Almaule is a new term being labeled on Chilean wines these days. What does it mean and what type of wine should you expect when you buy one?
Almaule Label
“Almaule” is the combination of the word “Alma” (soul in Spanish) and the wine region “Maule.” It is a relatively new label, similar to “Vigno” for Chilean Carignan from Maule, that indicates a collaboration between participating wineries to preserve and regulate old-vine Pais in Maule. It requires that the wine be at least 90% dry-farmed Pais from old vines in Maule while maintaining its typically light, fresh and rustic style at around 12.5% alcohol.
Pais was historically Chile’s first dominant red grape and has survived in the countryside, sometimes growing wild, even after French varieties started to dominate. I’ve even had Pais wine made from vines planted in 1551. In the countryside, it’s still used in field blends to make traditional wines like Chicha, Pipeño, Chacolí and Asoleado (click on the links to read more about the history of each).
However, the Alamule label might help to rebrand Pais for the broader Chilean and international market who may not be as familiar with Pais. Average Chileans in the city are more likely to open a Cabernet or Carmenere while Pais is rarely found in the supermarket. For some, it’s still associated with poor rural Chileans despite Pais’ connection to traditional wines mentioned in all the folk songs they dance to during Fiestas Patrias (their national holiday coming up in 2 weeks). Abroad, it’s mostly sold through natural wine dealers.
Although I’ve tasted many Chilean Pais wines, I decided to pick up an “Almaule” labeled Pais to taste for this post.
Tasting Notes
2022 Gillmore Almaule Pais
This particular Almaule by Gilmore is super transparent and light in color with a rather shy nose which expresses more or less the same notes on the palate, which is actually quite explosive on the attack with ripe cherry fruits, medium acid and light body with an easy feel. There’s also a touch of herbal notes, and it tastes like native yeasts. There’s a touch of bitterness on the back-end though. It’s rustic, but not as rustic and rough around the edges as other Pais or Pipeno. It’s clean, without any funkiness. Only stainless steel was used while Pipeno is traditionally aged in really old Rauli wood vessels. I’ll have to try out other Almaule wines to see if their style is similar, maintaining the easy-drinking fruity nature of most Pais without the overly natural-wine funky rusticity you sometimes get. This is small production, but can be purchased in Chile for only $7. 89