2020 Almaviva

Almaviva is a prestigious joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux and Viña Concha y Toro of Chile, established in 1997. This collaboration aims to create a world-class Bordeaux-style blend using Chile's exceptional terroir. The name "Almaviva" pays homage to a character from Beaumarchais' play "The Marriage of Figaro," reflecting the wine's noble and artistic aspirations. Over the years, Almaviva has become renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality and complexity, consistently earning high praise from critics worldwide.

The 2020 Almaviva is crafted from vineyards located in the Puente Alto region of Chile's Maipo Valley, an area celebrated for its ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux grape varieties. The region benefits from a unique microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop intense flavours while retaining natural acidity. The soils are a combination of clay and gravel, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's structure and minerality. Winemaking techniques for Almaviva involve meticulous vineyard management, hand-harvesting, and aging in French oak barrels, which enhances the wine's elegance and complexity.

Appearance: The 2020 Almaviva presents a deep, garnet-red colour with a vibrant ruby hue at the rim, indicating its youth and concentration.

Aroma: On the nose, the wine reveals an enticing bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, interwoven with notes of graphite, cedar, and a hint of violet. Subtle nuances of tobacco, dark chocolate, and espresso add complexity to the aromatic profile.

Taste: The palate is rich and full-bodied, with layers of ripe dark fruit flavours, including black cherry and cassis, complemented by well-integrated oak, providing hints of vanilla and spice. The wine's refined tannins and balanced acidity give it a smooth, velvety texture, while a touch of minerality adds depth and character.

Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of black fruit, cocoa, and a touch of smokiness, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and power.

Food pairing: The 2020 Almaviva pairs beautifully with charred venison rack with mesquite, black cabbage, caramelized pearl onion, and parsley jus, where the wine’s robust structure and dark fruit flavours will complement the rich, gamey meat and smoky elements. Another superb pairing would be with slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus; the wine’s tannins and acidity will cut through the richness of the pork, while its complex flavours will enhance the dish's savoury depth.