De Martino
De Martino winery was started by the family in 1934 and they have been restlessly exploring Chile since then, with a portfolio that represents different valleys in Chile although the heart of production is in Isla de Maipo. The energetic third and fourth generation of the De Martino family run the show, and De Martino has been a leader in a fresher style of wines in Chile using less oak, more concrete and native yeast.
A visit to the winery is the best chance to get your hands on some of the more limited production wines. Some highlights include the Viejas Tinajas range from Itata with Cinsault and Muscat aged in old amphorae.
About De Martino
About the De Martino vineyards
De Martino works with vineyards around the country but the two main family estates are in Isla de Maipo in central Maipo and in Guarilihue in Itata, where they make most of their premium wines.
In Isla de Maipo, De Martino has a large vineyard with some of its key red varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. The climate is Mediterranean with some cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The soils are alluvial with a mix of clay and gravels. The family have recently planted Semillon in the vineyard, which is showing good potential for white wine.
The family vineyard in Itata has old vines of Muscat and Cinsault, and has a climate heavily influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean. On part of the coastal cordillera, the soils are typically granite with some quartz.
De Martino wines
SINGLE VINEYARD
The Single Vineyard wines are De Martino’s ultimate expressions of certain vineyards around Chile. This line up of premium wines are made from grapes from select parcels, often as a single variety. Within this line, there is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo, Carmenère from Maipo, Chardonnay from Malleco and Semillon from Maipo.
OLD VINES
These are wines from old, dry-farmed vineyards on the coast of Itata. The Old Vines series includes four red wines – Las Cruces, Limárida, Las Olvidadas and Vigno – which are some of the most exemplary showcases of old vines in Chile.
ITATA SERIES
The Itata Series includes a portfolio of wines made from Itata, which includes the Gallardia and Viejas Tinajas brand. Gallardia are fresher, everyday wines, while Viejas Tinajas are ageworthy orange and red wines made in ancient Chilean amphorae (tinajas).
DE MARTINO SERIES
This is the flagship line of De Martino and are wines that come from the regions they consider most appropriate for each grape variety, and includes the Estate, 347 and Legado ranges. Within this line, there is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
About the winemaker
Nicolas Perez is the winemaker at De Martino, working closely with Marco De Martino in the cellar.
Nicolas took over from long-standing winemaker Marcelo Retamal in 2021, and has experience in different wineries of Chile as well as experience in the US.
Marco De Martino is also involved in the winemaking and direction of De Martino’s wines and is currently studying to become a Master of Wine.
Visiting De Martino
De Martino is open for visits and tastings Monday through Saturday in the mornings, and Monday through Friday in the afternoons. There is also a wine shop on site where you can get some of the limited release wines.
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Prizes and Awards
94 pts. Robert Parker | Las Cruces 2019
93+ pts. Robert Parker | Las Olvidadas 2019 red blend
94 pts. VINOUS | Viejas Tinajas Tinto 2021
94 pts. VINOUS | Las Olvidadas 2020
93 pts. VINOUS | Gallardía Cinsault 2021
93 pts. VINOUS | Gallardía Old Vine White 2021
93 pts. VINOUS | La Blanca Semillón 2020