If you’re a fan of Chilean wines, you’ve probably heard of Primus. This small winery has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in the region. Founded by Augustin Huneeus who is the proprietor of Quintessa in Napa Valley. He was born in Chile and entered the wine business in 1960 with Concha y Toro. He started Veramonte Winery in Chile before selling the controlling interest to Gonzalez Byass. As Veramonte, today, Gonzalez Byass has a controlling interest in Primus.
Primus – meaning “The First Among Its Peers.”
Primus, is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted wines that showcase the unique character of the terroir of the region. Their vineyards are located in Apalta, Colchagua Valley and Alto Maipo, Maipo Valley.
The winery’s focus is on producing three wines; Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, The Blend, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
What sets Primus apart from other Chilean wineries is its commitment to sustainability. The winery uses organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard, and all of its wines are made with minimal intervention in the cellar. This means that the wines are a true expression of the terroir the grapes were grown on.
I had the opportunity to try the three Primus wines and you won’t be disappointed! Honestly, these are some of the better Chilean wines I’ve tasted. Elegant and balanced with no green notes. All sell for an SRP of $20.99. You can’t go wrong bringing these to the table.
Primus Red Blend 2018 – A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Each of the grapes provides their own personality to the wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon the structure, the Carmenère the density and smoothness, the Syrah the spice, the Cabernet Franc the elegance and the softness of the Petit Verdot.
Primus Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley 2018 – This spent 12 months in French Oak, with 18% of the oak being new. Nose of cigar ash, blackberry, and vanilla that leads to a palate that is soft and silky. Notes of blackberry, cherry, a little forest floor. A very nice elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and one of the nicest Cabs I’ve tasted from Chile.
Primus Carmenère Apalta, Colchagua Valley 2018 – This also spent 12 months in French Oak with 18% of the oak being new. Aromas of a mix of red berries, cedar with a plate of dark fruit and little pepper on the finish. Silky tannins with a hint of chocolate and rosemary.
