After 10 years as an independent wine critic, James Suckling recently announced three one-off awards for the greatest contributions to the wine industry over the last decade.
Almaviva Puente Alto 2017 was named “Wine of the Decade” for its huge influence in building the reputation of Chilean wine around the world.
The announcement was made in Miami during the Great Wines of the World USA dinner at the Moore Building amongst 250 guests including renowned personalities from the wine industry.
“It gives me enormous pleasure to recognize Almaviva 2017 with our highest honor,” said Suckling. “Over the last 10 years, we tasted more than 100,000 wines, and this wine distinguished itself with its great structure and fantastic aging potential, as well as its iconic position for Chilean wines. It’s the second ‘perfect’ (100-point) wine from this excellent winery, after the great 2015 Almaviva.”
James Suckling describes Almaviva 2017: “The aromas of blackberry leaves and iodine are wild and exotic here with mussel shells and earth underneath.
Full-bodied, tight and chewy with powerful tannins that show muscle. It’s structured and powerful. Dense and very, very deep.”
According to Manuel Louzada, CEO of Viña Almaviva S.A. “We feel extremely honored to receive such an important award from Mr. James Suckling, one of the most respected and prestigious wine critics. I believe this is also a unique recognition to the overall extraordinary work that has been done at Almaviva for over 20 years and, particularly, to the exceptional work of our Winemaker, Michel Friou, understanding in detail our unique terroir and making spectacular wines.”
In 1997 a joint venture was established between Baroness Philippine de Rothschild (1933 – 2014), Chair of the Supervisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild S.A., and Mr. Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle (1920 – 1998), Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A.. Their partnership was based on the vision to create a world class Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage was produced in 1996 and launched in 1998, to international acclaim.
Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, which predominates, Carménère and Cabernet Franc, to which Merlot and Petit Verdot were subsequently added – Almaviva is the best of both worlds. Chile offers its soil, climate and vines, while France contributes its winemaking know-how and traditions. The result is a wine of exceptional power, complexity and ageing potential. Its launch marked a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile and on the international market.
