Epu

About this wine

Almaviva's second wine, sourced from the same 79-hectare Puente Alto estate but from younger vines (around 12 years old on average) grown in a cooler section of the vineyard. Epu accounts for roughly a quarter of the estate's total production. Its name means 'two' in the indigenous Mapuche language, referring both to its status as the second wine and to the union of the Rothschild and Concha y Toro families behind Almaviva. First produced in the early 2000s in tiny volumes for the Chilean and Brazilian markets, Epu was only released internationally via La Place de Bordeaux starting with the 2019 vintage, once the estate felt it had developed its own distinct identity separate from its flagship sibling.

Sommelier's Note

"Epu proves that a 'second wine' from a great estate can have its own compelling personality — fresher and more immediately drinkable than Almaviva, but never a mere shadow of it."

Food Pairings

Suited to grilled or roasted red meats such as beef tenderloin and lamb chops, duck breast, and slow-braised dishes like short rib or lamb shank. Its softer tannins and fresher profile than the flagship also make it approachable with hearty stews and aged cheeses.

When to drink it

A special but slightly more casual dinner, gifting, or a first taste of the Almaviva terroir before trying the flagship wine.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Style

Red

Alcohol

14.5%

Price Range

$60-100 (reference conversion; varies by vintage and market)

Terroir & Winemaking

Blend varies by vintage but is typically Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant (roughly 80-84%) with Carmenere (12-13%), Merlot, and a small portion of Cabernet Franc. Grapes come from younger vines and cooler plots within the Puente Alto vineyard than those reserved for the flagship Almaviva, giving a fresher, more vertical, less tannic wine intended for earlier drinking. Vinified with the same technical team and gravity-flow winemaking philosophy as Almaviva.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Almaviva and Epu?

Epu is Almaviva's second wine, made from younger vines (around 12 years old) in cooler plots of the same Puente Alto estate. It is fresher, less tannic, and intended to be enjoyed earlier than the flagship Almaviva.

What does the name Epu mean?

Epu means 'two' in Mapuche, the language of Chile's indigenous people. It refers both to Epu being the second wine and to the union of the two founding families, Rothschild and Concha y Toro.

When was Epu first released internationally?

Although first produced in small volumes in the early 2000s for the Chilean and Brazilian markets, Epu was only released globally via La Place de Bordeaux starting with the 2019 vintage.

What grape varieties are used in Epu?

Epu is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend, typically around 80-84% Cabernet Sauvignon with Carmenere, Merlot, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, varying by vintage.

How should Epu be served?

Epu is best decanted for about an hour before serving and enjoyed at around 16-18°C, paired with grilled or braised red meats and aged cheeses.