Viña Almaviva : Epu 2024

Tasting Characteristics and Notes for Epu 2024 by Viña Almaviva

Tasting Notes

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 fruits, 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 ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. The finish lingers pleasantly with flavourful notes.

Food and Wine Pairing
This great wine pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, such as beef fillet or rack of lamb. It also complements slow-cooked dishes in sauce or well-aged hard cheeses with equal brilliance.

Serving and Cellaring
Epu 2024 has a tannic structure that gives it excellent ageing potential, while being carefully crafted to offer a highly enjoyable approach 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 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 stands out for producing great wines that combine French expertise with Chile's exceptional climate.

The Vineyard
The vines flourish at 650 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. The Puente Alto terroir is characterised by poor, well-drained alluvial soils, made up of clay loam on the surface and a high proportion of stones in depth. The semi-arid Mediterranean climate benefits from cool Andean night breezes, creating a wide thermal range ideal for berry ripening. The Peumo plots, with a 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 the soil's water reserves during winter and early spring. After a cooler-than-average spring 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
Harvesting 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 wood.

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