Casarena Lauren's Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Casarena’s home is a sandy-coloured winery in the heart of Mendoza, sitting in the rain shadow of the mighty Andes mountain range. The winery owns four vineyards in the Perdriel and Agrelo sub-regions, from which it produces a fantastic range of single-vineyard wines.

In the coldest part of Agrelo, Lauren’s Vineyard is carefully tended by lead wine-maker Martina Galeano and soil scientist Pablo Ceverino. It is distinctive among Casarena’s vineyards for the depth of its clayish soil, ideal for cultivating varietals such as Malbec, Petite Verdot and the delicate Cabernet Franc.

This wine is lively and well-structured from the very beginning. Its nose bears a perfume of red fruits, tobacco and herbs. The grapes are grown approximately 900 metres above sea level, giving the palate a wiry, fresh acidity. Plum, cassis and rich red berries are also prominent, joined by notes of asparagus, and pepper. Herbal notes return to the finish, with a splash of heat. Best served at slightly below room temperature, this wine will suit a variety of foods. Consider steaks or spiced meats such as chorizo sausage, as well as grilled vegetables or fish.