De Martino Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Maipo Valley, particularly the Isla de Maipo sub-region, is renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Carmenere. The Alto de Piedras vineyard, planted in 1992, lies on an alluvial terrace rich in gravel with just the right amount of clay, ensuring excellent drainage and balanced vine growth.

The Mediterranean climate of the region, with its cool breezes and dry autumns, allows for gradual ripening, enhancing the depth and complexity of the grapes. The 2018 vintage benefited from optimal weather conditions, making it one of the finest in the past decade.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested on April 17, 2018, ensuring careful selection at peak ripeness. After 100% destemming, the wine underwent a wild fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the natural character of the fruit. A 10-day post-fermentative maceration followed, extracting fine tannins and additional complexity.

Malolactic fermentation was completed in the tank, and the wine was matured in 2,500-liter foudres for an extended period of 24 months. This gentle aging approach allowed the wine to develop a harmonious balance between its fruit, tannins, and acidity while maintaining its vibrant freshness.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet red with a vibrant hue.
• Aroma: Rich and layered, featuring notes of blackberries, plums, spices, and tobacco, with a subtle graphite minerality.
• Palate: Fine, silky tannins provide a broad and elegant texture. Ripe black fruit flavors are balanced by fresh acidity, leading to a long, complex finish. This wine’s structure suggests excellent aging potential for the next 20 years.

Did You Know?

The Alto de Piedras vineyard is part of the same terroir where the first Chilean Carmenere was produced, reflecting a deep connection to the history of this iconic varietal in Chile.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-roasted beef with rosemary and garlic: The wine’s herbal and tobacco notes enhance the savory richness of the beef.
• Wild mushroom risotto: Its earthy flavors and vibrant acidity pair beautifully with the umami of the mushrooms.
• Grilled lamb chops with mint sauce: The wine’s structure complements the richness of the lamb, while its acidity balances the freshness of the mint.
• Aged Gouda or Manchego: The creamy texture and nutty flavors of aged cheese harmonize with the wine’s tannins and fruit intensity.

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.