Casa Marin Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Region and Vineyards

The San Antonio Valley, located just 4 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its maritime climate, which brings cool breezes and moderate temperatures. This wine is crafted from the highest blocks of Casa Marin’s vineyard, where the vines enjoy direct exposure to the ocean. This results in warmer night temperatures, protecting the grapes from frost and ensuring slow, even ripening.

The soil in this vineyard consists of loam, a mix of clay, sand, and limestone, which enhances the wine’s minerality and structure. Yields are naturally low, at 5–6 tons per hectare, allowing for concentrated fruit with exceptional aromatic intensity.

Winemaking

Casa Marin Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc is a precise and elegant wine, blending 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Sauvignon Gris. The grapes were hand-harvested in the first week of April, carefully selected to remove any green material, and then destemmed and pressed.

Unlike traditional methods, this wine did not undergo cold maceration. The two varietals were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks to preserve their freshness and distinct characteristics. The blend was then crafted before bottling, with no acidity correction applied, showcasing the wine’s natural vibrancy.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and tropical fruits, with a subtle saline note.
• Palate: Crisp and refreshing, with flavors of passionfruit, green apple, and a hint of minerality. A lively acidity leads to a clean, saline finish.

Did You Know?

The Cartagena range is Casa Marin’s best-selling line, celebrated for its exceptional quality-to-price ratio. Every wine in this collection has earned over 90 points from top critics like Robert Parker and James Suckling.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Oysters with mignonette sauce: The wine’s saline notes and vibrant acidity complement the briny freshness of the oysters.
• Ceviche with lime and cilantro: Its citrus-driven profile mirrors the zesty flavors of the dish while cutting through its richness.
• Goat cheese tart with caramelized onions: The wine’s acidity balances the creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the onions.
• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest: Its bright flavors enhance the earthy and citrusy elements of this vegetarian 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?