At a glance

Producer

Viña Almaviva (Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A. & Viña Concha y Toro joint venture)

Region

Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$140-$200 USD

Tasting profile

Dense blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, cedar, fresh herbs, and floral notes. Full-bodied, intense, youthful oak present.

Evolution: Will develop complex notes of tobacco, leather, truffle, and spice; tannins will soften and integrate with tertiary flavors.

At peak: Stunning balance of deep fruit, earth, and evolved savory elements; silky texture and enduring finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-Plus, freshens the palate

Tannins

High, ripe but firm

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV, balanced within structure

Aging potential

Outstanding; well built for 20+ years cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2040

Optimal window

2027 to 2045

Current status

Young, structured, suitable for extended cellaring

Current condition

Primary fruit dominant, strong structure, tight but promising integration

Almaviva is built for gradual development in bottle. Its robust tannic and acid structure require 5-8 years for full integration, and it typically peaks with 10-20 years of age, rewarding cellaring with layered sophistication.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, aged ribeye, confit duck, wild mushroom dishes, mature hard cheeses (Comté, Manchego).

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins and is still young, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Efficient drip irrigation; use of cover crops to reduce erosion and enrich soil; integrated pest management; installation of solar panels (partial energy supply); lightened bottle weight; on-site effluent treatment and water recycling.

Almaviva’s sustainability initiatives exceed Chilean industry norms, with robust water conservation, energy efficiency, and reduced chemical use. However, it falls short of organic/biodynamic certification, and international shipping increases its carbon footprint. Overall, strong commitment to future improvements, though not best-in-class.