Winemaker Notes
Carrascal Classico NV is a special edition of our traditional Carrascal Blend. This wine has complex aromas of ripe berries, cassis, black cherries, dried plums, with hints of black tea, tobacco, balsamic and fresh leather. 45% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Raisiny black-fruit aromas are at the core of the nose and backed by foresty notes, tobacco and cheesy leather scents normally associated with Brettanomyces. The palate on this nonvintage blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is lively and grabby, not flat or syrupy. Baked plum, cassis and blackberry flavors finish with notes of fig, chocolate and oak spice. This saw 36 months in barrel, so oak is a key ingredient from head to toe.
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.