Vina El Principal Calicanto 2024

Originating from Chile in the Maipo Valley region, specifically within the Pirque sub-zone in the Andean foothills, Viña El Principal 'Calicanto' 2024 represents a refined, expressive, and terroir-driven Chilean red blend. Founded in 1992 as a partnership between French winemaking icon Jean-Paul Valette (former owner of Château Pavie) and Chilean Jorge Pérez Cruz, Viña El Principal is celebrated for its gravelly alluvial soils situated at 750 to 800 metres above sea level along the Andes Mountains. Named after the historic Calicanto bridge built over the Mapocho River in Santiago during the 18th century, this bottling is designed as an accessible, elegant counterpart to the estate's flagship icon wine. Under technical director Gonzalo Guzmán, the winemaking philosophy incorporates hand harvesting, parcel-by-parcel temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, and maturation for 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels (a combination of new and second-use oak). The result is a vibrant red wine that balances mountain fresh fruit, savory Andean herb complexity, and classic French structural balance.

Wine Description

The wine presents an opaque, deep dark ruby red colour with vivid crimson reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with noble aromas of wild blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, and black plum compote, interwoven with sophisticated notes of eucalyptus, fresh mint, crushed granite minerality, pipe tobacco, cedar, and subtle toasted oak spice. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied, silken, and energetic, delivering concentrated flavours of dark berries, dark chocolate, and savory mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural high-altitude acidity. Framed by fine-grained, velvety tannins and a supple mid-palate structure, it concludes with a long, persistent finish marked by lingering black fruit, wild herbal spice, and a clean gravelly grip. Composed predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this 2024 release offers an optimal drinking window of 2025–2036. Stylistically, it effortlessly combines Andean mountain freshness, lush fruit depth, and refined French elegance.