De Martino Legado Carmenere 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Maipo Valley, and specifically the Isla de Maipo subregion, is home to the Santa Inés vineyard, where the grapes for this wine are grown. This vineyard is located at an elevation of 343 meters above sea level, and its 27-year-old vines benefit from the unique combination of gravel soils under sandy loam and a Mediterranean climate moderated by cool Pacific Ocean breezes.

The vineyard’s west-to-east orientation optimizes sun exposure, allowing the Carmenere grapes to develop rich, ripe fruit flavors while retaining a balanced acidity. The 2022 growing season featured a cool spring and early summer, followed by warmer, dry conditions later in the season, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality and intensity.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested on April 6th, 2022, ensuring optimal ripeness. The winemaking process began with 100% destemming and a five-day cold soak, enhancing the extraction of vibrant fruit aromas and flavors. Fermentation occurred at 24-26°C with ambient yeasts, preserving the wine’s authentic character.

Following fermentation, a five-day maceration added structure and depth. The wine was then transferred to stainless steel tanks for settling before aging. 70% of the wine was aged in used French oak barrels, and 30% in large oak casks (foudres), for a period of 10 months. This combination of aging vessels allowed the wine to integrate its fruit intensity with a gentle oak influence, maintaining its vibrant and fresh profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with brilliant highlights.
• Aroma: Intense and inviting, with notes of blueberries, plums, and a touch of black pepper, complemented by subtle hints of sweet spice.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a soft, rounded texture. Flavors of ripe black fruit are balanced by a vibrant acidity, while the fine, ripe tannins add a velvety structure. The finish is smooth and refreshing, with lingering fruit and spice notes.

Did You Know?

De Martino was the first winery in Chile to label a wine as Carmenere in 1996, establishing a legacy of innovation and excellence with this iconic varietal. Their commitment to sustainability and respect for traditional winemaking methods has made them a leader in showcasing Chile’s rich winemaking heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops with mint sauce: The wine’s ripe fruit and peppery notes complement the savory richness of lamb and the freshness of mint.
• Roasted pork loin with plum chutney: Its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward palate enhance the sweetness and depth of the chutney.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy and spicy tones of the wine harmonize beautifully with the umami flavors of the dish.
• Aged Manchego cheese: The wine’s structure and fruit intensity pair well with the nutty, salty flavors of the cheese.

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.