De Martino Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021

Region and Vineyards

Las Olvidadas originates from the Santa Cruz vineyard in Guarilihue, a historic sector of the Itata Valley, located 22 km from the Pacific Ocean and 500 km south of Santiago. The region's undulating hills and mountainous terrain are rich in old dry-farmed bush vines, many dating back 100 to over 300 years.

The soils are weathered granite, poor in nutrients and well-draining, which encourages low yields and high concentration. The climate is cool Mediterranean with coastal influence, marked by generous winter rains and dry summers, producing grapes of fine acidity and moderate alcohol. The vines are densely planted at 5,100 plants/ha, and cultivation is manual and traditional, without irrigation.

Winemaking

This co-planted vineyard features 80% País and 20% San Francisco, a nearly forgotten red variety. Grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed using a traditional zaranda, a wooden sieve-like tool used locally to separate berries from stems. Some stem inclusion is retained in the ferment.

Fermentation takes place in open bins with no added sulfites, using only native yeasts. The cap is managed through gentle foot treading (pisoneos) rather than mechanical punchdowns. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in used barrels, without fining, filtering, or any chemical intervention. Bottling is done manually, in small lots—just 3,456 bottles and 50 magnums were produced in this vintage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium ruby with delicate clarity.
• Aroma: Perfumed nose of red berries, wild herbs, and floral notes, with subtle earthy undertones.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with juicy red fruit, textured tannins, and vibrant acidity. The granite soils give tension and grip, leading to a long, layered finish.

Did you know?

The wine's name, "Las Olvidadas", means "the forgotten ones", referring both to the ancestral grape varieties and the centuries-old winemaking traditions of southern Chile. De Martino's revival of these old-vine field blends represents a broader movement to preserve the country's viticultural heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled pork tenderloin with rosemary and pink peppercorns - The wine's red fruit and herbal lift complement the seasoning and tender meat.
• Roasted beet and goat cheese salad - Earthy-sweet beet tones echo the wine's rustic character, while acidity cuts through the richness.
• Wild mushroom empanadas - Umami depth and pastry richness pair well with the wine's granitic structure and vibrant lift.
• Charred eggplant with tahini and pomegranate - The wine's freshness and floral notes complement the smoky and tangy components.

History of De Martino

Founded in 1934 by Italian immigrant Pietro De Martino Pascualone, the winery remains a family-run operation, now managed by the fourth generation of the De Martino family. Over the decades, De Martino has grown from a small Maipo Valley vineyard to a pioneering force in Chilean winemaking.

In the 1990s, De Martino became the first winery in Chile to label a wine as Carmenere, reintroducing this forgotten varietal to the global wine community. Since then, they have focused on exploring and revitalizing historic vineyards across Chile, ranging from the Itata Valley in the south to Limarí in the north.

Their philosophy emphasizes low-intervention winemaking and sustainability. The use of large foudres, natural fermentation, and native yeasts ensures that their wines reflect the purity of their terroirs.

Region and Vineyards

De Martino is based in Isla de Maipo, part of the renowned Maipo Valley, often referred to as the "Bordeaux of South America" for its excellence in producing structured reds, particularly Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Beyond Maipo, De Martino sources grapes from 15 distinct vineyard sites spread across Chile’s diverse terroirs, including:

• Itata Valley: Home to century-old bush vines of Cinsault and Muscat, offering bright, fresh wines.
• Limarí Valley: Known for its limestone soils, producing mineral-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Maule Valley: The heart of dry-farmed Carignan and historic varietals, including their acclaimed Vigno.

De Martino’s vineyards are cultivated with sustainable practices, focusing on dry farming, organic methods, and minimal intervention to respect the natural environment.

Wine Range of De Martino

De Martino offers a diverse portfolio of wines, each emphasizing the unique characteristics of their vineyards:

• Single Vineyard Wines: Iconic wines like La Cancha (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Alto de Piedras (Carmenere) that highlight individual terroirs.
• Old Vine Heritage Series: Wines like Viejas Tinajas (Cinsault) and Vigno (Carignan) that honor Chile’s historic, dry-farmed vineyards.
• Legado Reserva: A range of expressive and elegant varietal wines, including Carmenere, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
• Estate Collection: Everyday wines that showcase De Martino’s dedication to quality and value.
• Special Projects: Unique bottlings, such as limited-edition amphora-aged wines, exploring ancient winemaking techniques.

Did You Know?

De Martino was the first winery in Latin America to become carbon neutral, a reflection of their deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Their use of amphorae, one of the oldest winemaking methods, ties them to Chile’s ancient traditions while pushing boundaries in modern winemaking.