Region and Vineyards:
Puente Alto, located at the foothills of the Andes in the Maipo Valley, is one of Chile's premier wine-growing regions. The region benefits from the Andean influence with cold breezes moderating the warm climate, resulting in a slow and even ripening process. Soils here are alluvial with a stony texture, providing excellent drainage, which is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, the primary grape of the blend. The unique terroir imparts both structure and finesse to the wines, with distinct minerality and vibrancy.
The 2021 vintage benefited from an exceptionally favorable growing season. After a period of drought, substantial rains fell during the winter, replenishing the soil and encouraging strong vine growth. The cooler-than-average summer allowed for a long ripening period, resulting in fruit with excellent acidity, freshness, and balance. The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve the integrity of the fruit.
Winemaking:
The 2021 Almaviva is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (71%), accompanied by Carmenère (22%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot (2%). Each varietal was vinified separately, allowing for a precise expression of each grape's character before blending. The wine was aged for 20 months in new French oak barrels, imparting a refined oak influence with subtle notes of vanilla and cocoa without overpowering the fruit's natural elegance.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Brilliant, deep ruby red, with a youthful vibrancy.
- Aroma: The nose reveals a harmonious blend of ripe red fruits (raspberry, blackcurrant), enhanced by subtle floral notes of violet, with underlying hints of licorice, ink, and graphite. There is an elegance in the aromatic complexity, with oak-derived nuances of vanilla and cocoa.
- Palate: On the palate, the wine is juicy with a well-balanced attack of ripe fruit flavors. The fine-grained tannins are smooth and polished, giving structure and texture, while the vibrant acidity adds freshness and tension, leading to a long, persistent finish. The balance between fruit, tannin, and acidity is a hallmark of this vintage, showcasing the cool climate influence and meticulous craftsmanship.
Did you know?
The name "Almaviva" is a tribute to the Count Almaviva, a central character in Pierre Beaumarchais' play The Marriage of Figaro. The estate itself was founded in 1996 as a partnership between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux and Concha y Toro of Chile, creating a benchmark wine that blends French winemaking expertise with Chilean terroir.
Wine Pairing Ideas:
- Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic: The rich and savory flavors of lamb complement the bold fruit and polished tannins of the wine, while the herbal notes of rosemary highlight its earthy complexity.
- Duck breast with cherry sauce: The acidity of the cherry sauce plays off the wine's fresh fruit notes, and the richness of the duck matches the wine's texture.
- Beef Wellington: The combination of beef, pastry, and mushroom duxelles brings out the depth and complexity of the Almaviva, enhancing its balance of tannin and acidity.
- Aged Manchego cheese: The wine's structure and fruitiness are a perfect foil for the nutty and slightly sharp character of this Spanish cheese.
