Product Description
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Cerro Chapeu, Reserva, Edićion Limitada, Nebbiolo, 2021, Rivera, Uruguay
Producer Profile
In 1975, Quico Carrau Pujol, in collaboration with the University of California Davis, began the search for a terroir to plant the first virus-free vines. This place had to have qualities that would adapt to the climate of Uruguay, sandy soils and slopes that would allow good drainage to avoid excess water in the vine. After going through and analysing different soils in the South of Brazil and North of Uruguay, they found this property in Rivera, Cerro Chapeu, in Cuchilla de Santana, with sandy, reddish and deep soils, with low fertility and very good drainage. It is here where the project of selecting vineyards that would adapt to this place began.
In 1997 Francisco Carrau, ninth generation and youngest son of Quico, after touring wineries in different parts of the world, designed the winery, deciding to build it inside a hill to take advantage of gravity and thus achieve vinification with minimal manipulation of the musts.
Currently, Bodegas Carrau is a family business, where five brothers pay tribute to over 260 years of wisdom generated by their ancestors.
Francisco Carrau – Winemaking Legend, Tim Atkin MW Uruguay Report 2021
Viticulture
Vineyards planted at 250 meters above sea level in soils of aeolian origin, red sand, with great depth and water retention capacity.
Made from cuttings that were planted at Las Violetas in 1910, this is one of the few Nebbiolos in Uruguay, but it shows that the variety has untapped potential here.
Winemaking
Crushed over tanks with 50% whole berries. Maceration for 10 days at 20-22ºC in open stainless-steel tanks, pressing and finishing with spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels, aging for twelve months on lees in new French oak. Bottled with minimal handling in June 2019.
Tasting Note
Aromas of black wine gums, deep raspberry and blueberry notes, a meaty savouriness and garrigue. Juicy, sour cherries on the palate, tannins are well handled, it is meaty with a smoky, tar-like character. Full bodied.
Goes well with
Roast lamb cutlets or barbequed fillet steak.
Cellaring
Will improve with carefully cellaring for up to 5 years.
Don’t just take our word for it…
“Tasty, spicy and slightly woody with notes of fresh earth, tar, rose petals and granular tannins. 2021-26.” – 90 points, Tim Atkin
Features
Varieties: Nebbiolo 90%
Colour: Red
ABV: 13%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: Uruguay
Region: Rivera
Vintage: 2021
