A garage winemaker, they don’t come like Carmelo any more. This mature vintner is a bit of a legend in Mendoza and has stayed firm to his style for well over half a century.

A visit to his small winery in Lujan de Cuyo is a memorable one as he proudly shows you around the old building, taking you for a tasting of his older and younger vintages.

Carmelo is a Cab man. All his fruit comes from nearby, and he mainly makes red with Cabernet Sauvignon being his favorite and by far the best. Expect slightly more rustic wines with animal undertones and jammy fruit. There is barely any new oak and his wine is made in concrete – both of which are coming back into fashion in Mendoza, but Carmelo was way ahead of the curve!

 

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