Region and Vineyards
The Puente Alto region, nestled at the base of the Andes in the Maipo Valley, is one of Chile’s finest wine-growing areas, known for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 growing season was notably dry, with only 64 mm of rainfall recorded from May to September 2019—approximately 75% below the historical average of 256 mm. This drought, coupled with alternating cold and warm temperatures, delayed the budbreak and caused a unique set of challenges for the vineyard team.
The warm temperatures that dominated spring and summer accelerated the ripening process, resulting in an early harvest under tight conditions due to the pandemic. Despite these difficulties, the dry and hot climate concentrated the flavors in the berries, leading to a vintage rich in fruit, density, and tension.
Winemaking
The 2020 Almaviva is a precise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Carmenère (24%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Petit Verdot (2%). The wine was aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels, which contributes to its complexity and depth. The exceptional dryness of the year led to early and rapid harvesting, completed between March 13th and April 17th, roughly 3-4 weeks ahead of the usual schedule.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Dark and vibrant ruby red, indicative of its youthful intensity.
- Aroma: The nose is pure and layered, offering a generous bouquet of blackberry, ripe cassis, and wild strawberry, intertwined with subtle mineral hints and delicate notes of violet, ink, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
- Palate: On the palate, this wine is full of life, displaying remarkable balance, structure, and roundness. The tannins are refined, ripe, and well-integrated, giving the wine a voluptuous texture. Its great acidity enhances the freshness and tension, while the finish leaves a lasting impression of plenitude, length, and harmony.
Did you know?
The 2020 vintage will be remembered as one of the most challenging in Almaviva’s history due to extreme drought and the pressures of the global pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the vineyard team delivered a wine of exceptional quality and balance, a true testament to their dedication and expertise.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Grilled ribeye steak: The robust tannins and fruit concentration of the wine complement the rich, savory flavors of a well-marbled steak.
- Roast duck with cherry sauce: The acidity and fruit in the wine pair beautifully with the sweetness and slight tartness of the cherry sauce, while the tender duck enhances the wine’s silky tannins.
- Lamb chops with rosemary: The earthy and herbal notes of rosemary bring out the complexity of the wine’s flavors, especially its dark fruit and subtle hints of spice.
- Dark chocolate tart: The wine’s dark chocolate and vanilla notes align perfectly with the richness of a chocolate dessert, while the acidity provides balance to the sweetness.
