The Wine

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Carménère, crafted to unite the precision of Old World winemaking with the vibrant character of Maipo Valley fruit.

Climate

The 2022 growing season in Pirque was one of the best in recent years. Winter and spring were generally cool with lower levels of precipitation compared to past seasons, prompting the vines to produce loosely packed clusters. Budbreak occurred right on schedule at the end of spring, while flowering took place mid-December, with relatively cool conditions during both phenological phases. Veraison began mid-January under lower-than-average temperatures. March brought cooler weather and ideal day-to-night temperature swings, allowing the grapes to gradually ripen while preserving fresh, dark fruit aromas. These conditions produced excellent fruit with outstanding intensity and expression. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested mid-April, with Carménère parcels following at the end of the month.

Vineyards

Haras de Pirque sits in the easternmost Maipo Andes, at the foothills of central Chile’s mountain range. The climate — shaped by the Andes and the Pacific’s proximity — brings hot, dry summers moderated by ocean breezes and cool nights, creating the pronounced diurnal swings ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère. The estate spans 110 hectares (272 acres), with 90 hectares (222 acres) planted to red varieties, at elevations of 650–750 meters (2,133–2,460 feet) on the lower slopes south of the Maipo River — clay-rich soils below, rockier ground above.

Winemaking

Freshly harvested Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère were brought to the cellar and fermented separately. Cold maceration was carried out for five days, followed by traditional fermentation in French oak vats for 20–25 days to enhance natural concentration and quality. The two varieties were blended in December 2022, and Albis was aged in French oak barriques for 18 months before bottling.

History

Albis is an elegant and captivating blend whose name celebrates the dawn of a new day in viticulture — representing the unification of two hemispheres, the Old and New Worlds, with the shared aim of crafting a great wine in the heart of the Maipo Valley. The wine traces its roots to the partnership between Marchese Piero Antinori, Honorary President of Marchesi Antinori, and the Matte family, former owners of Haras de Pirque — a collaboration that began with Albis itself and deepened over time, with Marchesi Antinori assuming vineyard and winemaking operations in 2014 and completing full acquisition of the estate in 2017.

Tasting Notes

Albis 2022 is dark ruby red in color. The nose delivers lively notes of spice — especially pepper and tobacco — accompanied by fresh mint and dark fruit, with undertones of graphite, coffee, and woodsmoke. The palate is full-bodied and supple, with refined elegance; silky tannins impart outstanding persistence and concentration. Hints of licorice, pleasant freshness, and mineral notes lead to a long finish.