Viña Almaviva - EPU 2021

In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and Don Alfonso Larraín, Chairman of Concha y Toro, concluded a partnership agreement in order to create a fine Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. The Almaviva estate includes a mansion and a winery as well as a 50 hectare (124-acre) vineyard planted with three typical Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere. The wine is the result of the successful encounter of two cultures: Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyard, while France brings its winegrowing traditions and expertise.

The name Almaviva is taken from classic French literature: Count Almaviva is a central figure in the famous play The Marriage of Figaro by Beaumarchais (1732-1799), turned into an opera by the genius of Mozart. The label bears the name “Almaviva” in Beaumarchais’ own hand and pays tribute to Chile’s ancestral history with three reproductions of a symbolic drawing from the Mapuche civilisation.

EPU, the name of Almaviva’s second wine, means “two” in the language of the Mapuche, one of the main indigenous cultures of southern Chile. EPU comes from the same exceptional vines and terroir of Almaviva, Puente Alto. Modelled on the second wines of the most prestigious Bordeaux châteaux, and produced in very limited quantities, EPU shares many characteristics of Almaviva, nonetheless, expressed through its own personality.

“Their second wine, the 2021 Epu is from the same terroir and vineyard in Puente Alto as Almaviva but comes from the younger vines, around 12 years on average. In 2021, the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenere and 5% Merlot (no Cabernet Franc this year). It has a ripe and heady nose, with 14.68% alcohol (15% on the label), mellow acidity and intense notes of red peppers, ripe blackberries and cassis and some spiciness from the oak. It matured for one year in French barriques, only 10% new and 90% second use. It has a little less structure and softer tannins, making it more approachable than previous years, a profile that seems to be the signature of the year. It's medium to full-bodied with velvety, more polished tannins, and it is more delicate and less concentrated, with more finesse. But I find these quite homogeneous and regular, this year with no raisins or dehydrated grapes, and in this vintage, it feels open and expressive. 80,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023.” - 94 Points, Wine Advocate

“Fresh and subtle nose with cassis, lead pencil and some red chili peppers. A hint of lavender and cedar. This is quite supple on the palate with a medium body and silky, soft tannins. Pretty generous and flattering. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% carmenere and 5% merlot. Drink now.” - 94 Points, James Suckling

“The 2021 Epu is a Bordeaux blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto in the Metropolitan region. It was aged in barrels for a year. Garnet with a purple sheen. The nuanced nose unfolds over an oak bed with ashes, pepper, cassis, and green pepper notes. Indulgent and rich on the palate, the fine-grained tannins and the juicy and overwhelming mouthfeel lead to an ample and flavorful ripe finish. The Chilean Cab style, powerful and bold, guides this red.” - 93 Points, Vinous

Producer: Viña Almaviva S.A.

Country: Chile

Region: Maipo Valley

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Appellation: Puente Alto

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml