Product Description
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Cerro Chapeu, Reserva, Tannat, 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.
Winemaking
The bunches are stemmed on stainless steel tanks, then spontaneous fermentation begins slowly at 20°C. These conditions favour the growth of various native yeasts, resulting in greater body and aromatic complexity. After 10 days of fermentation, the wine is aged in second-use oak barrels in contact with the yeasts for 12 months. Bottled with minimal handling June 2022.
Tasting Note
Intense and deep ruby red colour. Harmony and balance with the oak are sought, this reveals characteristic notes of the strain on the nose, black fruits such as prunes, blueberries and floral notes such as violets; On the palate roundness and balanced tannins.
Goes well with
Ideal to serve with red meats, mature cheeses and any grill dish.
Cellaring
Will improve with carefully cellaring for up to 5 years.
Don’t just take our word for it…
92 points – Decanter
Features
Varieties: Tannat 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 13.8%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: Uruguay
Region: Rivera
Vintage: 2021
