Our pick for this weekend? A red blend from one of Chile’s biodynamic pioneers for under $20.
Primus “The Blend” ($19.95, LCBO #712463) is available in limited quantities at the LCBO Vintages.
“This no longer includes any Syrah, so is now a five-way blend of Bordeaux grapes dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s another classy wine from Rodrigo Soto, with polished tannins, notes of graphite and green pepper and a dense, subtly oaked finish.” – 93 points, Tim Atkin, MW, 2017
The Primus project, coming from the Latin word for “first of its kind”, was born out of the efforts of a Chilean winemaker whose goal was to take the best red wines from Chile’s two most emblematic varieties and blend them into one. Situated just 130 km south of Santiago in Central Chile, the Colchagua Valley takes centre-stage as the backdrop where lead winemaker Rodrigo Soto and organic and biodynamic pioneer Álvaro Espinoza craft “The Blend”. Rooted in well-drained clay-loam and colluvium soils, the old vines experience a long growing season due to the Mediterranean climate of Apalta and Marchigüe, the sub-appellations in the Colchagua Valley where the grapes are sourced. Fruit is hand-picked from the valley’s organic vineyards, then fermented in open tanks by native yeast.
This release of “The Blend” is composed of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 23% Carménère, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged 12 months in French oak. There’s a reason why Wine Spectator named this wine to their list of the “Top 100 Values”. It’s an expressive blend that shows the potential of each variety: Cabernet provides structure, while Carménère adds spice that combines with the freshness and red fruit of the Merlot. It’s finely tuned and beautifully balanced, an elegant wine with soft tannins and a lingering finish.
Primus is represented in Ontario by Rogers & Company. If you’re new to Rogers & Company: Welcome! Wines are sold in unmixed cases of 12, 6, or 3, depending on the item. Some wines are available by the bottle at the LCBO. Delivery is easy: We can bring the wine to your door, or you can stop by our office to pick up and meet the crew and the company dog. To learn more about Primus wines, or to place an order: rogcowines.com
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Image credit: Grupo el Pradal (2017), Primus
