2019 El Principal Calicanto Jeroboam (3 liter)

Viña El Principal ranks among the absolute top wines from South America and Chile, which is not surprising, as the house was founded in 1993 by partners Jorge Fontaine Aldunate, owner of the El Principal estate, and Jean Paul Valette, French winemaker and former owner of the renowned Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Pavie in Saint-Émilion. Today, the Said Sandal Family owns the winery, and it is one of Chile's most exclusive and premium wines, with only four wines produced, but a range of top-quality wines that capture the spirit and typicity of Chilean terroir. The hand, tradition, and experience of the Valette family at Château Pavie are evident in every element, and the style (and choice of grape varietal) has an inextricable Bordeaux Saint-Émilion twist. That's not surprising, given their background.

El Principal's terroir, located at the foot of the Andes in the Alto Maipo Valley (DO Maipo Andes), was perfect for their project; its unique combination of climate, soil type, and altitude made it ideal for producing wines with character, a unique identity, and exceptional quality.

The season was characterized by a rainy winter and a spring with good temperatures, clarity, and no precipitation. The summer up to January recorded moderate temperatures and a good accumulation of degree days, followed by two weeks of high temperatures in February, followed by a cool March with very moderate temperatures, resulting in a slow accumulation of sugars, preserved acidity, and a delayed harvest date. The yield was 20% higher than the previous season, with grapes of good color, high acidity, and ripe tannins.

Since the first vintage of Calicanto in 2007, this red blend from Andetelmo Estate has distinguished itself with its fresh and fruity character, spicy notes, and polished, silky tannins. The higher-elevation Andean vineyards give the Callicanto an extra dose of clarity and freshness. Wonderfully fruity with herbal and berry aromas combined with a spicy note. Medium-bodied with fine and rounded tannins, a soft texture, and excellent balance, it's incomparable to the often very fruit-driven wines of Chile. This is not surprising for a Chilean Frenchman, given that the foundation and development of the wine come from Château Pavie.

The vineyard is located at 770 m above sea level and is of colluvial clay in origin. It is strongly influenced by the ocean, with a significant influence from the Andes. The average temperature ranges between 18°C ​​and 22°C. The wine is a blend of typical French varietals: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Syrah, aged for 12 months in 100% French oak.

Calicanto was named in honor of the first bridge built between 1767 and 1782 over the Mapocho River in the city of Santiago. Over time, various shops and businesses sprang up along its banks, making it one of the first commercial centers for Chilean wine. Like that first bridge, Calicanto symbolizes the union of tradition and modernity, and a dedication to producing wines of the highest quality that express the soul of the Chilean terroir through the French varietals planted in the vineyards. This is a beautiful double magnum in a handsome wooden case. Even more delicious and with a longer drinking window.

FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.