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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
In 1997 Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Vina Concha y Toro forged a partnership with a view to create an exceptional Chilean equivalent of a Borde
aux Grand Cru Classe. This wine was to be called called Almaviva.
Located in the Maipo Valley, in Chile's central zone, the Puente Alto vineyards behind Almaviva are recognized for offering ideal conditions for growing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. It is here that 85 hectares have been reserved exclusively for Almaviva.
Since Almaviva's launch in 1998 the wines popularity has rocketed. Now seen as one of the finest wines in the world Almaviva kudos has to go to winemaker Tod Mostero for producing a wine of such consistent high quality.
Wine Information
Almaviva is the result of a felicitous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vines, while France contributes with winemaking skills and traditions. The name Almaviva, though it has a Hispanic ring to it, nevertheless belongs to 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 the genius of Mozart. The label, meanwhile, pays homage to Chile’s ancestral history, with three reproductions of a stylized design, which symbolized the vision of the earth and the cosmos in the Mapuche civilization.
The design appeared on the “kultrun”, a ritual drum used by the Mapuche. Hand-in-hand, two
great traditions thus combine to offer the whole world a promise of pleasure and excellence.
– FINE Magazines
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In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva.
Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage achieved immediate international success upon its launch in 1998.
Blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon: 75%
Carmenère: 19%
Cabernet Franc: 6%
Vintage 1996:
Perfect conditions throughout the growing cycle from bud-break to harvest were followed by heavy rains the first week of April. A timely harvest brought in ripe, healthy grapes.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes:
Plum red with a slight terracotta tint around the edges. Perfumed with floral aromas and notes of smoky tobacco and loam. Dried rose petals and ripe plum evolve toward resin and leather. The whole is enveloped in aromas of fig conserves and bay leaf. The attack is silky and balanced with nice, fresh, supple tannins. Dried flowers, pine bark and forest undergrowth. A very harmonious and ethereal wine with a long lasting and smooth finish.A wonderful vintage.