De Martino Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2022

Region and Vineyards

Alto de Piedras comes from Isla de Maipo in the Maipo Valley, a historic zone south-west of Santiago that is known for producing more measured, finely contoured reds than some of the warmer inland sectors. In this central part of Maipo, conditions are generally moderate, helping grapes retain freshness and shaping wines with softer tannins and more nuanced fruit expression. De Martino's own work in Isla de Maipo has been central to the estate's move toward more understated, terroir-driven reds.

The vineyard itself was planted in 1992 at a density of 4,166 vines per hectare. It is an alluvial site, and the wine takes its name from the notably stony terrace on which the vines grow. Those gravelly, well-drained soils help explain the wine's mineral edge, while the warm, dry Mediterranean conditions of Maipo allow Carménère to ripen fully without losing its signature savoury character. De Martino has long regarded Alto de Piedras as a benchmark site, and wine literature specifically notes the estate's single-vineyard bottling from this Isla de Maipo parcel.

Winemaking

This wine is made from 100% Carménère grown in the Alto de Piedras vineyard. De Martino's 2022 bottling is described by trade sources as hand-harvested and wild fermented, in keeping with the producer's long-standing preference for traditional fermentations and a minimal-intervention approach aimed at preserving purity and site expression.

For élevage, the 2022 was matured with an emphasis on larger, seasoned oak rather than overt barrel imprint. Merchant technical material indicates a short period in used barrels followed by 17 months in large foudre, while another source specifies 2,500-litre oak foudres. That approach fits De Martino's broader philosophy of avoiding excessive new oak, allowing the grape's floral, herbal and mineral dimensions to remain at the forefront. The result is a style that feels composed and textural rather than heavy, with oak acting as a frame rather than a flavour.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby to purple, with a dark, glossy core that immediately signals concentration without excess heaviness.
• Aroma: Expressive and savoury, with ripe blackberries and dark berries layered over smoked pepper, paprika, wild herbs, dried flowers, tobacco leaf and a distinct graphite-like minerality.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and composed, showing juicy berry fruit, silky tannins and fresh acidity. The texture is supple yet tensile, with saline lift, peppery spice and a long, linear finish that stays bright and mineral.

Did you know?

A lovely piece of Chilean wine history sits behind this bottle: De Martino is widely associated with the early modern revival of Carménère in Chile, and trade material for Alto de Piedras notes that this vineyard lies within the same terroir where the first Chilean Carménère was produced. More broadly, Carménère itself was long mistaken for Merlot in Chile until its formal identification in the 1990s, after which the country became the grape's modern stronghold.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Rosemary-roasted lamb shoulder: The wine's dark fruit, pepper and graphite notes echo the lamb's savoury depth, while its freshness keeps the pairing lively.
• Duck breast with black cherry jus: The supple texture and juicy berry core complement duck beautifully, and the herbal edge adds welcome complexity.
• Wild mushroom risotto: Earthy mushrooms draw out the wine's savoury, stony side, and the silky tannins are gentle enough not to overpower the dish. This pairing is an informed stylistic match based on the wine's flavour profile.
• Chargrilled bavette with chimichurri: Carménère's natural affinity for herbs and spice makes it a superb partner for grilled beef and green, aromatic sauces. This is also a stylistic pairing inference.

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.