Casa Marin is a notable boutique winery in Chile, located in the subregion of Lo Abarca within San Antonio. Established by María Luz Marín, who was the first female winery founder in Chile, the winery is unique as it is the only vineyard owner in Lo Abarca, thus creating its own distinctive Denomination of Origin (DO). Nowadays, the winery’s operations are managed by her two sons and daughter-in-law, Felipe Marin and Jamie Verbaak.
Lo Abarca is characterized as one of the coolest wine regions in Chile, with approximately 950 Growing Degree Days (GDDs). Temperatures rarely exceed 26°C; in contrast, Santiago can be about 15°C warmer in the summer. Despite its cool climate, the winery has faced challenges, particularly with droughts and early seasonal frosts since 2010.
María Luz Marín’s journey into winemaking began at San Pedro, where she recognized the gender barriers female winemakers faced. Driven by her dream of establishing a winery in her hometown, she defied advice against starting a business in such a cold region and purchased the property in 1998. After enduring a two-year wait for permission to change land use, she took action and planted the vineyards in 2000. Her determination not only brought her vision to life but also created jobs for people in a local village of around 500 residents.
Today, Casa Marin’s vineyard spans 57 hectares, with 98% of it located on hillsides. The vineyard faces various challenges, including low yields of 2-6 tonnes per hectare for Sauvignon Blanc and 2.5-4.5 tonnes per hectare for Pinot Noir, which is more susceptible to frost due to early budding. The soil composition also varies, featuring marine deposits at lower elevations and granite and red clay at higher elevations.
The winery produces a range of wines that reflect the unique terroir of Lo Abarca. Recent releases include:
- Casa Marin Viñedos Lo Abarca No 5 Pet Nat 2024: A wild-fermented Syrah with no added sulfites, bright pale red in color, boasting juicy tart cherry and plum fruit flavors with a hint of pepper.
- Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc Cipresses Vineyard 2024: Known for its vibrant grassy lime fruit and a strong mineral character, this wine features remarkable acidity and a flavorful finish. Rated 94/100.
- Casa Marin Miramar Vineyard Riesling 2024: A pure and fine wine with crystalline citrus notes, showcasing beautiful harmony. Rated 95/100.
- Casa Marin Pinot Noir Litoral Vineyard 2023: Concentrated yet refreshing, with vivid raspberry and cherry fruit. Rated 94/100.
Casa Marin demonstrates how a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in challenging conditions can create distinct wines that celebrate the Chilean terroir in this cool climate.
More information can be found at Casa Marin’s official website.