’t have to correct the wines, the wines are natural. Every wine from every family is different. We can offer different, unique and personal wines, which come from the mind of the Pisano family and from our terroir. There are wine lovers who want to taste that kind of experience, don’t they? Uruguayan wine is an experience.
“We feel like wine chefs. We don’t manufacture. We don’t have a recipe. Our wines are like us, robust! We like to offer wines that we are proud of but we are not worried about perfection.
“Most importantly, we are searching for the feeling that wine lovers get from the wine. The feeling of arriving somewhere and seeing your bottle there. That’s part of the reward, and you enjoy that achievement. I’m not looking for any other life than this one.”
Read more about Pisano winery in our Uruguayan winery guide
Find out more about Uruguayan wine:
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Pairing food with Uruguayan wine: A guide to Uruguay wine pairings
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A guide to Uruguay’s wine regions
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Uruguay: a wine country that’s more than just Tannat
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Wine production in Uruguay: Latest statistics and numbers
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Uruguay: The Little Country In-between
