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Review: Aruma Malbec 2010, Bodegas Caro, Mendoza, Argentina


100% Argentine Malbec.

It's interesting, the more I drink wines from South America, the more I appreciate them (yes, I'm smiling). While I have read about how good the Malbec from Argentina is, the proof is in the tasting and the pairing. Aruma is produced in Argentina’s Mendoza region, by Nicolas Catena of Bodega Catena, in partnership with Barons de Rothchild (Lafite). Catena is one of South America’s largest wineries. "ARUMA" means the "night" in the language of the Quechua, the native Indians of the Mendoza region. I like the sound of "Aruma" and how it rolls off the tongue- Aruma.

This wine had a dark, inky color, it was smooth, creamy, with a sharp core, a bit tight. After 2 hours it began to open  up with a richer mouth feel, earthy aromas expressed with tobacco, dark fruit, and coffee, a light mid-palate, the finish was slightly dry with moderate tannins. Yes, I'm talking steak, which is what I paired the Aruma with. This wine is still developing in the bottle and should improve with another year of bottle age. If you drink now, I suggest decanting for the most enjoyment. My steak was a good companion to this wine. Recommended.

This Malbec was harvested from four different vineyards from the 28th of March until the 22nd of April 2010.  Grapes were hand picked, de-stemmed and crushed before fermentation.  Malolactic fermentation lasted for 14 to 30 days (including alcoholic fermentation) in 100% stainless steel tanks, with traditional pumping. 50% of the wine was aged in oak barrels (second hand used) over 8 months.

100% Malbec.
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Synthetic cork.
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
Produced and bottled by Bodegas Caro in partnership with S.A. Les Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite)/Nicolas Catena
Price: $12 - $20


Cheers!
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