Founded in 1997, Almaviva winery is a joint venture between Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle of Concha y Toro. The partnership came about with a view to make an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine that would combine the classic traditions and knowledge of Bordeaux, with the local climate, terroir and vineyards of Chile. The French Château concept, where the terroir, the bodega and the technical team work together exclusively in the production of an excellent wine, was the first of its kind in Chile.
The fusion of these two cultures is evident in the name Almaviva, which has a Hispanic sonority but is in fact the name of the Count Almaviva, the hero of the classical French play The Marriage of Figaro, by Beaumarchais. The writing on the label is done in Beaumarchais’ own hand and the logo represents a ritual drum used by the Mapuche, a nod to Chile’s ancestral history.
The vineyard consists of 85 hectares, located in Puento Alto, one of the southern suburbs of Santiago and produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners. The first vintage was a great international success upon its launch in 1998. This elegant and complex wine is made from a blend of traditional Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot - with Cabernet Sauvignon being the dominant grape. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged in new French oak barrels for 16-18 months.
The 2019 Bordeaux Blend Almaviva is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot from Puente Alto that spent 18 months in three-fourths new barrels. Pur...(read more)
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous.com