CARO
Summary
CARO is a Franco-Argentine partnership between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Bodega Catena Zapata, producing Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon blends from high-altitude vineyards (2,300-4,900 feet) across Mendoza's premier growing regions, where significant diurnal temperature variations develop intense aromatics while maintaining fresh acidity. The winery combines traditional Bordeaux methodology with Argentine terroir expression through rigorous hand selection, temperature-controlled fermentation, and measured oak aging in French barrels, creating wines of precision and restraint that balance Old World structure with New World fruit character.
Heritage & Leadership
CARO was established in 1999 as a collaborative venture between two distinguished winemaking families: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) from France and Bodega Catena Zapata from Argentina. The partnership united Baron Eric de Rothschild, representing the fifth generation of the Rothschild family at Château Lafite Rothschild, with Nicolás Catena Zapata, a pioneer in Argentine viticulture. The name CARO derives from the first two letters of each family name (CAtena and ROthschild), symbolizing their equal commitment to the project. The collaboration was conceived to combine French winemaking tradition with Argentine terroir expertise, specifically focusing on Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. The winery operates from a historic 1884 building in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, which was fully renovated in 2013 to house their production facilities while preserving its architectural heritage.
Vineyards & Wines
CARO sources grapes from select vineyards throughout Mendoza's premier growing regions, with particular focus on high-altitude sites in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. The vineyards range in elevation from 2,300 to 4,900 feet above sea level, providing optimal conditions for slow, balanced ripening. The portfolio consists of three distinct wines: CARO, the flagship blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from older vineyards; Amancaya, a Malbec-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon from younger vines; and Aruma, a 100% Malbec that showcases the pure expression of this signature Argentine variety. The vineyards feature alluvial soils with varying compositions of sand, clay, and stone, contributing to the wines' complexity. The high diurnal temperature variation characteristic of these Mendoza sites helps develop intense aromatics while maintaining fresh acidity in the grapes.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at CARO centers on combining Bordeaux methodology with Argentine terroir expression. The technical team includes winemakers from both Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Catena, ensuring continuity in style while respecting vintage variation. Grapes undergo careful hand-selection both in the vineyard and at sorting tables. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with gentle extraction techniques to preserve fruit character. The flagship CARO wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, many of which come from Château Lafite's cooperage. Amancaya sees 12 months in French oak with a lower percentage of new barrels, while Aruma is crafted to preserve freshness with minimal oak influence. The production approach emphasizes precision and restraint, allowing the distinctive high-altitude character of Mendoza fruit to shine through while maintaining structural elegance that reflects the Bordeaux influence in the partnership.