Bodegas CARO : CARO 2017

A great, balanced and elegant Argentinian wine, revealed by Lafite-Rothschild

The estate

In 1999, Château Lafite-Rothschild and the Catena family in Argentina united through a common dream: bringing together two different cultures, two typical grape varieties of each country as well as two inimitable know-hows through one wine. From its first vintage, Bodegas CARO has shared much more than the name of two iconic estates: their styles blend together wonderfully to offer dazzlingly successful wines.

The vineyard

The 2017 CARO comes from a selection of great terroirs in the region of Mendoza, Argentina. Indeed, this first wine is made from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the best Bodegas CARO vines. The vineyards are located in the very famous area of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, as well as in the high-potential region of the Uco Valley.

The wine

The CARO cuvée embodies the perfect balance between an Argentinian identity and a Bordeaux style through the typical expression of Malbec, elegantly harmonised with the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage is characterised by its slightly higher than normal rate of rainfall, notably during budding. Temperatures remained true to previous vintages, with the exception of a frosty period in October. The hot and dry summer accelerated the vine cycle, leading to early harvests. The grapes are perfectly balanced in sugar and acidity, the Malbec tannins very soft. The Cabernet Sauvignon aged for a longer period in deep soils and faster on rocky soils, where its spicy character and a very nice balance was fully developed.

Winemaking and ageing

After the harvests, the berries are taken to the cellar to begin a traditional winemaking process. The wine ages in oak barrels for 18 months, with a proportion of 50% new barrels.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (83%) and Malbec (17%).

Tasting

Colour

The 2017 CARO presents a beautiful ruby colour with purple tints.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet harmonises marvelously with aromas of white pepper and fig, with hints of blueberry and nutmeg.

Palate

The 2017 CARO is an impressively complex wine. The perfect balance between bright fruit, wood integrated with great precision and a tangy freshness offers a rich aromatic panel. The structure is shaped by the suppleness of silky tannins. This wine has a beautiful length on the palate.

Serving and keeping

The 2017 CARO is an exceptional wine which will express all of its complexity after ageing in bottle. For optimal tasting, serve between 15 and 17 degrees.