Gravel-rooted and ungrafted — pure Carmenere from the ancient riverbed soils of Maipo.
The De Martino brothers have spent decades quietly assembling something rare: a collection of ungrafted vines in two of Chile's most historically significant wine regions. This Carmenere comes from the Isla de Maipo — a natural island formed where the Maipo River splits an...Show More >
Gravel-rooted and ungrafted — pure Carmenere from the ancient riverbed soils of Maipo.
The De Martino brothers have spent decades quietly assembling something rare: a collection of ungrafted vines in two of Chile's most historically significant wine regions. This Carmenere comes from the Isla de Maipo — a natural island formed where the Maipo River splits and rejoins — where deep gravel deposits left by the old riverbed create the ideal terroir for Bordeaux varieties to thrive without irrigation or intervention.
Vines averaging 25–30 years old are farmed sustainably and harvested by hand. Fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeast in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aging for approximately 8 months in a combination of older French oak and concrete vats. No makeup. No shortcuts. Just the place.
In the glass, expect ripe red and blue fruit — plum, blackberry, dried cherry — layered with warm spice, cocoa, and a whisper of graphite from the gravel soils. The palate is generous but structured, with a freshness that keeps everything in balance. This is Carmenere as it was always meant to be: varietal, terroir-driven, and deeply Chilean.
Winery: De Martino Ungrafted | Grape: 100% Carmenere | Vintage: 2024 | Region: Maipo Valley, Chile | Size: 750ml
Vineyard: Santa Inés, Isla de Maipo — east/west orientation, deep gravel soils over old Maipo riverbed
Viticulture: Sustainable farming, hand harvest, ungrafted vines (avg. 25–30 years)
Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation in stainless steel
Aging: ~8 months in older French oak barrels and concrete vats
