Almaviva EPU 2020

In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and Don Alfonso Larraín, Chairman of Concha y Toro, concluded a partnership agreement in order to create a fine Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva.

The Almaviva estate includes a mansion and a winery as well as a 50 hectare (124-acre) vineyard planted with three typical Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere.

The wine is the result of the successful encounter of two cultures: Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyard, while France brings its wine growing traditions and expertise.

The name Almaviva is taken from classic French literature: Count Almaviva is a central figure in the famous play The Marriage of Figaro by Beaumarchais (1732-1799), turned into an opera by the genius of Mozart.

The label bears the name “Almaviva” in Beaumarchais’ own hand and pays tribute to Chile’s ancestral history with three reproductions of a symbolic drawing from the Mapuche civilisation.

EPU comes from the same exceptional vines and terroir of Almaviva, Puente Alto.

Modelled on the second wines of the most prestigious Bordeaux châteaux, and produced in very limited quantities,

EPU shares many characteristics of Almaviva, nonetheless, expressed through its own personality.

"Lots of finely roasted sweet spice and roasted sesame to the blackberries, cassis and iron, together with hints of blue fruit and cured meat.

A medium-to full-bodied palate, filled with rather generous sweet berries.

Fleshy, supple and savory with quite fine-grained tannins and a long finish.

First year with 10% new wood. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 12% carmenere, 5% merlot and 2% cabernet franc. Already delicious, but can hold, too."

94/100 James Suckling