Ungrafted, Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2023

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Maipo Valley, Chile

The De Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The winery is now run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian. Like the generations before them, they have been focused on producing wines that reflect their origin and the character of each vineyard, based on solid principles of sustainable farming and traditional winemaking methods. The brothers have a very strong attachment to their vineyards in two areas, the Isla de Maipo (Maipo Valley) and Guarilihue (Itata Valley). In both these places, they have successfully cobbled together over time a beautiful array of old ungrafted vines.

Sustainable farming practices including horse ploughing. The names of the horses are "China" and "Rusio". No machinery is used in this vineyard and the vineyard work is all done manually. Grapes are sorted and destemmed, then fermented in stainless steel. The wine is moved to neutral barrels to rest for a few months before going into 5,000L foudres for aging 12 months.

It displays a red fruit profile with pure cassis and black tea aromas, almost floral and notably complex. The palate is dry and slender, with concentrated flavor that lingers on the finish. It is very straightforward and expressive at 13% alcohol.