De Martino Legado Chardonnay 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Limarí Valley, located in the Coquimbo Region of northern Chile, is renowned for its cool coastal climate and calcareous soils, which lend a distinct mineral character to its wines.

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the Santa Rita vineyard, situated at an elevation of 237 meters above sea level. This site is characterized by its clay and limestone-rich soils, which are ideal for growing Chardonnay. The vineyard’s northwest to east-southeast orientation ensures optimal sunlight exposure, allowing the grapes to develop concentrated flavors while maintaining their natural acidity. The 2023 growing season, marked by a cool spring and summer, resulted in grapes of remarkable freshness and balance, harvested by hand in February 2023.

Winemaking

The vinification process for Legado Chardonnay 2023 focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit. The grapes underwent whole-cluster pressing in a pneumatic press, followed by 16 hours of decantation to remove heavy lees. Fermentation occurred with ambient yeasts at a controlled temperature of 22-25°C, ensuring a slow and steady process to enhance complexity.

The wine was aged for 10 months in a combination of large oak casks (foudres) and used French oak barrels, which contributed to its creamy texture without overwhelming the fruit with excessive oak flavors. Bottling took place on April 16, 2024, ensuring the wine retained its vibrant and fresh character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of citrus fruits like lemon and lime, complemented by hints of saline minerality, brioche, and a touch of creaminess.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a creamy, well-rounded texture. Flavors of citrus zest, green apple, and subtle lactic notes are balanced by a lingering saline finish, characteristic of wines grown in calcareous soils.

Did You Know?

The Limarí Valley is one of the few regions in Chile where the limestone-rich soils play a dominant role in shaping the wines. This unique terroir, combined with the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, makes it one of the best areas for producing world-class Chardonnay.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Oysters with lemon vinaigrette: The wine’s saline and citrus notes enhance the brininess and freshness of the oysters.
• Grilled sea bass with herb butter: Its creamy texture and acidity complement the richness of the fish.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan: The wine’s bright acidity balances the richness of the risotto while enhancing the green, vegetal flavors.
• Goat cheese tart: Its minerality and citrus flavors cut through the richness of the cheese and pastry.

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.