De Martino Vigno Old Vines Carignan 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Maule Valley, one of Chile’s most traditional wine regions, is the source of the grapes for this wine. The vineyard is located on a 4.5-hectare plot, planted in 1955, featuring dry-farmed vines on original rootstock. The soils are deep and composed of clay and granite, which retain moisture well, ensuring that the vines thrive despite the lack of irrigation.

The Mediterranean climate, tempered by cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean, provides optimal conditions for slow, even ripening. This results in grapes with exceptional concentration, freshness, and complexity. The vineyard’s old vines, tended with care, produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit, forming the backbone of this remarkable wine.

Winemaking

The 2021 vintage reflects meticulous craftsmanship, starting with a harvest on March 11th. The grapes were gently destemmed and underwent a seven-day cold maceration, followed by a spontaneous fermentation lasting 21 days, with extended skin contact to extract maximum color and flavor.

The wine was aged for 8 months in old barrels and an additional 11 months in oak casks, striking a balance between texture and preserving the purity of the fruit. This aging regimen, combined with minimal intervention, highlights the authentic character of the Carignan and its supporting varietals, 15% Malbec and Cinsault.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with a slight garnet rim.
• Aroma: Aromas of red and black fruits, including blackberries and cherries, complemented by notes of dried leaves, tobacco, and a touch of earthy spice.
• Palate: Full-bodied and intense, with a vibrant acidity that balances the rich fruit. The wine’s tense texture and fine tannins lead to a long, mineral-driven finish, reflecting its granite-rich soils.

Did You Know?

Vigno is part of a collaborative initiative in Chile, focusing on wines made with Carignan from old vines, farmed sustainably and using traditional techniques. This initiative celebrates the history and uniqueness of the Maule Valley, preserving its viticultural legacy for future generations.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised short ribs: The wine’s bold fruit and structured tannins complement the richness and depth of the meat.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary: The herbal notes of the lamb echo the wine’s earthy and tobacco nuances.
• Wild mushroom ragout: The wine’s acidity and minerality balance the umami richness of the dish.
• Aged Gouda or Manchego: The wine’s complexity and fine tannins pair well with the nutty and caramelized flavors of aged cheeses.

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.