Garage Wine Co

San Francisco 'Passageiro Escondido'

San Francisco 'Passageiro Escondido'

San Francisco Passageiro Escondido
  • 100% San Francisco (also known as Tinta Negra Mole in Maderia, Portugal)
  • The first San Francisco cuttings were accidentally imported to Chile in the 1500s among a shipment of Pais cuttings and was eventually identified then isolated, only being planted in very small quantities
  • The Portuguese cuvee name ‘Passageiro Escondido’, or ‘hidden passenger’ in English, pays homage to its fortuitus migration
  • Sourced from ancestrally farmed (by hand and horse [originario]) vineyards in Sauzal, Puico, and Puico Altos
  • Hand harvested
  • Fermented outside for nightly cool temps with indigenous yeasts in conical fermenters – open top lagars, with caps gently punched down by hand
  • Aged in neutral barrels
  • Only 1,744 bottles produced

Info

Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
Chile
Region:
Maule
Appellation:
Maule Valley
Variety:
San Francisco
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Organic

Sizes Available

Full Bottle CL-GRG-05-23 12/750ml

Press & Reviews

James Suckling
Score
92
Date
2025-04-12
"Lots of fruit on the nose, which is brimming with ripe red berries and a touch of iron. Juicy and bright, with high, punchy acidity and a dry, mouthwatering finish. The nice edgy tannins are pretty agreeable. Made from san francisco grapes from very old vines. Drink now."
Wine Advocate
Score
92
Date
2025-03-13
"The 2023 Passageiro Escondido is composed of Negra Mole, a genetic cross between Pa¡s and Moscatel known in Chile as San Francisco. It leads with a distinctive aromatic profile defined by red fruit jam and stone fruit preserve aromas with perfumed floral accents. The palate is silky, bright and succulent, closing on a long, layered, aromatic finish with persistent energy. Within a roster that refreshingly marches to the beat of its own drum, I found this particularly unique."
Vinous
Score
91
Date
2025-06-20
"The 2023 San Francisco Passageiro Escondido presents sour cherry notes alongside a hint of damp earth and a moderate expression. The palate offers a touch of grip and finely textured tannins that evoke a volcanic edge."