Winemaker Notes
CARO, from CAtena and ROthschild, has a strong Argentine identity, characterized by the Malbec grape, which is given further elegance and complexity through blending with Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination produces a voluptuous, refined wine with a harmonious balance between the wine’s Argentinian identity and its Bordeaux style.
Deep red color with intense ruby notes. The nose recalls eucalyptus and dried fruit aromas, blended with hints of plum, coffee and chocolate. Ageing in French oak barrels gives the wine subtle notes of dark chocolate. The wine evolves slowly in the glass, with several layers of flavors, and a unique mouthfeel of outstanding complexity.
Blend: 83% Malbec, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A juicy and flavorful malbec with dried blackberry, walnut and hazelnut undertones. Orange peel. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. No oak. Made from fruit from Agrelo and Altamira.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.