2023 El Principal Calicanto Jeroboam (3 liter)

Viña EL Principal belongs to the absolute top of South America - Chile and that is not surprising because 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 famous Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Pavie in Saint-Émilion. Today the owner is the Said Sandal Family and the winery is one of the most exclusive and premium of Chile with only 4 wines, but a range of wines of the highest quality that reflects the spirit and typicity of Chilean terroir. The hand, tradition and experience of the Valette family of Château Pavie is reflected in every element and the style (and choice of grape variety) has an inseparable Bordelaises St Emillion twist but anyway that is not surprising given the 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, unique identity and extraordinary quality.

The season was marked by a rainy winter and a spring with good temperatures, clarity and without precipitation. The summer until the month of January recorded moderate temperatures and a good accumulation of degree days, then in February two weeks of high temperatures were recorded and then a month of fresh March and very moderate temperatures were received, which resulted in a slow accumulation of sugars, conservation of acidity and a delay in the harvest date of the grapes. 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 by its fresh and fruity character, spicy notes and polished, silky tannins. Partly due to the higher altitude vineyards from the Andes, the Callicanto gets an extra dose of clarity and freshness. Deliciously fruity with herbal and berry aromas combined with a spicy touch. Medium-bodied with fine and round tannins, a soft texture and a good balance incomparable to the often very fruit-driven wines from Chile. This is not surprising for a Chilean Frenchman as the basis and education comes from Château Pavie.

The vineyard is located at 770 m above sea level and consists of Clay - Colluvial in origin. The vineyard is strongly influenced by the Ocean with a significant influence of the Andes Mountains. The average is between 18°C ​​​​and 22°C. The wine is a blend of typical French varieties: 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Carmenère, 3% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, 7% Syrah which is 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, several shops and businesses grew up along its sides, making it one of the first commercial centers for Chilean wine. Like that first bridge, Calicanto symbolizes the union between tradition and modernity and a dedication to producing wines of the highest quality that express the soul of the Chilean terroir through the French varieties planted in the vineyards. This is a fine double magnum in a beautiful wooden case. Even more delicious and with a longer drinking window

FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.