Almaviva Red Wine 2019
- wa95+
- ws93
- v92
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Almaviva |
Origin | Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto |
Alcohol/vol | 15% |
This famed wine represents France joining Chile in the production of a prestigious red wine... in 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva.
Almaviva was the first wine in Chile created under the French Château concept, taking into account exceptional terroir, one unique bodega and one technical team – the three of which are dedicated exclusively to the production of one wine of unparalleled quality and excellence. Almaviva wine is produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage achieved immediate international success upon its launch in 1998.
The name Almaviva is from classical French literature: Count Almaviva is the hero of The Marriage of Figaro, the famous play by Beaumarchais (1732-1799), later turned into an opera by Mozart. Then in Beaumarchais' own handwriting, the name Almaviva is written. Two great traditions thus join hands to offer the world a promise of pleasure and excellence. On the Chilean front, the design on the label pays homage to its ancestral history, with three reproductions of a stylized design, symbolizing the vision of the earth and the cosmos in the Mapuche civilization. The circles in the design are the kultrun, a ritual drum used by the Mapuche.
Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, Almaviva is a joyous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyards, while France contributes its centuries' old winemaking savoir-faire and traditions. The result is an exceptionally rich, elegant and complex wine. Its launch was a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile itself and in the international market.
Wine Advocate
- wa95+
The 2019 Almaviva is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot, higher in Carmenere and reflecting a warmer and drier vintage when then bottled wine reached 15% alcohol. It fermented with destemmed grapes in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels, 75% of them new, for 18 months. Here, the Carmenere adds herbal freshness and changes the aromatic profile when compared with the 2019 Epu. 2019 was a good year for Carmenere, which suffers in extremely warm years like 2017, but in moderately warm years like 2019, the variety displays that herbal character and has good density. It's full-bodied and round, with saturated tannins, tasty, spicy and long, with a dry, serious finish. It's balsamic, with notes of camphor and a silky and velvety texture. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021.
Wine Spectator
- ws93
This red offers ripe plum and cherry cordial flavors up front, revealing layers of nuance as it unfolds, including intriguing orange zest, Calabrian chili and olive notes. Presents a fresh, minerally acidity midpalate that pushes all the flavors to the finish, with zesty but firm tannins and echoes back to the opening flavors. Shows tremendous length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 3,500 cases made; 500 cases imported.
Vinous
- v92
The 2019 Bordeaux Blend EUP is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Carmenere, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc from Puente Alto, Maipo, aged for 12 months in French barrels. Vivid purple in color. The intense nose offers blackberry and black currants notes with hints of jam, pepper and balsamic aromas. Indulgent initially with good intensity and fruitiness. The polished Maipo tannins keep in juicy in spite of the 15% alcohol, filling the mouth with flavor.
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