28/01/2019 – De Martino, Gallardia Cinsault 2017

(2019) I visited De Martino in 2010, yet the visit is still fresh in my mind as that was to their base in the extraordinary landscape of the northerly Elqui Valley, on the edge of the Atacama desert. This comes from the other Chilean extreme however, from the Itata Valley, a relatively new cool-climate region way down in the south. Intriguingly, Daily Drinker's owner Caspar Bowes suggests bushfires around the vineyards are responsible for the smoky notes in the wine: despite having never seen oak, there is definitely a charry quality. There's also a stemmy, wood bark sense of dryness on the nose, red berry fruit in the mix too. On the palate it is a crisp and fresh style of red, perhaps appealing most to the Beaujolais or Pinot-lover, but beneath that hint of burning embers there is juicy red fruit and plenty - plenty - of interest. Daily Drinker Club members buy with 10% off the stated price. Watch the video for more information.