De Martino Single Vineyard La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

De Martino Single Vineyard La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

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De Martino
Single Vineyard La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Chile
  • Region : Maipo
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

De Martino La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant and structured expression of Isla de Maipo, offering a balance of ripe cherry fruit, herbal undertones, and finely polished tannins. Its name, "La Cancha," honors the vineyard’s past as a soccer field before it was planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Isla de Maipo sub-region of the renowned Maipo Valley, the vineyard is set on alluvial terraces with soils rich in gravel and sandy deposits, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. These free-draining soils promote balanced vine growth, resulting in concentrated and complex fruit.

The climate of Isla de Maipo is Mediterranean, influenced by cool Pacific breezes, which temper the warm daytime temperatures. This diurnal temperature variation preserves the grapes’ acidity and enhances their aromatic complexity, creating wines with a perfect blend of ripeness and freshness.

Winemaking

The grapes for La Cancha are hand-harvested, destemmed, and undergo a five-day cold soak to enhance aromatic extraction and structure. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel with native yeasts, maintaining the authenticity of the fruit.

Following fermentation, the wine remains on its skins for 17 days, ensuring deep color and flavor extraction. Malolactic fermentation is completed in tank over 60 days, after which the wine is aged for a total of 19 months: 5 months in French barrels and an additional 14 months in large wooden foudres. This aging approach balances the wine’s structure and elegance, emphasizing purity over oak influence.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
  • Aroma: Aromas of ripe cherries, peppery spices, and subtle herbal notes, complemented by hints of tree bark and dried leaves.
  • Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a core of juicy cherry fruit and polished, creamy tannins. The wine’s bright acidity brings freshness, while the finish is long, seamless, and subtly spicy.

Did You Know?

The vineyard’s name, La Cancha, translates to "The Field" and reflects its history as a soccer field before being planted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999. This historical nod adds a unique charm to a wine deeply connected to its terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce: The wine’s herbal and spicy notes enhance the flavors of the sauce, while its structure matches the richness of the beef.
  • Roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic: The earthy and herbal qualities of the wine harmonize beautifully with the savory flavors of lamb.
  • Mushroom and thyme risotto: The wine’s acidity and polished tannins balance the richness and umami of the dish.
  • Dark chocolate with sea salt: The wine’s subtle spice and ripe fruit flavors complement the bitterness and sweetness of dark chocolate.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2018)
The textbook 2018 Single Vineyard La Cancha is a serious Cabernet Sauvignon that matured in a 5,000-liter foudre and two barriques for 15 months. It's fresh, nuanced and complex and comes from a massal selection, which seems to provide depth and complexity. 6,828 bottles were filled in October 2019.

De Martino Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2018
De Martino Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2018
De Martino
Single Vineyard Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2018
RP
94
JS
94
Crafted with precision and aged in large foudres for 24 months, this wine combines silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a structure capable of evolving gracefully over the next two decades.
27,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
De Martino Vigno Old Vines Carignan 2021
De Martino Vigno Old Vines Carignan 2021
De Martino
Vigno Old Vines Carignan 2021
RP
96
VN
93
JS
91
De Martino Vigno Old Vines Carignan is a bold and expressive wine, highlighting the rich heritage of dry-farmed, old-vine Carignan from Chile’s Maule Valley, with a touch of Malbec and Cinsault for added complexity.
43,90 €
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De Martino Legado Chardonnay 2023
De Martino Legado Chardonnay 2023
De Martino
Legado Chardonnay 2023
RP
90
De Martino Legado Chardonnay captures the essence of the Limarí Valley with its vibrant citrus, saline notes, and a creamy texture, perfectly showcasing the influence of the region’s calcareous soils.
18,90 €
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De Martino Legado Carmenere 2022
De Martino Legado Carmenere 2022
De Martino
Legado Carmenere 2022
RP
90
VN
92
De Martino Legado Reserva Carmenere is an elegant and vibrant expression of Chile’s flagship varietal, offering intense aromas of blueberries, plums, and black pepper, balanced by a medium body, ripe tannins, and fresh acidity.
18,90 €
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De Martino Legado Pinot Noir 2020
De Martino Legado Pinot Noir 2020
De Martino
Legado Pinot Noir 2020
RP
92
This Pinot Noir highlights crisp acidity, fine chalky tannins, and a long, lingering finish, showcasing the dedication of De Martino to crafting terroir-driven wines.
18,90 €
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De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault 2021
De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault 2021
De Martino
Viejas Tinajas Cinsault 2021
RP
92
RP
94
W&S
95
De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault is a unique and vibrant expression of Chile’s Itata Valley, crafted entirely from Cinsault grapes and honoring the country’s ancient winemaking traditions. This wine is notable for its bright red fruit, floral aromatics, and an earthy minerality that captures the essence of the Guarilihue terroir.
29,90 €
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De Martino Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021
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Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021
RP
94
De Martino Las Olvidadas is a vibrant and complex field blend of País (80%) and the rare San Francisco (20%), showcasing the unique heritage of Itata Valley, Chile. This wine is light-bodied yet deeply structured, offering a blend of red fruit, floral, and herbal notes.
44,50 €
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