8 October 2017
Prevailing herbaceous aroma, with eucalipto’s notes. Even thought at 15% the alcohol content is certainly high, on the nose it get almost unnoticed. On the other side, in the mouth the alcohol is at first predominant, almost burning. After a while, the sensations given by the wine evolve. The nose becomes richer and in the mouth the initial pungency leaves room to a pleasant sense of sweetness.
Almaviva is produced in the Maipo Valley of Chile, under the joint technical supervision of two noteworthy partners: Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha Y Toro. This joint venture follows in the steps of the more famous one between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi in Napa Valley, California. The first vintage of Opus One being the 1979, Almaviva following almost 20 years later, in 1996.
Both use Bordeaux-style blends, in both wines the main grape is Cabernet Sauvignon and both are aged in French oak. A clear difference is the use of 20-25% Carménère in the Chilean blend. (Carménère is a grape variety originally from Bordeaux, but nowadays cultivated mainly in Chile.)
Despite the fact that joint ventures between prestigious and well established producers tend to focus strongly on marketing and certainly put a premium on the final price (this one is priced around 100 CHF), judging from this bottle the result is praiseworthy: the wine fills you with a smooth, balanced and persistent feeling.
Country: Chile
Region: Maipo Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère
Type: Red
Vintage: 2011
Producer: Concha Y Toro, Baron Philippe de Rothschild
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5