2022 El Principal Memorias

2022 El Principal Memorias is a refined Chilean red that captures the elegance and structure for which the Andes foothills are known. Crafted by Viña El Principal, this wine offers a polished, modern take on classic Chilean red blends, balancing ripe fruit with freshness and poise. It is designed to be both immediately enjoyable and worthy of a place in the cellar.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Memorias typically shows a deep ruby color with violet reflections, hinting at its youthful energy and concentration. The nose opens with aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and cassis, layered with subtle notes of baking spices, graphite, dried herbs, and a touch of cocoa from careful oak aging. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a fresh, linear acidity that keeps the dark fruit vibrant rather than heavy. Flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and red berries are intertwined with hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a slight mineral edge that reflects its Andean origin. The finish is long and structured, suggesting good aging potential over the next 6–10 years, during which the tannins will continue to soften and the secondary notes will gain complexity.

Production
Viña El Principal draws its fruit from vineyards planted on the slopes and alluvial terraces at the foothills of the Andes, in one of Chile’s most respected red-wine areas. Here, poor, well-drained soils and significant day–night temperature swings favour slow, even ripening and excellent flavor concentration. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal maturity, allowing for strict selection of bunches in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks to preserve purity of fruit and define structure, followed by aging in a proportion of oak barrels to add complexity, integrate tannins, and bring subtle notes of spice without overshadowing the character of the fruit and terroir.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile red that shines alongside grilled or roasted red meats, lamb chops, slow-cooked beef dishes, and game, as well as richer pasta with meat ragù and aged hard cheeses. It also pairs well with mushroom-based dishes and herb-crusted roasts that echo its savory notes. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and structure. Decanting for 30–60 minutes is advisable in its youth to help the wine open up and reveal its full aromatic range.

Producer
Viña El Principal is an estate-focused producer based in the Andean foothills of central Chile, recognized for its commitment to crafting premium red wines that highlight altitude, terroir, and precision. Established with the goal of expressing the full potential of Chile’s mountainous vineyard sites, the winery has become a respected name in the country’s fine-wine scene. Over the years, Viña El Principal has earned critical acclaim for its structured yet refined reds, contributing to the reputation of its region as one of Chile’s top sources for ageworthy, Bordeaux-inspired blends with a distinctly Andean identity.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.