SOUTH AMERICA

De Martino are a third-generation family-owned company specializing in the expression of Chile’s myriad terroir. In winemaker Marcelo Retamal, they have a unique asset: he is one of the foremost experts on the country’s varied soils and climates. To date he has done trial vinifications from 347 vineyard plots spanning the whole length of Chile to find the best locations for each grape variety. De Martino are also, with 300 hectares, one of the country’s most significant owners of organic vineyards.

De Martino Estate Sauvignon 2010, Curico Valley,  Chile      £6.99

Sauvignon grape 13% alc. screw-cap

The fruit comes from De Martino’s family estate in Isla de Maipo. The vineyards have recently been certified organic, having been farmed according to organic principles for the last ten years.

Before fermentation, a maceration was carried out at 8°C for eight to twelve hours. The fermentation was carried out at 10.5-14°C , and no oak was used.

This Sauvignon has intense fruit, particularly pineapple, white peaches and citrus, and a crisp, fresh, elegant palate. The wine is extremely well- balanced with a long, fruity finish.

De Martino Estate Chardonnay 2010, Limari, Chile                £7.89

Chardonnay grape 13.5% alc. screw-cap.

De  Martino were won of the pioneering wineries in the Limari region 400 km north of Santiago. A rare and significant amount of calcium carbonate or limestone in the soil  confers a minerality to the wine. Clean, dry with neat inner flavours and a balanced acidity.