Almaviva Epu 2019

Epu is the second label of Almaviva, and this 2019 is the very first international release - so cool!  Made of  84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Carmenere, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the Epu is a terrific wine to drink in its youth, or to save for 3-10 years. Almaviva wines represent France joining Chile in the production of a prestigious red wine... in 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. 

Almaviva was the first wine in Chile created under the French Château concept, taking into account exceptional terroir, one unique bodega and one technical team – the three of which are dedicated exclusively to the production of one wine of unparalleled quality and excellence. Almaviva wine is produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage achieved immediate international success upon its launch in 1998. 

The name Almaviva is from classical French literature: Count Almaviva is the hero of The Marriage of Figaro, the famous play by Beaumarchais (1732-1799), later turned into an opera by Mozart. Then in Beaumarchais' own handwriting, the name Almaviva is written. Two great traditions thus join hands to offer the world a promise of pleasure and excellence. On the Chilean front, the design on the label pays homage to its ancestral history, with three reproductions of a stylized design, symbolizing the vision of the earth and the cosmos in the Mapuche civilization. The circles in the design are the kultrun, a ritual drum used by the Mapuche.

Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, Almaviva is a joyous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyards, while France contributes its centuries' old winemaking savoir-faire and traditions. The result is an exceptionally rich, elegant and complex wine. Its launch was a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile itself and in the international market.