Bodegas Carrau is a family business with a long history. Javier Carrau (9th generation) is currently at the helm of the company. The 10th generation has now also been working within the company for 10 years. Javier's son, Marcos, is a biologist and winemaker while Javier's daughter, Juliana, is responsible for administration and marketing.
The Carrau family started making wine in Spain more than 265 years ago. They exported their wine from Barcelona to America in the 18th century. The economic depression of the 1930s prompted Juan Carrau to settle in Montevideo, Uruguay. Juan Carrau, an oenologist by trade, immediately started planting vineyards on arrival in Uruguay. He was the first to plant the Nebbiolo and Tannat grape varieties in the Las Violetas region, north of Montevideo.
Las Violetas is located at exactly the same latitude as the well-known wine regions of Chile and South Africa. Some of the oldest vines in the country can still be found here. Ocean winds moderate the heat during the summer months in Las Violetas and the area is free from frost in winter. Due to the considerable temperature differences between day and night, the grapes ripen slowly and are given every opportunity to develop their full aroma potential. The unique terroir, a red sandy soil with small limestones, and cutting away still green grapes in the growing season ensures a lower yield and grapes with an intense character.