De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Itata Valley, located in southern Chile, is one of the country’s oldest wine regions, with vineyards dating back to the 16th century. The grapes for this wine come from the village of Guarilihue, situated 22 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean and characterized by a cool maritime climate.

The vineyard, planted in 1982, is composed of gobelet-trained vines, a traditional technique suited to dry-farmed conditions. The soils are predominantly granite-based, providing excellent drainage and lending the wine its unique minerality. These conditions, combined with the coastal influence, result in grapes with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors, ideal for crafting expressive and terroir-driven wines.

Winemaking

This wine is a tribute to the winemaking traditions of the Itata Valley, employing centennial tinajas (amphorae), which have been used in the region since the mid-16th century. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed, and the whole berries are placed into amphorae, where they undergo a semi-carbonic spontaneous fermentation. This method preserves the bright fruit flavors and delicate aromatics of the Cinsault grape.

After fermentation, the wine is left to mature in amphorae through the winter. The free-run and press wines are blended, and the wine completes malolactic fermentation during the spring before being bottled. This minimal-intervention approach enhances the wine’s purity and connection to its historic roots.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with medium intensity.
• Aroma: High-toned and perfumed, with notes of red berries, citrus peel, and violets, complemented by smoky granite undertones.
• Palate: Light-bodied with a lean structure and a core of intense red fruit. Fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity provide balance, while the granite-derived minerality adds depth and complexity. The finish is long and lingering, with a touch of savory earthiness.

Did You Know?

The use of amphorae for fermentation and aging in this wine reflects a technique that dates back to the earliest winemaking in Chile, starting in 1551. These traditional vessels, made of terracotta, allow gentle oxygenation, enhancing the wine’s purity and preserving its vibrant fruit character.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Charcuterie boards with cured meats and hard cheeses: The wine’s acidity and fruit-forward profile cut through the richness of the meats and complement the savory notes of the cheese.
• Grilled lamb chops with herbs: The minerality and fine tannins balance the earthy flavors of lamb and fresh herbs.
• Vegetable ratatouille: Its bright red fruit and floral notes harmonize with the dish’s sweet and savory Mediterranean flavors.
• Seared tuna with citrus glaze: The citrus peel aromatics and crisp acidity pair beautifully with the delicate richness of tuna.

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.