Almaviva (1996)

About this wine

The 1996 Almaviva presents a deep plum red color with a slight terracotta tint around the edges. On the nose, it offers floral aromas intertwined with smoky tobacco and earthy loam, evolving into dried rose petals and ripe plum, with hints of resin and leather. The palate is silky and balanced, featuring fresh, supple tannins that lead to flavors of dried flowers, pine bark, and forest undergrowth. This wine is a result of a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro, combining French winemaking expertise with Chilean terroir. The 1996 vintage, being the inaugural release, showcases the potential of the Puente Alto region in producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its thick skins and resistance to various viticultural hazards, making it a dominant grape in many wine regions. In the 1996 Almaviva, it forms the backbone of the blend, providing structure and aging potential. Carménère, once nearly extinct in its native Bordeaux, found a new home in Chile, where it thrives in the warm climate. In this wine, it contributes soft, velvety tannins and a unique spiciness, enhancing the blend's complexity. Cabernet Franc, a parent grape to both Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, adds finesse and aromatic qualities, such as notes of tobacco and raspberry, rounding out the profile of the 1996 Almaviva.

Quick facts

• 🤝 Almaviva is a prestigious Franco-Chilean collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton-Rothschild and Chile's Viña Concha y Toro, established in 1996.
• 🍇 The 1996 Almaviva vintage is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Carménère, and 6% Cabernet Franc, showcasing a harmonious mix of Bordeaux grape varieties.
• 🎭 The name 'Almaviva' is inspired by the Count of Almaviva from Beaumarchais' play 'The Marriage of Figaro,' reflecting the wine's blend of French and Chilean heritage.
• 🏆 The 1996 vintage received a 92-point rating from Robert Parker, who praised its elegant complexity and full-bodied nature.
• 🌄 Almaviva's vineyards are located in Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile, an area renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the wine's distinctive character.

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.