Almaviva (2000)

About this wine

The 2000 Almaviva from Puente Alto, Chile, presents an intense, dark ruby red color. On the nose, it offers a complex bouquet of chocolate, molasses, cassis, and forest berries, complemented by subtle hints of fresh coffee, leather, forest cedar, and grilled citrus zest. The palate reveals a refined structure with a round and supple attack, where caramel harmonizes with smoky dark cocoa and ripe tannins, leading to a beautifully smooth finish. This wine is a result of a collaboration between Viña Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, blending Chilean terroir with French winemaking expertise. The 2000 vintage, composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Carménère, showcases the unique characteristics of the Puente Alto region, known for its rocky, alluvial soils and ideal climate for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its thick skins and hardy vines, making it adaptable to various climates. In Chile's Puente Alto region, this grape thrives, contributing to the structure and aging potential of wines like the 2000 Viña Almaviva Almaviva, where it comprised 86% of the blend. Carménère, also from Bordeaux, was once thought extinct after the phylloxera plague but was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. It adds unique spicy and earthy notes to wines. In the 2000 Viña Almaviva Almaviva, Carménère made up 14% of the blend, enhancing the wine's complexity.

Quick facts

• 🤝 Almaviva is a prestigious Franco-Chilean wine born from a 1997 partnership between Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle of Viña Concha y Toro.
• 🍇 The 2000 vintage of Almaviva is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Carménère, showcasing a harmonious blend of these varietals.
• 🎭 The name 'Almaviva' is inspired by Count Almaviva, a character from the French play 'The Marriage of Figaro' by Pierre Beaumarchais.
• 🌀 The label features a Mapuche symbol, paying homage to Chile's indigenous heritage.
• 🪵 The 2000 vintage of Almaviva was aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, contributing to its complexity and elegance.

Palate profile

Producer

Viña Almaviva S.A. was established in 1997 as a joint venture between Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle of Viña Concha y Toro, aiming to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine. The winery is located in Puente Alto, Chile, a region renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The name 'Almaviva' is inspired by Count Almaviva from Beaumarchais' play 'The Marriage of Figaro,' reflecting the fusion of French and Chilean cultures. The winery's architecture, designed by Chilean architect Martín Hurtado, harmoniously blends native materials with modern design, featuring a roof that mimics the Andes Mountains and interior decorations inspired by Chile's indigenous Mapuche culture.