{"title":"Maquis Calcu","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"maquis-calcu-cabernet-franc-reserva-750ml","title":"Maquis Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaquis Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Chilean Cabernet Franc–dominant red blend from Colchagua Valley, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from the Maquis Estate's prized vineyard blocks between the Chimbarongo Creek and Tinguiririca River, this Reserva bottling delivers a style of Cabernet Franc that emphasizes ripe fruit and spice over the herbaceous character common elsewhere in the variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile  |  Reserva  |  Producer: Viñedos Calcu (Hurtado Vicuña family)  |  Blend: 95% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménère\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcu is the second label of the Maquis Estate, run by the Hurtado Vicuña family in Chile's Colchagua Valley. The vineyards sit on two-meter-deep alluvial soils with roughly 35% clay content and well-drained gravel subsoils — conditions that encourage Cabernet Franc vines to produce concentrated yet balanced fruit. After harvest, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, integrating subtle oak spice without masking the varietal's inherent personality. The small additions of Petit Verdot (3%) and Carménère (2%) contribute structure and aromatic complexity to the final blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red cherry and plum lead, followed by layers of white pepper, dark chocolate, and crushed herbs. A faint charcoal note emerges with time in the glass, adding savory depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with ripe red cherries and plums coating the palate. Mid-palate, spice notes of white pepper and dark chocolate emerge alongside medium-plus body and well-integrated acidity (3.59 pH). Silky, slightly chewy tannins provide structure without harshness, carrying the fruit through a layered mid-palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long, with dusty tannins that leave a pleasant coating alongside lingering notes of dark spice and dried herbs. The fruit fades gradually, yielding to a clean, savory close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Reserva shows best at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (60–64°F), and benefits from 20–30 minutes of decanting to open the aromatic layers. Its fruit-driven yet structured profile also makes it a versatile choice in wine-based drinks: a \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built on this wine gains real depth from the dark chocolate and spice notes; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) takes on unexpected complexity with the wine's peppery fruit; and a \u003cstrong\u003ered wine spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a twist of orange peel highlights the cherry and herb character on a warm afternoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a friend to Chilean Cabernet Franc beyond the usual Carménère conversation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight grilling — the silky tannins and spice pair naturally with charred meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a South American wine flight alongside Malbec and Carménère\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a red wine drinker who appreciates medium-bodied, food-friendly reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with ripe red cherry and plum fruit, layered with white pepper, dark chocolate, and crushed herbs, all framed by silky, chewy tannins. Notably, it avoids the green bell pepper character often associated with Cabernet Franc from cooler climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva compare to Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Calcu is the second label of the Maquis Estate, so it represents an approachable entry point from the same vineyard source; the Maquis Gran Reserva (which earned 91 points from James Suckling for its 2022 vintage) typically sees more extended oak aging and selection for greater concentration. The Calcu Reserva prioritizes freshness and drinkability, while the Gran Reserva aims for more complexity and cellar potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced acidity, silky tannins, and medium-plus body make it an easy wine to enjoy by the glass without food, especially after a brief decant to let the aromatics fully develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Viñedos Calcu on the Maquis Estate in Chile's Colchagua Valley, where the vineyards occupy a privileged site between the Chimbarongo Creek and the Tinguiririca River, benefiting from deep alluvial soils with high gravel content.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's peppery spice and red fruit. Aged Gouda or Manchego echo the subtle dark chocolate notes. Roasted red pepper and eggplant dishes mirror the wine's savory herb character. Empanadas with a spiced beef filling match the wine's medium body and tannin structure. Pan-seared duck breast with a cherry reduction amplifies the dominant fruit profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e As the second label of the respected Maquis Estate, this Reserva positions as an entry-level expression that punches above its weight — delivering estate-grown Colchagua Valley Cabernet Franc aged 12 months in French oak at a price point well below most single-varietal Cabernet Franc wines with similar pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Calcu Cabernet Franc Reserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCabernet Franc remains an underrepresented variety in Chile, overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, which makes a dedicated Reserva bottling from an established estate noteworthy in itself. The Maquis Estate's alluvial terroir — deep gravel-laced soils between two waterways — produces a style of Cabernet Franc that is ripe and generous rather than angular, a genuine reflection of Colchagua's warm-climate character. The restrained blending with Petit Verdot and Carménère adds subtle complexity without diluting the varietal identity. For drinkers curious about what Chilean Cabernet Franc can achieve at an accessible level, this Reserva serves as a compelling and honest introduction to both the grape and the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maquis Calcu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837270421673,"sku":"26306","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/calcu_cabernet_franc__62692.jpg?v=1730478400"},{"product_id":"maquis-calcu-cabernet-sauvignon-reserva-750ml","title":"Maquis