De Martino Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Itata Valley is one of Chile’s oldest wine regions, renowned for its dry-farmed vineyards and historic varietals. The De Martino Las Olvidadas comes from very old vines, planted between 100 and 300 years ago, in the Guarilihue sub-region.

The soils here are a mix of granite and sandy loam, providing excellent drainage and imparting a unique minerality to the wine. This region’s Mediterranean climate features warm days and cool nights, preserving the natural acidity and enhancing the aromatic complexity of the grapes. Dry farming ensures that the vines dig deep into the soil, creating wines of exceptional intensity and character.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Las Olvidadas 2019 honors traditional methods passed down through generations in the Itata Valley. The grapes are separated from their stems using a zaranda, a wooden and cane tool typical of the region.

Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in open bins, incorporating some stems to enhance structure and aromatic complexity. The wine undergoes periodic punchdowns to extract flavors gently, avoiding over-extraction. Uniquely, no sulfites are added during the vinification, aging, or bottling processes, allowing the wine to express its natural purity.

Aging takes place in used French oak barrels for 12 months, preserving freshness while imparting subtle complexity. This minimal-intervention approach results in a wine with a vibrant personality and a sense of place.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Ruby red with medium intensity.
• Aroma: Perfumed and enticing, with aromas of red berries, dried herbs, and delicate floral notes.
• Palate: Medium-bodied, with flavors of fresh red fruit, a touch of earthiness, and textured tannins that provide grip and tension. The wine’s bright acidity enhances its freshness, leading to a long, deep finish.

Did You Know?

De Martino is celebrated for its pioneering work in Chilean wine. They were the first to identify and export a varietal Carmenere and are known for their commitment to low-intervention winemaking. Their focus on terroir-driven wines includes over 350 vineyard trials across Chile’s diverse regions.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Wild boar or venison: The wine’s herbal and fruity profile complements the richness of game meats.
• Wood-fired pizzas with mushrooms and herbs: The fresh acidity and earthy tones pair beautifully with these flavors.
• Pasta with tomato-based sauces: Its vibrant red fruit and lively structure balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Aged cheeses: The wine’s texture and complexity enhance the richness of mature cheeses.

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.