Casa Marin Cartagena Pinot Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Cartagena range comes from the Lo Abarca village in the San Antonio Valley, located just 4 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean. This coastal influence creates a microclimate with mild temperatures averaging 14 °C during the growing season and an annual rainfall of 200 millimeters, concentrated in winter.

The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine are grown in clay-rich soils, which contribute to its bright fruit flavors and lively structure. The vines are carefully managed to enhance the balance between ripeness and acidity, capturing the essence of the vineyard’s maritime location.

Winemaking

The grapes for Cartagena Pinot Noir were hand-harvested during the last week of March, earlier than other Pinot Noir wines produced by Casa Marin. After sorting by hand to remove any subpar fruit, 25% of the grapes underwent whole-cluster carbonic maceration, while the remaining 75% were destemmed and transferred directly to the fermenter without pressing.

The initial fermentation occurred using natural yeasts at 18–24 °C, followed by the addition of commercial yeasts to complete the process. Daily pump-overs ensured gentle extraction of flavors and tannins. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks, maintaining its fresh and youthful character with no oak influence. Importantly, no clarification or acid correction was applied, preserving the wine’s natural expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red.
• Aroma: Aromas of red cherry, strawberry, and subtle floral notes, with hints of fresh herbs.
• Palate: Lively and fresh, with juicy red fruit flavors, bright acidity, and a clean, vibrant finish.

Did You Know?

The Cartagena range is Casa Marin’s best-selling line, celebrated for its outstanding price-to-quality ratio. Every wine in this collection has received over 90 points from critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling, solidifying its reputation worldwide.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled salmon with dill and lemon: The wine’s acidity and fruit-forward profile complement the rich, buttery salmon.
• Margarita pizza: Its vibrant red fruit flavors harmonize with the tomato and fresh basil, making it a perfect pairing.
• Duck confit with cherry glaze: The bright cherry notes echo the glaze’s sweetness and balance the richness of the duck.
• Roasted beet and goat cheese salad: Its lively acidity and herbaceous hints enhance the earthy and creamy components of the dish.

History of Casa Marin

Casa Marin was founded in 2000 by Maria Luz Marin, a trailblazer in Chile’s wine industry. Against significant skepticism, she established vineyards in Lo Abarca, just 5 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, a location previously dismissed as unsuitable for winemaking. Her determination to produce world-class wines in this coastal region was rewarded when the winery’s first Sauvignon Blanc vintage was praised by Robert Parker as the best white wine made in South America.

Maria Luz Marin’s career is filled with notable achievements and firsts, reflecting her bold vision and commitment to excellence. Today, Casa Marin is celebrated not only for its wines but also for demonstrating that Chilean wines can compete with the world’s best.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Lo Abarca village of the San Antonio Valley, Casa Marin’s vineyards enjoy a cool coastal climate that is ideal for crafting fresh, aromatic wines. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides cooling breezes and morning fogs, ensuring a slow ripening process that enhances the wines' complexity and balance.

The estate covers 46 hectares, with 80% planted on hills, including steep slopes. The vineyard is divided into 63 blocks, each reflecting distinct variations in soil, sun exposure, temperature, and wind influence. This meticulous approach allows the winery to highlight the unique characteristics of each block in its wines.

Casa Marin is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, using only environmentally friendly products and methods. Innovations include renewable energy via wind turbines, using vine shoots as fertilizer, and employing recycled materials like geoglass.

Wine Range of Casa Marin

Casa Marin offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the estate's unique terroir and cool-climate precision:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Iconic wines like Cipreses Vineyard, known for their minerality and saline freshness.
• Pinot Noir: Elegantly structured wines like Litoral Vineyard, showcasing red fruit and coastal complexity.
• Sauvignon Gris: Rare and aromatic, with a full-bodied profile from the Estero Vineyard.
• Riesling: Expressive wines from the Miramar Vineyard, with vibrant acidity and aging potential.

Did You Know?