Region and Vineyards
The San Antonio Valley, a relatively young wine region in Chile, is renowned for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which creates an exceptional cool-climate terroir. The Litoral Vineyard, situated just 4 kilometers from the sea, benefits from loam and sandy soils that retain moisture and impart a distinctive minerality to the wines.
This region experiences mild temperatures averaging 15 °C with a maximum summer heat of 28 °C. The proximity to the ocean brings morning fogs and cooling breezes, helping the grapes develop slowly and evenly, preserving their acidity and aromatic intensity. The vines, 13 years old, are carefully managed, and no rain during the growing season ensures pristine fruit for harvest. Grapes for this vintage were handpicked during the first week of April under optimal conditions.
Winemaking
Casa Marin Pinot Noir Litoral Vineyard follows an artisanal winemaking process. The grapes are manually sorted to eliminate unwanted materials, and only destemming is performed to preserve the integrity of the berries. A cold maceration for three days precedes fermentation, which occurs spontaneously using natural yeasts at temperatures between 24–25 °C over a 10-day period.
Fermentation is enhanced with three manual punch downs per day to ensure balanced extraction. Before fermentation completes, the wine is transferred by gravity into French oak barrels. Aging continues for 12 months in old French oak, avoiding new oak to highlight the purity of the fruit and terroir. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurs during the aging process, rounding out the wine’s texture and enhancing its complexity.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Bright ruby red with clarity.
- Aroma: Bright cherry and red berry dominate, with hints of cool-climate cranberry and subtle smoky peat hearth.
- Palate: A vibrant acidity underpins flavors of cherry and red berry, supported by a firm structure and a long, persistent finish that carries the fruit through a lingering aftertaste.
Did You Know?
Casa Marin’s founder, Maria Luz Marin, is a trailblazer in Chilean winemaking. Despite skepticism, she planted vineyards in Lo Abarca, proving the potential of cool-climate viticulture just 5 kilometers from the ocean. The winery’s first Sauvignon Blanc was hailed by critics as one of the best white wines in South America, establishing Casa Marin as a global name.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Serrano or Parma ham: The wine’s acidity cuts through the fat, highlighting the cured meat’s savory notes.
- Slow-roasted lamb shoulder: The structure and persistence of the Pinot Noir complement the richness of the lamb.
- BBQ pork chops: Smoky flavors in the wine mirror the charred edges of the pork.
