The wine world is paying close attention to Colchagua Valley.  Topographically and geographically, it’s quite similar to Napa in many respects.  Many fine producers have, and continue to emerge from this growing region.  Recently we had an opportunity to taste an example from Colchagua – Calcu’s 2008 red blend.  Calcu (Magician in the native Mapuche language) is a Meritage-style blend consisting of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Petite Verdot.

The first thing you notice with Calcu is the color.  It’s a beautiful and brilliant ruby, just translucent enough at the edge to give the wine a rich sheen.  This is actually a pretty wine that looks delicious.  Fresh out of the bottle the nose if very candied with vanilla and some tropical notes.  With a little air the nose subsides to cassis and cherry with some char notes weaved throughout.   It settles into a very integrated nose.

On the palate, the wine is decently balanced with good fruit and a solid backbone of lush tannins.  The tannin levels here offer a really nice mouth feel up until the wine finishes and the aftermath of all that tannic acid unfolds.  It doesn’t spoil the experience, but it does seem like a flaw on a very appealing wine.   So it’s not the perfect quaffer, but with it’s nice balance of acid, fruit and oak, it’s actually very good with food, particularly proteins like beef and cheese.

So serve some Calcu at your next dinner or cookout.  And, impress your friends with your discovery of Colchagua Valley before the secret is completely out.

A  Salute!

Wine: Calcu
Variety: Red Blend
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating:  86
Price: $12.00

Find Calcu Red with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.