De Martino Single Vineyard La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

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.