ALMAVIVA ‘EPU’ R 2021

Almaviva ‘EPU’ is the elegant second wine of the prestigious Almaviva estate, produced from the same exceptional Puente Alto terroir in Chile’s Maipo Valley. Created in the spirit of the great second wines of France, EPU offers the refined character and Bordeaux-inspired style associated with Almaviva while presenting a more approachable and immediately expressive personality. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the foundation of the blend, complemented by Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and, depending on the vintage, Petit Verdot. The wine is matured in French oak for approximately 12 months, with a restrained proportion of new oak that allows the fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront.

In the glass, EPU displays a deep, brilliant ruby to garnet colour. The aromatic profile is generous and layered, opening with ripe cassis, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry. As the wine develops, subtle notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, liquorice, vanilla, fine herbs and graphite emerge, accompanied by hints of violet, earth and gentle spice. The influence of Carménère contributes an appealing herbal and subtly peppery dimension, while carefully integrated French oak adds delicate mocha, cocoa and toasted nuances.

On the palate, Almaviva ‘EPU’ is juicy, supple and beautifully balanced, combining ripe fruit concentration with a smooth, polished texture. Layers of blackberry, cassis, plum and red berries form the core of the wine, while fine herbs, tobacco, liquorice and subtle spice add savoury complexity. The tannins are rounded, fine-grained and silky, providing enough structure without making the wine feel heavy. Fresh acidity brings energy and definition, creating a harmonious relationship between ripe fruit, elegant oak and the distinctive mineral character of Puente Alto. Compared with the estate’s Grand Vin, EPU is intentionally more approachable, offering generosity and finesse in its youth.

The finish is long, smooth and savoury, leaving lingering flavours of cassis, ripe berries, liquorice, tobacco, graphite and delicate spice. Its polished tannins and refreshing acidity give the wine excellent balance, while the fruit-driven character makes it particularly attractive to enjoy relatively young. At the same time, its structure and concentration allow well-stored vintages to develop additional layers of cedar, earth, tobacco and savoury complexity with bottle age. EPU provides a refined introduction to the Almaviva style while retaining the elegance and sense of place for which the estate is renowned.

Food Pairing: This versatile Bordeaux-style Chilean red pairs beautifully with grilled beef, steak, roast lamb, beef short ribs and slow-cooked meats. Its supple tannins also make it excellent with roasted poultry, herb-crusted meats, grilled vegetables and mushroom-based dishes. For a classic pairing, serve it alongside a juicy ribeye or tender lamb shoulder, while mature Cheddar, aged Gouda and other firm cheeses provide an excellent vegetarian-friendly accompaniment.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at approximately 16–18°C to bring out the wine’s fruit, herbal and savoury complexity. A young bottle benefits from around 30–45 minutes of breathing, allowing the cassis, blackberry, tobacco, cedar and spice notes to open gradually. Serve in a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass to highlight its polished texture, expressive aromatics and long, elegant finish.