Almaviva
The name of the “younger sibling” of the classic Almaviva comes from the indigenous Mapuche language, where Epu means two. According to Luís Gutierres of Wine Advocate, “it is a second wine, but they also want to do something different, and the Epu might be a bit more classic, perhaps more Bordeaux-style, while Almaviva is more Chilean.”
The vineyard is located in the highest part of the Maipo Valley, in central Chile, known for over 20 years for having the ideal conditions to produce one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in Chile. The stony, very poor soils, cold and rainy winters, and a long ripening season characterized by cool nights and temperate summer days allow for extraordinary quality. A key factor in this exceptional terroir is the cool influence of the Andes Mountains, which manifests as cool breezes and a significant temperature differential between day and night, particularly important during the ripening period. These conditions favor a slow and even ripening of the grapes, more pronounced acidity, fresh red fruit, and greater concentration of color and aromas in the berries.
2019 was a very dry harvest, and EPU is a blend of Bordeaux varieties, with a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon (84%), harmoniously paired with smaller percentages of Carménère (13%), Merlot (2%), and Cabernet Franc (1%); a unique wine that offers the best of both worlds: French varietals in Chilean terroir, with a slightly higher alcohol level than 2018 and lower acidity, aged in used barrels for one year. Bottled between December 2020 and January 2021.
Awards
94/100 – James Suckling
93+/100 – Wine Advocate
Allergens information
Contains sulphites.
SKU: 107487
