This past week I had a chance to try 3 wines currently in the BC market from the De Martino winery, and one wine which is yet to be released. The De Martino winery hails from Chile, originally located in the Maipo Valley, but has vineyards across Chile.
About the De Martino Winery
In 1998 they embarked on a project to convert their vineyards to be 100% organic and are now the second largest producer of organic wines in Chile. In addition, in 2007, they were audited by The Carbon Reduction Institute in order to measure all of their carbon emissions and undertook steps to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2009 they achieved two milestones: they launched the first carbon-neutral wine in Latin America Nuevo Mundo and Viña De Martino became the first carbon-neutral winery in Latin America. Congratulations!
My Tasting Notes
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De Martino Legado Limari Valley Reserva Chardonnay De Martino Nuevo Mundo Organico Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($14.99). – Very aromatic with lime and herbal scents. Light body, dry with medium acidity. Tropical fruit, citrus and flowers on the palate. Mouth watering finish. A great price point for an organic wine.
- De Martino Nuevo Mundo Organico Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere Reserve ($15.99). – Deep ruby in colour. Medium body, soft mouth feel and soft tannins. Ripe cassis and juicy purple fruit with an edge of oak, red cherry and bitter peach pit. Soft finish. Also easy to drink organic wine at a great price.
- De Martino Legado Limari Valley Reserva Chardonnay ($16.99). – The Limari Valley was specifically picked for Chardonnay as the valley has limestone soil which is preferred by Chardonnay. Limestone soil is also found in Burgundy, which is the home of the Chardonnay grape. This wine has light tropical fruit with a hint of smokiness or flint on the nose. Medium body, round with a nice acidic prickle on the tongue. Stone fruit, in particular pear, along with tropical fruit flavours. Mouth watering finish. An elegant wine. My favourite of all 4 wines tasted.
- De Martino Legado Choapa Valley Syrah 2012 (sample – not yet in market). – This syrah is newly bottled so it was not yet expressive on the nose. It does have medium body, dry, with light cinnamon and tasty blueberry and cherry flavours. Medium fine tannins with sour cherries and light oak on the finish. I look forward to trying this wine again once it has settled in the bottle.
