Criolla Chica 2023

Cara Sur

Criolla Chica
2023

$46.00

* Retail price including taxes and service fees if applicable
Service fees
$ 7.50
Product code
15038052
Format
6 x 750ml
Listing type
Private import
Status
Unavailable
Type of product
Still wine
Licensee price
$39.00
Country
Argentina
Regulated designation
Geographical Indication (GI)
Region
San Juan
Varietal(s)
Criolla 100 %
Colour
Red
Closure type
Cork

About this winery

Cara Sur is a small winery formed in 2011 as a partnership between two couples who were inspired to revive ancestral vines and produce wines from traditional Argentine varietals. Sebastián Zuccardi and Marcela Manini teamed up with Nuria Año Gargiulo and Pancho Burgallo, an avid mountaineering couple who live in Barreal, in the Calingasta Valley of San Juan, north of Mendoza. This mountaineering spirit is represented in the name: Cara Sur translates to "south face" and refers to the more...

See the Cara Sur detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

In the rugged landscape of Hilario, 25 km from Barreal, stand majestic vineyards over 80 years old at 1500 meters above sea level.

Production notes

Selected grape clusters. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and 30% whole bunches. Each vineyard is fermented separately in concrete vats. Maceration lasts 25 to 35 days, with little extraction. Aged in eggs and bottled unfiltered. 6 to 7 months in cement eggs

Tasting notes

A vivid ruby ​​color evokes freshness and liveliness. On the nose, seductive aromas of fresh red fruits, violets, and sweet spices invite a captivating olfactory experience. On the palate, this Criolla Chica offers a light texture and flavors of cherries, wild strawberries, and black pepper. The supple tannins and fruity finish make this an easy-drinking wine. Pair with charcuterie and beef tartare.

Press reviews

Vinous

- 93 points -

Joaquin Hidalgo, May 2025 (Vintage 2023)

The 2023 Criolla Chica Cara Sur from Paraje Hilario in Calingasta, San Juan, is whole-cluster fermented in concrete. Its delicate cherry hue pairs with reductive aromas of iron and quince jam. The palate is rich and modern in style with a firm grip and reactive yet fine tannins, giving way to a cleansing finish with soft strawberry flavors.

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Wine Advocate

- 91 points -

Matthew Luczy, May 2025 (Vintage 2023)

The 2023 Criolla opens with a delicate, nuanced bouquet of dried cherries, pomegranates and crushed stones. It is followed by a sleek, racy and high-toned palate that closes with a taut, focused finish propelled by persistent mineral notes. It's a lovely, spry and cleansing expression of northern Argentina.

See detailed press review