{"product_id":"2023-el-principal-calicanto","title":"2023 El Principal Calicanto","description":"\u003cp\u003e2023 El Principal Calicanto is a characterful Chilean red that showcases the elegance and structure of the Alto Maipo Valley. Named after a historic bridge over the Maipo River, Calicanto blends classic Bordeaux varieties with Chile’s signature Carménère to create a wine that is both approachable in its youth and quietly sophisticated. This cuvée has become a reference point for modern Chilean reds, offering a remarkable price-to-quality ratio for those exploring premium wines from the Andes foothills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2023 El Principal Calicanto shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with violet reflections, hinting at its freshness and youth. The nose opens with blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry, layered with notes of fresh red cherry, violet, and subtle green pepper from Carménère. With a swirl, more complexity emerges: graphite, cedar shavings, baking spices, and a touch of cocoa and tobacco from well-judged oak aging.\n\nOn the palate, this is medium to full-bodied with a supple, polished texture. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and black fruit, Carménère adds spice and a savory herbal edge, while small portions of Syrah and other Bordeaux grapes (such as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) contribute floral lift and depth. Flavors of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum and cassis are wrapped in fine-grained tannins and balanced by a fresh, Andean-derived acidity. The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs and graphite. Enjoyable now with a short aeration, the 2023 vintage should evolve nicely over the next 5–7 years, gaining further complexity while retaining its vibrant fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEl Principal Calicanto is sourced primarily from estate vineyards in the Alto Maipo Valley, a high-altitude zone at the foothills of the Andes known for its poor, alluvial and colluvial soils, excellent drainage and wide diurnal temperature swings. These conditions favor slow, even ripening and naturally balanced grapes with concentrated flavors. The fruit is typically hand-harvested in small boxes to preserve berry integrity and sorted carefully upon arrival at the winery. Each variety is vinified separately: after a gentle destemming, the must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to capture purity of fruit, with regular pump-overs or punch-downs for optimal extraction. Post-fermentation maceration fine-tunes tannin structure, and the wine is then aged in a combination of French oak barrels (a mix of new and used) and tanks before final blending, allowing the different components to knit together while maintaining freshness and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2023 El Principal Calicanto is a versatile food wine that shines alongside grilled meats such as ribeye steak, lamb chops or marinated flank steak, as well as slow-cooked beef dishes and rich stews. It pairs beautifully with herb-crusted pork, duck breast, and hearty pasta dishes featuring mushroom, tomato, or ragù-based sauces. Mature cheeses like Manchego, Comté or aged cheddar also complement its structure and savory complexity. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the aromatic layers open up, especially in its youth, revealing greater depth and integration on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eViña El Principal is an esteemed estate located in the Alto Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most prestigious regions for Cabernet-based wines. Founded on lands whose viticultural history dates back to colonial times, the estate has been transformed into a modern winery that marries tradition with meticulous vineyard management and contemporary winemaking. Benefiting from the cooling influence of the Andes and well-drained mountain soils, El Principal has built a reputation for producing structured, ageworthy reds that capture the finesse and energy of this exceptional terroir. Calicanto, named after a key historical bridge in Santiago, stands as the winery’s emblematic blend, consistently recognized by critics and wine lovers for its elegance, balance and its role in elevating Chile’s image on the world stage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viña EL Principal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251924586833,"sku":"GCW-ELPR-23120104","price":20.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2023_El_Principal_Calicanto.png?v=1783442259","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2023-el-principal-calicanto","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}