Viña Almaviva : Epu 2024

Tasting Notes and Pairing Tips for Epu 2024 by Viña Almaviva

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a deep ruby red colour.

Nose
The bouquet is both intense and elegant. It exudes fresh notes of blackcurrant and red berries, later enriched by subtle hints of vanilla, earth and liquorice.

Palate
The palate offers a voluptuous texture, supported by remarkably fine tannins. The whole is harmonious and juicy, revealing a perfect balance between well-ripened fruit and vibrant acidity. The finish lingers pleasantly on savoury notes.

Food and wine pairing
This great wine will pair beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, such as beef fillet or rack of lamb. It will also shine alongside slow-cooked dishes in sauce or well-aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
Epu 2024 boasts a tannic structure that gives it excellent ageing potential, while being carefully crafted to offer a highly enjoyable experience even in its youth.

The Elegance and Richness of a Chilean Wine by Viña Almaviva

The estate
Born in 1997 from an alliance between Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA and Viña Concha y Toro SA, Viña Almaviva is a pioneering brand in Chile. Located in the Maipo Valley, the estate spans approximately 65 hectares, complemented by a further 14 hectares in Peumo. Now jointly managed by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and Rafael Guilisasti Gana, the estate applies the Bordeaux château model to South American terroir. It is renowned for producing outstanding wines that combine French expertise with Chile's exceptional climate.

The vineyard
The vines flourish at an altitude of 650 metres, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. The terroir of Puente Alto is characterised by poor, well-drained alluvial soils, made up of clay loam on the surface and a high proportion of stones deeper down. The semi-arid Mediterranean climate benefits from nightly Andean breezes, creating a strong temperature swing ideal for berry ripening. The Peumo plots, with their slightly warmer climate, are dedicated to growing Carménère.

The vintage
The year 2024 in Central Valley brought an end to a long period of drought in Chile. Under the influence of El Niño, rainfall was more abundant and evenly distributed, replenishing soil water reserves during winter and early spring. Following a cooler-than-usual spring that delayed the growing cycle, summer brought above-average temperatures. This climate allowed for slow, even ripening. Finally, welcome rains in May helped the vines recover without disrupting the final stages of ripening.

Winemaking and ageing
Harvest took place from 25 March to 3 May for the main plots, and from 2 to 10 May for the Carménère. Epu 2024 is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with 10% new oak.

Grape varieties
80% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Carménère
2% Merlot
2% Cabernet Franc
1% Petit Verdot