caro (catena and rothschild) 2019 750ml

BACKGROUND
CARO was born of the alliance between two wine cultures (French and Argentine), two noble grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), and two renowned wine families, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena. Both vignerons since the 19th century, these two powerful organizations have combined their deep knowledge of Mendoza's high altitude terroir and the art of winemaking to create a unique portfolio of wines: CARO, Amancaya, and Aruma. Two noble grapes, two families, one dear and elegant portfolio of wines.

APPELLATION
Mendoza, Argentina

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

Nestled at the foothills of the snowcapped Andes mountains, Mendoza is known as the best wine producing region in Argentina. With vines planted on high plateaux between 800 and 1200m A.S.L., Mendoza’s vineyards are known as the highest in the world. Sheltered from the rain by the mountains to the West and the Pampa to the East, the region is very arid. Mendoza wines draw their character from an exceptional sun exposure and wide temperature variations between night and day.
CARO vineyard is a plot of 8ha located Altamira, in the Uco Valley, South of Mendoza. Vineyards are planted at 1000m A.S.L., on the ancient alluvial bed of the Tunuyan River.
Following a prolonged mild winter at the foot of the Andes, the sunny days of spring allowed normal progress of bud burst and flowering.
In Altamira frost was fought with active protection and fortunately it did not affect the CARO production. The good weather prevailed over the rest of the season, with little rainfall at Altamira.
The abnormally cold vintage led to a late vintage (2–3 weeks). Without significant rains and with a perfect sanitary state we were able to wait for the grape to reach their maturity. Harvest started on March 25th in Altamira and finished on the April 22nd in Gualtallary.

WINEMAKING & AGEING

CARO grapes come from selected sections of rows within our blocks, where the soil is layered with calcareous deposits as well as limestone, remnants of a river which used to flow through Altamira. Grapes are carefully selected and hand harvested. After destemming, they are placed in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. Maceration lasts for a period of 20 days with gentle pump-over to ease tannin extraction and fix the color.

Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in tanks, then the wine is transferred into French oak barrels made by the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac (80% new oak) for a period of 18 months.

TASTING NOTES

Deep red color. The nose is complex with red fruits and figs, followed by aromas of blackcurrant. On the palate, the wine is round with soft tannins, displaying generous aromas of blueberry and blackberry. Well balanced, with a good persistence on the finish.

750ml Bottle