De Martino Las Olvidadas Old Vine Series 2021

Introduction

This red wine originates from Chile, specifically from the historic Guarilihue sector of the Itata Valley. Founded in 1934 by Pietro De Martino, the family run winery is now managed by its fourth generation and has become a pioneering force for low intervention and sustainable winemaking in South America. The Las Olvidadas (meaning 'the forgotten ones') is part of their Old Vine Series, which pays tribute to ancestral viticulture by sourcing fruit from small, remote, dry farmed vineyards that have stood for over a century.

Wine Description

De Martino Las Olvidadas Old Vine Series 2021 presents a medium ruby colour with delicate clarity. The nose is perfumed and wild, offering an alluring bouquet of red berries, wild herbs, and dried florals with an intriguing 'sauvage' character and hints of graphite. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and intensely fruity, featuring vibrant acidity and textured tannins that provide a rugged, granitic structure. It is characterized by its tension and grip, leading to a long, deep, and layered finish. This rare field blend consists of 80% País and 20% San Francisco (a nearly forgotten variety), sourced from vines planted as far back as 1905. The wine was fermented with native yeasts and 100% whole clusters before aging for 14 months in neutral oak barrels. The ABV is 13%, and while the winery is a sustainability leader, this specific bottling is not certified organic. The optimal drinking window is from now through 2031.

Accolades

• Robert Parker - 94 points.

• Vinous - 94 points.

• James Suckling - 91 points.

Food Pairing

The rustic charm and vibrant lift of this old vine blend make it an excellent partner for earthy and savory dishes. It pairs perfectly with wild mushroom empanadas, grilled pork tenderloin with rosemary and pink peppercorns, or charred eggplant with tahini and pomegranate. Its acidity also cuts beautifully through the richness of a roasted beet and goat cheese salad.

Vintage Quality

The 2021 vintage in Chile is regarded as exceptional, characterized by a cool summer with no significant heat spikes, which allowed for a slow and steady ripening process. These conditions resulted in wines of superior tannin quality, great aromatic concentration, and a fresh, elegant profile. The winemaker’s decision to use 100% whole clusters for the first time in this vintage highlights their skill in capturing the precision and purity offered by this cooler year.