Bodegas Caro – The uniting of two great wine dynasties
The wonderfully exotic wines of Bodegas Caro represent the uniting of two great wine dynasties,the Rothschild family in France, and the Catena family in Argentina. Historically the Malbec grape owed its fame to Bordeaux; in recent times it has made the vineyards of Mendoza its natural home. The Catenas have three generations of producing Malbec in Mendoza, while the Rothschilds boast centuries of experience in perfecting some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons the wine world has ever seen.
The initial idea became a reality in 1999 when the two families selected some of the very best terroir in the high altitude ranges (900+ metres) in the Mendoza sub-regions of Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and just one hour further south in the Uco Valley. This is prime Cabernet and Malbec land. Wine making remains classical and traditional; hand harvesting followed by 18 months ageing for the ‘Grand Vin’ Caro, and 12 months for its little brother, the delightfully approachable Amancaya.
The 2013 vintage has produced fabulously balanced wines, they are not about excess, but very much what one would expect from two such illustrious wine making families. They have a touch of European charm, whilst never lacking the bright, deep, dark fruit characteristics for which the wines of Argentina are famed.
The Caro and Amancaya 2013s are the very essence of what can be achieved in the finest vineyard locations of Argentina. They are a wonderful break from tradition for the loyal Bordeaux follower, and an absolute must for South American converts.
Brilliant striking purple colour, with a lovely sheen. On the nose there is an explosion of deliciously sweet ripe dark currant and bramble fruits , with hints of fresh figs. A wonderfully fragrant wine, with direct intensity of perfumed blackberry flavours. Rich without excess, it has an almost European touch in terms of balancing directness of fruit with subtlety. Very gentle rounded soft tannins, with appealing freshness on the finish. A very harmonious wine, with mid-term ageing potential. A fine blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2016-2027. David Roberts MW
Bright ruby colour, with fresh aromas of plums, spice and wild dark summer berries. A wine with a delicious volume, focusing on subtle richness of fruit, rounded tannins, with a touch of mocha and fresh tobacco leaf. The soft, broad finish is one of juicy sweet fruit perfect for easy early drinking. 65% Malbec and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink 2016-2022. David Roberts MW
