Catalpa Merlot
Perhaps the only downside to Rex Pickett’s 2004 novel, Sideways, and the subsequent eponymous movie, was its contribution to Merlot’s already wavering reputation. Poor old Merlot. It can be dull at times, but you can say that about most things. This here Merlot, however, from the gifted hands of Philippe Caraguel at Atamisque, is anything but dull. It is gorgeous, with a nose that will transport you directly to Pomerol from an opulent vintage, all cigar box, pencil shavings and luscious, dark fruits with a touch of mint. Soft, sweet tannins cradle immensely pure fruit concentration on the velvet-textured palate. An unsung hero.
Producer Profile
Located in the district of San José in Tupungato, Uco Valley, this stunning yet simple winery is the first you will see on the famous ‘Ruta del Vino’, Route 86. The humble slate roofs and drably coloured walls host an extremely impressive modern facility, where winemaker Philippe Caraguel quietly plies his trade, bringing a touch of French restraint to the fruits of these 100% estate-owned vineyards, many of which boast some particularly old vines.
Catalpa Merlot
Perhaps the only downside to Rex Pickett’s 2004 novel, Sideways, and the subsequent eponymous movie, was its contribution to Merlot’s already wavering reputation. Poor old Merlot. It can be dull at times, but you can say that about most things. This here Merlot, however, from the gifted hands of Philippe Caraguel at Atamisque, is anything but dull. It is gorgeous, with a nose that will transport you directly to Pomerol from an opulent vintage, all cigar box, pencil shavings and luscious, dark fruits with a touch of mint. Soft, sweet tannins cradle immensely pure fruit concentration on the velvet-textured palate. An unsung hero.
Producer Profile
Located in the district of San José in Tupungato, Uco Valley, this stunning yet simple winery is the first you will see on the famous ‘Ruta del Vino’, Route 86. The humble slate roofs and drably coloured walls host an extremely impressive modern facility, where winemaker Philippe Caraguel quietly plies his trade, bringing a touch of French restraint to the fruits of these 100% estate-owned vineyards, many of which boast some particularly old vines.
Catalpa Merlot
Perhaps the only downside to Rex Pickett’s 2004 novel, Sideways, and the subsequent eponymous movie, was its contribution to Merlot’s already wavering reputation. Poor old Merlot. It can be dull at times, but you can say that about most things. This here Merlot, however, from the gifted hands of Philippe Caraguel at Atamisque, is anything but dull. It is gorgeous, with a nose that will transport you directly to Pomerol from an opulent vintage, all cigar box, pencil shavings and luscious, dark fruits with a touch of mint. Soft, sweet tannins cradle immensely pure fruit concentration on the velvet-textured palate. An unsung hero.
Producer Profile
Located in the district of San José in Tupungato, Uco Valley, this stunning yet simple winery is the first you will see on the famous ‘Ruta del Vino’, Route 86. The humble slate roofs and drably coloured walls host an extremely impressive modern facility, where winemaker Philippe Caraguel quietly plies his trade, bringing a touch of French restraint to the fruits of these 100% estate-owned vineyards, many of which boast some particularly old vines.
