A wine gift hamper might not be complete without a Uruguayan variety of the fizzy drink, as it has been revealed that the country is taking the world of viticulture by storm.

Tannat is the style of wine that is increasing the nation's reputation as an emerging wine maker across the globe, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Traditionally less prominent in its expertise regarding the beverage than South American neighbours Argentina and Chile, Uruguay is now coming to the fore with its grape concoction, which represents about 40 per cent of the country's whole wine production.

Over 8,200 hectares of vineyards are now cultivated by almost 2,000 wine producers up and down the land.

Earlier in the month, an investigation carried out by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston discovered that people who drink wine in moderation are less likely to significantly gain weight in later life than those who do not.