Almaviva (1997)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Chilean red blend with rich flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices.
About this wine
The 1997 Almaviva from Puente Alto, Chile, presents a dark ruby hue with slight copper reflections. The nose offers an amber bouquet of molasses, coffee, caramel, leather, bay, and white pepper, evolving to reveal ripe blackberries and grilled orange peels, complemented by earthy minerals. On the palate, it delivers a hearty attack with flavors of bitter chocolate and dark berry jam on a smoky background. The tannins are powerful and firm, contributing to a rich and lengthy finish. This wine is a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro, combining French winemaking expertise with Chilean terroir.
About the grape
In the 1997 Almaviva wine from Chile's Puente Alto region, the blend prominently features Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Carménère (23%), and Cabernet Franc (5%). Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from Bordeaux, is renowned for its thick skins and resilience, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Carménère, also from Bordeaux, was once thought extinct after the phylloxera plague but was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s, where it thrives and adds unique spicy and earthy notes. Cabernet Franc, a parent grape to both Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, is valued for its aromatic qualities and adds finesse to the blend. The combination of these varietals in Almaviva showcases the rich viticultural heritage and adaptability of these grapes in Chile's terroir.
Quick facts
- 🤝 Almaviva 1997 is a collaboration between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux and Chile's Concha y Toro, blending French winemaking expertise with Chilean terroir.
- 🍇 The wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carménère, and 5% Cabernet Franc, showcasing a harmonious blend of grape varietals.
- 🛢️ Aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, this wine develops complex flavors and a refined structure.
- 🍷 The 1997 vintage exhibits aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, and grilled oak spices, with flavors of cassis and dark fruits.
- 🏛️ Located in Puente Alto, Chile, the Almaviva winery was designed by renowned Chilean architect Martín Hurtado, integrating native woods and Mapuche cultural symbols.
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.
