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Almaviva, a Chilean wine gem, embodies the perfect alliance between Bordeaux tradition and the unique terroir of the Maipo Valley.
Founded in 1996, this Domaine is the fruit of a collaboration between two great wine families, the Marnier-Lapostolle family from Chile and the Rothschild family from France.
The story begins with Philippe de Rothschild, owner of the famous Château Mouton Rothschild in France, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, a member of the Marnier-Lapostolle family, known for its house of Cognac and Grand Marnier liqueurs. Their shared vision was to create a wine that would embody the essence of Chilean terroir while respecting the centuries-old traditions of the great Châteaux Bordeaux.
The Domaine is located in the Maipo Valley, a region renowned for its alluvial soils and climate conducive to viticulture. The 50 hectares of vines are planted mainly with classic Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This diversity creates complex blends, adding an extra dimension to the wines' personality.
A commitment to sustainability is at the heart of the philosophy. Environmentally-friendly farming practices and careful management of natural resources are implemented to pRéserver the vitality of the terroir.... See more ...
The year 2020 was exceptionally dry, with 75% less rain than usual between May and September, enabling an earlier harvest to produce an Almaviva 2020 with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carménère, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot (so no Merlot in this vintage). Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, 73% of which are new and the remainder Seconde utilisation.
La robe boasts an attractive ruby color, deep and brilliant. The nose is pure and delicate with a beautiful aromatic concentration that still shows vestiges of ageing with notes of smoke and sweet spices and cardamom. A pretty bouquet of blackberries, crème de cassis, a balsamic note accompanied by floral scents of violets, the whole is bewitching. There's also a clear hint of ripe red bell pepper that contributes to the complexity and freshness, the whole is very flattering and seductive.
The palate is both elegant and powerful, with a silky frame and concentrated blackberry and blackcurrant flavors. There are subtle vanilla aromas and a fine chocolate bitterness on the mid-palate. The balance is remarkable for its freshness and structure. Lively, salivating acidity brings freshness and cohesion, and prolongs the finish, where notes of gray pepper and black olive emerge around fine, coated tannins, echoing the basic flavors. The overall effect is one of magnificent harmony.
This great Chilean wine with long ageing potential can be enjoyed today after a good decanting. It will pair perfectly with game bird dishes or tournedos of beef.
