Bodegas Caro

Bodegas Caro: The Excellence of Argentine Wine

Wine enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the renown of great French and Argentine wines. However, few are familiar with the perfect fusion of these two worlds: Bodegas Caro, an exceptional winery born from the union of the prestigious Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the famous Catena Zapata house. This Franco-Argentine partnership has created unique wines recognized worldwide for their finesse, balance, and elegance.

Bodegas Caro embodies the meeting of two major winemaking traditions, combining the expertise of Bordeaux grape varieties with the richness of Argentine terroirs. This is especially evident in prestigious wines such as CARO, Amancaya, and Aruma. Available online at 12bouteilles.com, these wines have become essential for any lover of great vintages.

History of Bodegas Caro: A Franco-Argentine Fusion

The Bodegas Caro estate was established in 1999 from a shared ambition between Nicolas Catena, a pioneer of Argentine wine, and Baron Eric de Rothschild, heir to the legendary Lafite Rothschild family. They aimed to create a wine that would reflect the best of their two winemaking cultures. By combining Cabernet Sauvignon, the emblematic Bordeaux grape, with Malbec, Argentina's jewel, Bodegas Caro quickly became a reference in the wine world.

The idea behind this collaboration was to capture the elegance, complexity, and structure of great Bordeaux wines while exploiting the intensity and opulence of Argentine wines. The estate is located in the wine region of Mendoza, renowned for its dry climate, high altitudes, and varied soils—ideal for vine cultivation. This unique terroir allows for the production of wines that combine finesse and depth.

The Wines of Bodegas Caro: A Perfect Marriage of Tradition and Modernity

CARO: The Flagship Wine

The CARO wine is the estate's flagship product. This exceptional blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes tannic structure, elegance, and aging potential, while the Malbec adds roundness, fruitiness, and unparalleled aromatic depth.

Aged in French oak barrels, the CARO benefits from meticulous attention at every production stage, from rigorous plot selection to the final blending. It stands out for its aromatic complexity, featuring notes of dark fruits, cedar, spices, and tobacco, along with a full, elegant palate and a long, silky finish.

Amancaya: A Modern and Accessible Expression

Named after an Andean flower, Amancaya offers a more accessible version of CARO while maintaining exceptional quality. It is also a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, but with a higher proportion of Malbec, giving it a more fruity and indulgent character.

Amancaya delights with its aromas of ripe red fruits, sweet spices, and smooth tannins. Less tannic than CARO, it is perfect for more immediate consumption while still offering good aging potential.

Aruma: The Purity of Malbec

Aruma is a 100% Malbec wine designed to express the purity and authenticity of Argentina's emblematic grape variety. Its name, meaning "night" in Quechua, refers to the cool Andean nights that help preserve natural acidity and bring remarkable freshness to the wines.

Aruma is distinguished by its aromas of dark fruits, plums, and violets, with a generous and well-balanced palate. It is vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness and intensity of the fruit without the influence of oak.

Winemaking Techniques: Between Tradition and Innovation

At Bodegas Caro, winemaking follows rigorous principles to ensure that each bottle expresses the best of the terroir and grape varieties. The wines are primarily aged in French oak barrels supplied by Lafite Rothschild's cooperages, imparting fine tannins and complex aromas of precious woods.

The grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal selection and are carefully sorted before fermentation. Different plots are vinified separately to preserve the typicity of each terroir, and blending occurs only after meticulous tasting.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures, allowing gentle extraction of tannins and aromas. For some wines, malolactic fermentation is conducted to add roundness and creaminess.

The Grape Varieties: A Winning Duo of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec

Cabernet Sauvignon: Bordeaux Elegance

Cabernet Sauvignon is a noble grape variety from Bordeaux, renowned for its powerful tannins, aging capacity, and aromatic complexity. It brings aromas of blackcurrant, black pepper, tobacco, and cedar to the Bodegas Caro blend. In Argentina, where it enjoys perfect ripening thanks to the sunny climate, Cabernet Sauvignon develops richer and more intense notes than in France.

Malbec: Argentine Richness

Malbec is arguably Argentina's most emblematic grape variety. Originally from Cahors in France, it has found a terroir in Argentina where it can fully express its potential. It produces rich wines with aromas of plum, black cherry, violet, and spices, featuring a velvety texture and silky tannins. This grape imparts an aromatic intensity and depth to Bodegas Caro wines that set them apart from other blends.

Food Pairings: Enhancing Every Occasion

Bodegas Caro wines pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions to highlight these exceptional wines:

• CARO: Perfect with grilled red meats, ribeye steaks, or rack of lamb. It also pairs well with saucy dishes like wild boar stew or beef daube.
• Amancaya: Ideal with simpler yet flavorful dishes like lamb chops, roasted duck, or aged cheeses. Its fruitiness and suppleness make it perfect for barbecues with friends.
• Aruma: Enjoy with white meats, poultry dishes, or mushroom risotto. Its fresh and fruity character also complements tapas or Argentine empanadas.

Distinctions and International Recognition

Bodegas Caro wines have received numerous accolades and praise from international critics. The CARO is regularly celebrated for its complexity and aging potential, often scoring over 90 points in publications like Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Amancaya and Aruma have also garnered rave reviews for their exceptional value and accessibility. These wines are frequently cited among the best examples of the alliance between French expertise and Argentine terroir.

Why Buy Bodegas Caro on 12bouteilles.com?

For wine enthusiasts looking to experience the excellence of Bodegas Caro, 12bouteilles.com offers an exclusive selection of these wines at competitive prices. By purchasing from this site, you benefit not only from a wide choice but also from quality customer service, fast delivery, and optimal bottle storage.

Whether you're looking to enrich your cellar with aging wines or to offer an exceptional gift, the Bodegas Caro wines available on 12bouteilles.com are an essential choice for any discerning oenophile.

FAQ about Bodegas Caro

What sets Bodegas Caro apart from other Argentine wines? Bodegas Caro stands out due to its unique alliance between Bordeaux grape varieties and Argentine terroir. Thanks to the partnership between Lafite Rothschild and Catena Zapata, these wines combine finesse, complexity, and the fruity richness typical of Argentina.

Which grape varieties are used in Bodegas Caro wines? The main grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. CARO is a blend of these two grapes, while Aruma is a 100% Malbec wine.

How is winemaking conducted at Bodegas Caro? Winemaking follows traditional techniques with careful attention at every stage, from grape selection to aging in French oak barrels, allowing for the production of high-quality wines.

What are the best food pairings for Bodegas Caro wines? Bodegas Caro wines pair particularly well with red meats, saucy dishes, and aged cheeses. CARO accompanies grilled meats, while Amancaya is perfect for simpler dishes like lamb chops.

Where can I purchase Bodegas Caro wines? Bodegas Caro wines are available on 12bouteilles.com, which offers an exclusive selection with excellent value and quality service.

Are Bodegas Caro wines suitable for aging? Yes, Bodegas Caro wines, especially CARO, have excellent aging potential. They can be stored for several years, developing more complex aromas over time.