VIÑA EL PRINCIPAL | Calicanto | 2018
cabernet sauvignon | carmenère | syrah | cabernet franc | malbec

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Today we are are going to review a quite intriguing wine blend from Maipo Andes Valley, which is one of Chile‘s most famous wine regions – Calicanto 2018 by Viña El Principal. This wine is a tribute to the ‘Cal y Canto‘ bridge build over Mapocho River in Santiago’s between 1767 and 1782. The Santiago area thus became the first commercial hub for chilean wine, thanks to the trade businesses that flourished on both banks of the river courtesy of the new bridge. Calicanto was first produced in 2007 – a classic, chilean Bordeaux-styled blend that is released only in the best vintages. Made of grapes sourced from the Andetelmo Estate‘s vineyards, that are planted on clay-rich soils at 770 meters altitude in Pirque, this wine is a blend of five grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, carmenère, syrah, cabernet franc and malbec, where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, carmenère builds a more refined mid-palate, syrah is all about spice and black fruit flavors, cabernet franc brings those famous, dusty hints of local terroir, whereas malbec offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barrels. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep | ruby color
clarity: bright | ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced | savory-earthy
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, this wine unveils an enticing olfactory experience with a prominent fruit character of ripe and overripe black fruits. The foreground is filled with notes of blackcurrant, black plum, black cherry and blackberry, complemented by savory hints of old leather, black olive, and intriguing hints of iron and veal. The terroir-driven notes of black soil dusty and pencil lead add an extra layer of delicate complexity. The background is coated with very appealing, oak-derived nuances of tobacco, cloves, roasted oak and charcoal. This wine’s aromatic profile reflects both, the richness and vibrancy of the fruit and the classic chilean, earthy accents, thus creating a truly captivating tasting experience.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: velvety-crisp

This is a round and ample wine blend that truly reflects its savory, chilean nature. On the palate, it reveals its bright acidity that instantly invigorates the senses, while those silky and fine-grained tannins form a velvety texture on the mouthfeel. A subtle touch of alcoholic warmth adds depth and complexity, thus forming a firm and bold wine body. The fruit character is ripe, with flavours of black fruits that are complemented by quite nuanced dusty-earthy notes and subtle oak. All of this leads to a velvety-crisp aftertaste that lingers for quite a while, leaving a lasting impression.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine

This is a fine example of a wine blend that manages to reflect the true essence of chilean dusty terroir. The wine’s well-structured body and multi-layered flavor profile captivate the senses, offering a captivating experience. With its impressive complexity, depth of expression and meticulous attention to every detail, this wine is a testament to the unique qualities that only chilean terroir can deliver – an absolute must-try for every wine enthusiast that appreciate an authentic, rustic and genuine wine tasting experience.

//Scoring
VIÑA EL PRINCIPAL | Calicanto | 2018
variety: cabernet sauvignon | carmenère | syrah | cabernet franc | malbec
country: Chile
region: Maipo Andes Valley
rating: 94.5

//Prediction
predicted rating: 91
actual rating: 90
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This is definitely a great wine of Chile and, with a total of 94.5 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s ample, round and savory character, along with its complex flavor profile, we recommend pairing it with a slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, served with a side of creamy polenta and roasted vegetables. The wine’s savory-earthy accents and its delicate, dusty nature will complement the tender and flavorful lamb, while the wine’s vibrant fruit character will enhance the rustic flavours of the dish. In the same key, the wine’s bright acidity and its velvety-crisp aftertaste will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lamb textures and the creamy polenta. This pairing will create a delightful dining experience that will highlight the wine’s terroir-driven, dusty essence. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.