Juan Carrau came to South America from Spain, and his name is synonymous with crafting top-quality wines. He has a passion for producing fine wines, and with a tradition stretching back more than 10 generations, it's also one of the oldest family-owned wineries. Founded in 1930, Bodega Carrau was one of the pioneers of fine winemaking. They use traditional grape varieties from southwestern France, such as Tannat, Malbec, and Petit Manseng. Today, Javier Carrau heads the winery and continues to produce a fantastic range of single-varietal wines, aiming to represent Uruguay's unique terroir. Ocean breezes temper the heat during the summer months, and the region is frost-free in the winter. The grapes ripen slowly due to the temperature differences between day and night, allowing them to develop their delicious aromas.
After harvest, the grapes are gently crushed and pressed. Cold clarification takes place in stainless steel tanks and fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in the barrels. The wine is aged on the lees for six months with daily batonnage. Thirty percent of the same Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel and then added to enhance freshness. The wine is aged in oak for 10 months.
This Chardonnay de Reserva erupts in a pale golden yellow. It immediately reveals intense yet delicate fruit aromas, including dried apricots and white flowers, along with soft notes of vanilla. The palate is complex, dry, and with a noticeable acidity that creates a fresh, lingering palate. It's a perfect pairing with fish and shellfish, as well as lean meats.