Calcu Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaquis Calcu Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend from Chile's Colchagua Valley, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Rated 92 points by James Suckling, this expression draws from high-altitude vineyard blocks situated at 500 meters above sea level near the foothills of the Andes—among the highest-elevation sites in the entire Colchagua appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Chile  |  Reserva  |  Winery: Maquis\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaquis operates vineyards in the Colchagua Valley and has worked since 2005 with consulting winemaker Xavier Choné, a specialist in vineyard evaluation who focuses intensively on soil analysis, vine spacing, and precise harvest timing. The blend is composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Carmenère, and 1% Petit Verdot—fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts before maturing for one year in French oak barrels. The high-altitude vineyard sourcing at 500 meters elevation contributes to concentrated fruit character with natural freshness, distinguishing this wine from lower-elevation Colchagua reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe blackcurrants and stewed strawberries before layering in grilled herbs, cocoa, and a spicy flourish of cinnamon and clove. Subtle oyster shell minerality adds a savory complexity beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fruit-forward with rich dark cherries and strawberries that build across the mid-palate into warm baking spices and chocolate. The wine is medium-to-full-bodied with sleek, fine-grained tannins supported by fresh acidity that keeps the palate lively through the peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and smooth, carried by fleshy, grainy tannins that gradually resolve into lingering notes of dark fruit and spice. The French oak influence registers as a gentle toastiness rather than overt wood, allowing the fruit to persist cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Maquis Calcu Reserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Reserva is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of decanting to open the aromatic layers. It drinks well on its own as a sipping red but also pairs naturally with food. For a red wine Sangria, the ripe berry core and spice complexity add depth without needing heavy sweetener. In a classic Kalimotxo, the structured tannins and dark fruit stand up to cola without losing their identity. A red wine reduction sauce benefits from the chocolate and spice undertones this blend provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA weeknight dinner wine that punches above its weight class\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a grilled steak or lamb dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a South American wine collection with critically rated bottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Maquis Calcu Reserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe dark cherry and blackcurrant flavors with baking spice, chocolate, and grilled herb accents across a medium-to-full body. Sleek tannins and fresh acidity give it structure without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Maquis Calcu Reserva compare to Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignons aged in French oak, but Maquis Calcu Reserva incorporates small percentages of Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, and Petit Verdot in its blend. The Maquis also draws from notably high-altitude vineyards at 500 meters, which can contribute greater concentration and minerality compared to lower-elevation sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Maquis Calcu Reserva good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balanced tannin structure, fresh acidity, and layered fruit-and-spice profile make it a satisfying standalone glass, especially after brief decanting to fully open the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Maquis Calcu Reserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by the Maquis winery in the Colchagua Valley, a sub-region of the Rapel Valley in central Chile. The vineyard blocks sit at approximately 500 meters elevation at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Maquis Calcu Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and tannic grip. Slow-braised lamb shanks echo its warm spice notes. Aged Manchego cheese mirrors the toasty oak character. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the cocoa and berry finish. Herb-crusted pork loin plays well against the grilled herb and clove aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Maquis Calcu Reserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in 750ml bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Maquis Calcu Reserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as a mid-range Reserva, it delivers critical acclaim—92 points from James Suckling and 91 from Wine Enthusiast—that would typically accompany a higher price tier, making it strong value within Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Maquis Calcu Reserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe strongest case for this wine starts with terroir: vineyard blocks at 500 meters elevation in the Colchagua Valley represent some of the highest-altitude Cabernet plantings in the region, producing fruit with distinctive concentration and mineral complexity. The involvement of consulting winemaker Xavier Choné, a vineyard evaluation specialist who has guided the estate since 2005, ensures that site-specific character drives every vintage. Multiple scores of 91–92 points from James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast across recent vintages confirm consistency rather than a single standout year. For drinkers seeking Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon with genuine altitude-driven character and a thoughtful multi-varietal blend, this Reserva occupies a credible position in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maquis Calcu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837270487209,"sku":"26307","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/calcu_cabernet_sauvignon__26691.jpg?v=1730478404"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/maquis-calcu.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}