Amancaya Reserve Red Blend

Amancaya Reserve Red Blend

  • Mendoza, 
  • argentina

Latest Awards

  • 93 points James Suckling , May 2024
  • 92 points Decanter , March 2024
Background

The success of the first vintages of CARO encouraged Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite and the Catena family to create another premium wine, this time a Malbec dominated cuvée, that would nevertheless be a balance between the Bordeaux and Argentine styles. To celebrate its Andean origin, the wine was named Amancaya, after the mountain flower which grows in the Andes.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

Amancaya is the Quechua name of a native flower of the Andes found in the Mendoza area. Grapes are sourced from selected plots of old vines in Lujan de Cuyo just outside Mendoza, and also from Altamira, further south. In Lujan, soils are quite varied depending on how close vineyards are to the mountains or Mendoza River, and tend to form alluvial layers of loam, rock, and gravel. In Altamira, vineyards are planted at 3,281 above sea level, on the ancient alluvial bed of the Tunuyan River. The season started out a little late, with a few nights of frost during spring, but they did not damage the buds. Spring was mostly characterized by wet and cold conditions, which led to delayed growth. Overall, flowering and fruit set were good. During the summer, especially in January and February, temperatures were uncommonly lower than average and without the usual heatwaves that characterize the Mendoza climate. The ripening period was marked by rainfalls: intermittent showers alternating with sunny days characterized this final period before harvesting. These conditions during maturity required the winegrowers to monitor the development of mildew or botrytis, in order to correctly anticipate the decision to harvest.

Winemaking & Aging

Harvest is conducted by hand and grapes are carefully sorted on tables and destemmed before being placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Regular pumping-over ensures a gentle extraction of the tannins. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine is transferred into French oak barrels for a period of 12 months, and 50% is placed in concrete vats.

Tasting Notes

Deep velvety red color with intense ruby hues. Very fruity and fresh on the nose, with aromas of red fruit, strawberry, and black currant. On the palate, the wine is long, well balanced and pleasant, with refined tannins and generous flavors of red berries.

93
Points

Pristine blue and purple fruit with violets, blueberries, black cherries, mulberries, pepper and a twist of dried herbs and spices. Fleshy and round on the palate with medium to full body and soft, fine tannins. Drink now, but can hold, too. -Z.S.

James Suckling - May 2024

93
Points

Tim Atkin - April 2023

93
Points

Classy, cedary oak with incense and cigar box to the black cherries and blackberries. Juicy and generous on the palate with tight yet silky tannins. 69% malbec and 31% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold. – J.S.

James Suckling - April 2023

92
Points

Ruby-red in hue with purple highlights, the wine has a restrained, refined character featuring notes of forest berries, cherry jam, violets, blackberry, liquorice, and graphite. On the palate, it’s vibrant but balanced, with a medium body and polished, juicy tannins. Amancaya 2021 is a red blend – 69% Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon – for which Bodegas Caro has sourced grapes from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Half of the blend was aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Ideal with lamb and other meats. – A.I.

Decanter - March 2024

grape varieties

69% Malbec, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon

Sizes

750 ml

technical details
  • ABV: 14.5%
  • TA: 5.3 g/l
  • Ph: 3.7
  • Closure: Cork
winemaker

Philippe Rolet

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