At a glance

Producer

Primus

Region

Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Red Blend (typically Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$30 USD

Tasting profile

Plush dark fruit (blackberry, plum), mocha, spice, graphite, herbal undertones. Well-layered with fine-grained tannins.

Evolution: Over 3-5 years, expect integration of oak, deeper tertiary notes (cedar, leather, tobacco), and greater complexity.

At peak: At peak, expect harmony between fruit, spice, earth, and tannin; smooth texture, persistent finish, nuanced aromatics.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, balanced acidity

Tannins

Medium to firm; well-integrated but present, will soften with age

Alcohol

Typically 14-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Medium to long (8-12 years), depending on cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2030

Optimal window

2025 to 2032

Current status

Young, suitable for immediate drinking but structured for aging

Current condition

Robust fruit and structure, primary and secondary notes present

The Blend from Apalta often shows power and balance in youth but benefits from 3-8 years of cellaring for its components to integrate, optimizing complexity and mouthfeel.

Food pairing

Grilled ribeye, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to firm tannins that will benefit from aeration, allowing the flavors to open up and soften.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Minimal intervention, native yeasts, organic vineyard management (no synthetic pesticides), drip irrigation for water conservation, use of solar power at estate, lightweight recycled glass bottles, majority recycled packaging materials

Primus is widely recognized as one of Chile's leaders in sustainable, organic vineyard management and winery practices. They participate in the Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile program, using organic methods in the majority of their vineyards (including Apalta), and prioritize environmental stewardship with energy/water conservation, responsible packaging, and community reforestation. While international shipping is unavoidable for global markets, Primus actively implements offset strategies, making The Blend Apalta 2022 a standout for sustainable wine production in its category.